Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings ending explained – CNET [CNET]

September 3, 2021 Thomas Giboney technology

Marvel Studios

Heading into the finale of the movie, Shang-Chi and Xialing have arrived at the mystical hidden village of Ta-Lo, where they’re greeted by Michelle Yeoh as their auntie Ying Nan. She fills in the backstory of the village, introduced in Thor comics in 1980 as a pocket dimension filled with mythical animals like the Dijiang (the faceless winged creature that actor Trevor Slattery dubs Morris), and what appear to be lion-like Xiezhi.

Their father Wenwu soon spoils the family reunion, however, using his water map to bring an army of Ten Rings assassins to the long-hidden idyll. Having sent Shang-Chi to an apparent watery grave, Wenwu seeks out what he thinks is the voice of his late wife. Punching the scary-looking gate releases a bunch of flying CG critters, which is the first sign maybe it isn’t his beloved Jiang Li whispering to him after all.

The first casualty of the flying beasties is Death Dealer, the silent assassin in Kabuki-esque makeup. That’s pretty disappointing, because the character never really lived up to his badass looks. But there’s no time to worry about it as the soul-sucking nasties are followed by a much bigger boss beastie, the Dweller-in-Darkness. Debuting in the comics in 1974 as an opponent of Marvel heroes including Thor and Dr. Strange, it was a Lovecraftian entity feeding on fear. In the film, every kill makes the Dweller stronger, although for some reason it only takes an arrow to the throat to disable the fearsome creature. Nice shot Katy!

Thankfully, Shang-Chi doesn’t drown, because a dragon appears to help him out. Shang-Chi’s mom occasionally mentioned the village’s magic is connected to a dragon and it turns out this isn’t a metaphor: the dragon is real, lives in the lake and happily flies around with Shang-Chi on its back. It isn’t really clear if Shang-Chi is controlling the dragon or just hanging on for dear life, but their partnership seems to be a symbol of Shang-Chi’s new-found connection to nature.

When he’s not flying dragons, the conflict in Shang-Chi’s soul is symbolised on screen by the different fighting styles the character’s use. Shang-Chi was trained as a brutal killer by his father Wenwu, whose bludgeoning fighting style symbolises an ego-driven lust for power. It’s notable that Wenwu tries to open the gate by violently punching it, for example.

But upon arriving in Ta-Lo, both Wenwu and Shang-Chi are introduced to a gentler, more defensive style by the women they meet, a style that seems closer to dancing. These elegant movements can harness the wind, connecting with the elements and generally being more in harmony with nature. The contrast is seen in Wenwu’s bludgeoning closed fist versus Jiang Li’s elegant open hand.

The tension between closed fist and open hand is a key part of tai chi and other martial arts, seen in the hold fist salute when you place your open palm over your fist as a greeting. In the film, there’s a lovely moment where Ying Nan gently opens Shang-Chi’s hand. This is deft piece of visual storytelling that doesn’t need to be over-explained in dialog.