Movie lovers marvel at blockbuster, despite limited distribution

Stephanie Chadwick

By GRACE GOODA

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the year’s largest-grossing film despite being a theatrical-only release amidst COVID-19, according to Forbes.

Box Office Mojo reported that the 25th movie addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) franchise had passed $400 million in the global box office.

Although it was partly filmed in Australia, many in the country have found themselves in no position to access the movie, due to ongoing lockdowns and restrictions.

The movie’s limited distribution has received mixed opinions from fans when comparing it to the other Marvel releases earlier this year, such as Black Widow (2021), which they could access on Disney+ from the initial release.

Melbourne-based Marvel fan and film aficionado Tahlia Dawson said she opted to attend Black Widow’s theatrical release despite having access to streaming.

“I like going to the movies because of the experience,” Ms Dawson said.

“I would prefer to go to the movies even though it was released on streaming as well.”

Movie fan Tahlia Dawson’s wait for the newest instalment to the MCU has been impacted by Melbourne’s lockdown. PHOTO: Supplied

However, Ms Dawson said the ongoing inaccessibility to the theatres has changed her perception of the Shang-Chi release.

“I probably would have watched it by now, I feel like lockdown has a really big effect on viewing and I would not have bothered to wait,” she said.

Fans who have access to the cinemas overseas report that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings presents a significant shift in the culture of the Marvel franchise.

Malaysian film podcaster Muhammad ‘Momo’ Bahari said he had high expectations for the movie as an avid MCU fan.

“I loved it, it was a bold new direction from Marvel,” Mr Bahari said.

“It was really refreshing and I can’t wait to see what it means for the future of the MCU.”

Marvel delivers on its expected action-packed and carefully choreographed fight scenes. PHOTO: GeekTyrant

Lead actor Simu Liu, who portrayed Shang Chi, described the film and its production as a significant mark in history, calling it a breakthrough moment for Asian representation in the MCU.

Mr Bahari said he was pleased with the way Shang-Chi brought aspects of Asian cinematics to a new audience.

“This film steps outside the normal box and really goes into the Hong Kong and Chinese cinema…you can see homages to Jackie Chan and they really delved into the fantasy aspects,” he said.

Long-time Marvel fan Muhammad Momo Bahari says he's impressed by the new direction the franchise has taken. PHOTO: Supplied

For fans still impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, the wait for Shang-Chi’s story is almost over, with Victorian cinemas set to open on Friday October 29, according to the roadmap.