It is no secret that the Marvel movie Shang-Chi, which follows an Asian superhero and consists predominantly of Mandarin dialogue, is influenced by Chinese culture and traditions. From the traditional Chinese meals to the mythological dragons, Shang-Chi is bursting with Chinese influence. Following my previous analysis and review of Shang-Chi’s language, guardian lions, and traditional Chinese holiday Day of the Dead, this analysis will dive deeper into the significance of other notable references to Chinese culture.
- Martial Arts
Throughout the entirety of the movie, martial arts is a major driving force of the plot. Every scene of the movie progressed with martial arts as the focal point. In addition to the gorgeous scenery, each fight scene is masterfully crafted, directed, and choreographed, featuring variations of Chinese Kung-Fu (功夫 gōngfū) including Shaolin, Wing Chun, and Tai Chi. These Kung-Fu fight scenes not only contribute to the elegant and gracious cinematic feel of the film, but also portray the technicalities of martial arts. For instance, in flashback scenes, Shang-Chi is seen training by utilizing various weapons in combat and practicing 气功 (qìgōng), which are breathing and meditation techniques that enable an individual to nurture and balance their inner, vital energy, known in Chinese as 气 (qì).
- Chinese Mythology
Especially when Shang-Chi enters the mystical forest and village that is Ta Lo, many mythological creatures can be distinguished, from nine-tailed foxes to mighty dragons. The nine-tailed fox, known in Chinese as 九尾狐 (jiǔ wěi hú), symbolizes a mischievous shapeshifting spirit, which traditionally either represents a good omen or bad omen depending on the specific tale. In addition to the nine-tailed fox, the dragon is a major mythological figure which appears in Ta Lo. In Chinese tradition, dragons are seen as a symbol of fortune, power, and wisdom. Additionally, interestingly enough, many western dragons are associated with the ability to breathe fire, but in Chinese mythology, dragons often control the waters, just like the one represented in the film.
- Traditional Chinese Meals
When Shang-Chi visits his friend’s home for breakfast, many traditional Chinese dishes are served on the dining table including rice porridge, also known as 粥 (zhōu). Rice porridge is a traditional breakfast dish, and is commonly served with the complementary 油条 (yóutiáo), a fried strip of airy dough, which may be dipped into the porridge as a delicious combination!
Sources:
https://screenrant.com/shang-chi-martial-arts-styles/
https://www.skratch.world/post/shang-chi-how-chinese-culture-inspired-the-film
这个文章对我跟感兴趣。我喜欢你的第一个文章。这个文章比你的第一写好。
这个信息是很好的。我以前看到这个电影是一点好。但是又很好的中国的中国文化的信息。
这部电影非常好。 它展示了很多中国文化。 我最喜欢的电影之一。
这个文章很有意思！我觉得这个电影很好看。我喜欢看这个电影。
我很喜欢看电影。我也喜欢看功夫。谢谢你写这个！！
我还没有看这个电影但是听说很好看。我读好这个我就想去看这电影。
我很喜欢吃油条！ 这个文章特别好的！
I really enjoyed ShangChi and also learning more in depth of the Chinese culture portrayed in the movie!
这个文章和有意思。我很想看这个电影。我觉得这个电影很好看。
这个文章很有意思！我觉得这个电影很好。谢谢你！
这个文章是很好的！我没看Shang-Chi所以我很想看这个电影。我也很喜欢油条。油条很好吃！
这个文章非常有趣！我已经看了 Shang-Chi，我觉得是一个非常好看的电影。我在 Shang-Chi 也看到功夫，九尾狐，和油条。谢谢你！