By Tessa Cherian and Priya Persaud
Entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" is making its debut with the release of its first official teaser. The two-minute trailer is garnering global attention by offering fans a brief glimpse into the plot line with suspenseful music and highly anticipated characters.
“Watching the 'Shang-Chi' trailer really restored my faith in the future as we are finally giving Asian Americans a chance to represent their stories and culture...”
“By shedding light on Asian cultures, more people can learn more about the complex and beautiful nature of Asian cultures. Oftentimes, we observe xenophobia and many hate crimes being committed against the Asian community, so I think that it is applaudable for Marvel to be releasing a movie that represents the true greatness of Asian cultures," said junior Nicholas Singh.
Source by Jada Seto
Simu Liu wears exclusive "Shang-Chi" merchandise to celebrate the release of the new trailer.
Having been viewed over 18 million times on YouTube, the trailer has many fans eager to see the second film of Marvel’s highly anticipated Phase Four plan. Sharing hopes of its overall impact throughout the cinematic industry, movie-goers are excited to venture along this new MCU journey.
“I think that this movie has huge potential. Being Chinese American myself, I haven’t seen much of my own culture represented in American cinema, so seeing this makes me excited to see where Marvel takes this concept,” said sophomore Paul Wang.
Adapted from the well-known comic, the character Shang-Chi is a master of several martial arts, including the nunchaku and Jian fighting styles. In the movie, he confronts and deciphers his mysterious past. Through this journey, Shang-Chi becomes entangled in the secretive Ten Rings organization. Fans and newcomers to this franchise are excited to not only see the rejuvenated storyline but also watch Asian Americans come to the spotlight in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“This movie encourages Asian representation and will be able to reach so many people all over the world...”
“I think this movie, with no doubt, encourages Asian representation and is beneficial because of the amount of interest placed within such a prestigious and well-known film-making company like Marvel. It will be able to reach so many people, all over the world,” said sophomore Rachel Houng.
Simu Liu, the actor who plays Shang-Chi, has made strides for many in the AAPI community, bringing to light issues with representation in media. Alongside him, many other notable figures have been cast, including Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, and Tony Leung. The vivid portrayals of different aspects of Asian cultures will be displayed throughout the movie, and many fans are excited to see the outcome and overall impact that this will have on increasing representation for Asian Americans.
“This is one big step in the right direction. For so long, certain races and ethnicities have been hidden from the film industry. Watching the 'Shang-Chi' trailer really restored my faith in the future as we are finally giving Asian Americans a chance to represent their stories and culture. Marvel should really give themselves a pat on the back,” said junior Sneha George.
“Being Chinese American myself, I haven’t seen much of my own culture represented in American cinema, so seeing this makes me excited to see where Marvel takes this concept...”
The release of the "Shang-Chi" trailer has taken the world by storm, as new role models for Asian Americans will finally be represented not only on the big screens but also recognized by one of the greatest cinematic franchises. Both new and old Marvel fans believe that the movie is making an important change in the media. For many, Marvel’s latest creation is hope for a more progressive representation of Asian Americans and a sign of positive change in the film industry.