The Marvel Cinematic Universe's strongest women are the Shang-Chi and Legend of the Ten Rings Asian women. Despite the story's focus on Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), women are just as strong, if not more powerful fighters. To learn more about the film's best features, io9 spoke to Menger Zhang, a Shang-Chi star and director Destin Daniel Criston.
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We don't know where to start. Jiang Li, Shang-Chis' mother (played here by Fala Chen), was the first to defeat Xu Wenwu, (Tony Leung), in a fight. Although forbidden by her father Wenwu from practicing martial arts, Xialing ("Menger Zhang") trains herself mentally and physically to run her own underground fighting organization. She also kicks her brother Shang Chis ass when they first reunite. Jiang Nan (Michelle Yeoh), acts as our hero's teacher and demonstrates magical martial arts skills. Katy (played in the film by Awkwafina), discovers her archery abilities and shoots an Arrow through a demon's throat during a crucial moment.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton said that Shang-Chi was naturally surrounded by strong women as part of the film's production. It was a natural result of the main drama in the movie, Shang-Chi's conflictual relationship with his father. To have him surrounded and supported by women who aren't just supporting characters but who are also on their own journeys just felt right.
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The women of ShangChi are not only the strongest fighters but they also make a mockery of sexism. When Xialing talks about Wenwu and Katy (Awkwafina), he says "Just nod, don't talk, hell forget youe there", and tells Xialing that they train together as equals.
Cretton explained to io9 that Michelle Yeoh arrived in Sydney after having read the script. She didn't understand why she would not have a moment to share with Xialing. This empowered her to get out of the shadows. Once she had the idea, we wrote that scene. It became a major part of Xialings story. Cretton said that Michelle Yeoh had been reading the script and had come up with an alternative view. However, Xialing is also seeing moments in which she is following a similar path and tapping into a power that she didn't realize she had.
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Neben Michelle Yeoh, who brought her female empowerment scene to the table with her, Menger Zhang also transformed her role after she read a 2018 Teen Vogue article written by Rae Chen about how the trope that Asian women with colored hair are rebellious is problematic. Zhang explained to io9 that my character originally had red hair extensions. The film has been shot for more than a month. I was just reading an article by Teen Vogue. The article stated that Asian female characters in Hollywood movies always have a hint or color in their hair. Zhang said that she didn't want Xialing following that trend as she feels she is so unique. I spoke to Destin, our director. I asked them if they could let it go, and they were supportive and agreed.
Cretton shared with us his version of the exchange. [Menger] had written me an article about how Asian women characters in movies don't use their natural hair colors. He said that Asian characters were using color to portray rebellious or outsiders. She asked if it was too late to make changes and, to Marvel's credit, they did not blink an eye. From that point, we instantly changed her hair and went through the footage again. The VFX magic took everything out.
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It is evident that Shang-Chi does not represent the only Asian super hero with a future within the MCU by the end of the film. Wong (Benedict Wong), one of the classic post-credit stingers from the studio, invites Shang-chi (and Katy) to join him at a meeting with Bruce Banner and Captain Marvel (Mark Ruffalo). The other post-credit scene shows Xialing taking over the Ten Rings gang at the compound that used to be her father's. She has made the compound a place where women can fight alongside men.
Are they good or evil? We will only know when it is. Zhang answers a question about Xialing's future: She says that she hopes that she will continue to be strong, tough, and bring more surprises to the audience.
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Shang-Chi: The Legend of the Ten Rings has arrived in cinemas. It is not yet clear when Disney will stream it. Check out our interview with the director and our review here.
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