Episode 68: Shang-Chi & In The Mood for Love

Cinema in Context

Tony Leung films. Sarah Watt, Jeremy Downing and William Chen discuss Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) and In the Mood for Love (2000). We begin by discussing Tony Leung's work in Shang-Chi and how much charisma he brings to the film, which weaves into a critique of the villains in Marvel films. We talk about the special effects of the film and the final set piece, especially the quality of the Computer Generated Imagery and the over-the-top nature of the climax. We talk about the roles of Meng'er Zhang as Shang-Chi's sister Xialing, Michelle Yeoh, and Ben Kingsley. We then move to discussing In The Mood for Love and whether it is a funny film or not. We connect the films to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Hero (2002), and Brief Encounter (1945), especially how romance is explored through reserved storytelling. We discuss Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton's earlier film Short Term 12 (2008 & 2013) and Chloé Zhao's Eternals (2021). We then praise the work of leads Simu Liu and Awkafina, and connecting to their other work Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) and Kim's Convenience (2016-2021). We then further discuss Hero, especially the action work, colours and other stylistic and story elements, including Rashomon (1960), Jackie Brown (1997), The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989), Speed (1994), Skyfall (2012), Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) and A View to a Kill (1985).