Chris Evans’ fight sequences in Captain America: The Winter Soldier are often considered among the best in MCU solo movies. However, another film that arrived years after the Russo brothers’ movie presented tough competition. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings featured brilliantly choreographed fight scenes, which one fan described as similar to watching an anime.
Shang-Chi was released as the 25th film in the MCU. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film featured an ensemble Asian cast, including Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang, Fala Chen, Tony Leung, and Michelle Yeoh.
Fans Loved The Fight Choreography In Shang-Chi
The stunt choreography in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was handled by the late Brad Allan, Andy Cheng, and other members of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team. The stunt sequences in the film—the battle between his parents, the bus fight scenes, the fight on the scaffolding, and the final battle between Shang-Chi and his father Wenwu—all received immense praise from critics as well as stunt performers.
According to Marvel scooper, MyTimeToShineHello, the entire movie conveyed an anime-like vibe. The inclusion of elements such as dragons undeniably contributed to this anime-esque atmosphere. Another fan pointed out that, despite the lack of the typical Marvel weapons like guns, swords, hammers, or shields, Shang-Chi stood out with its fast-paced hand-to-hand combat scenes.
Fans also commented on the crucial involvement of Asia’s most recognizable star Tony Leung as Wenwu, considering him the standout element of the movie. Some also mentioned that Destin Daniel Cretton’s exit from Avengers: The Kang Dynasty was a huge loss, considering his outstanding direction in Shang-Chi. Others also defended the dragon fight scene, which they felt captured the essence of Chinese mythology. Some fan reactions read:
This whole movie felt like Anime and I liked it https://t.co/W98nBzvh7N
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) December 6, 2023
And the fights were more fast paced and hand-to-hand than just guns and swords and energy blasting and hammer/shield throwing
— Freemaker Things (@d4thbwthu) December 6, 2023
Can’t wait to see what Shang has learned to do with the 10 Rings!
— CyberSlayer (@cyber_slayer_69) December 6, 2023
Tony Leung was the best part of the movie. Hope he somehow can return in future MCU projects
— Ozy (@bookofthefates) December 6, 2023
This is why I was excited Destin was directing Kang Dynasty
— Day™️ (@InjeelJiday) December 6, 2023
Everybody complained because the final fight was giant monsters fighting, but I say no. Watching an accurately depicted Chinese dragon fighting a giant demon dragon was awesome and no one can convince me otherwise.
— PAsher (@pasher5620) December 6, 2023
Besides the stunt scenes, Shang-Chi was also praised for its representation of Asian culture, Leung’s performance as the complex villain, and the musical score.
Chris Evans’ Captain America vs. Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi – Who Has The Best Fight Scenes?
Chris Evans’ Captain America: The Winter Soldier earned critical praise for its action sequences. Russo brothers, who directed this film, used practical effects and intense stunt work in the film. The stunts helped to sustain the suspense throughout the entire film. Thomas Robinson Harper served as the stunt co-ordinator of the film alongside Andy Gill, Casey O’Neill, and Chris Carnell.
However, Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi takes the lead in terms of pure stunt choreography. They had fewer cuts compared to action sequences in other Marvel films. However, the entertainment value in the scenes was comparatively less than that of The Winter Soldier. The sequences in Shang-Chi also fell short in terms of visuals and tone.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and other MCU films are now available for streaming on Disney+.
