SHANG CHI: What's the Point? | HIDDEN MEANING Explained + MARVEL Movie Breakdown

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings introduces a new hero to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it also introduces complex themes about identity, balance, and western vs eastern culture. In this video we break down the meaning of the Mandarin, Trevor, Katy, Shang-Chi, and how all of the characters serve the greater theme of balance. Even the dragon fight.
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Written and Hosted by Ryan Arey ( / ryanarey )
Edited by Harriet Lengel-Enright
#ShangChi #WhatsThePoint

[@ScreenCrush]

What did you think of the movie?

[@brucelau2023]

ScreenCrush still one of the best solo MCU movies we’ve gotten in a while and Simu Liu absolutely killed it as Shang-Chi

[@kadecoleman4104]

Haven’t seen it

[@teovu5557]

You heard it hear Asian Americans- We all use English names to be accepted by "White people" rather then American culture in general. thanks Ryan for enlightening us.....

[@ayoolaakorede128]

Stop do mum jokes it not cool

[@DeathRex88]

I thought It was a really fun watch. Was also passively impressed a villains henchmen were actually competent enough to succeed. They both managed to swipe those necklaces during a fight and bring them back.

[@andieg8615]

I think Katy's is a little more than just "use your degree". Katy mentions that she knows her limits and she doesn't want to be disappointed when she tries something. Fear of failure and wanting perfection so she stays in a sort of limbo. Katy's small bit hit me hard haha.

[@ColorMeConfused29]

Exactly. I think now she has an even higher purpose, as she's at Shang-Chi's side as a hero as well. We assume she will learn ways to help in the fights they get into going forward. At least, I hope that's the plan for her. I want to see the character grow into a new hero, even if she's not comic canon.

[@jcnot9712]

I think they’re also critiquing American culture which values self-exploration over honing individuals into a single, lifelong skill. At one point she even remarks on how everyone “knows what they want and trains their whole lives at it” in the other dimension, sort of how we perceive eastern cultures to be from the outside looking in.

[@floresarts]

Yessss!

[@devinlu6404]

I wanna see Trevor slattery and Korg have a conversation. It would make me smile

[@enadegheeghaghe6369]

Add Luis from antman to that conversation and it would be a riot!

[@ethandowdle88]

@@enadegheeghaghe6369 And Deadpool pops up saying who are you guys again.

[@c187rocks]

6:31 The speaking ABC line was a dig. The term ABC means American Born Chinese and is sometimes used a derogatory slang, like how it was used in the movie. Also, it doesn't matter if she knew Mandarin since they were in Macau and it would have been more likely for them to speak Cantonese. (The film used Mandarin, btw.)

[@jorgesmith2000]

Exactly

[@alanjukic6743]

this is one of the reasons it's such a great movie.. while watching it, you realize everything fits, although you don't realize why. Everything is there for a reason and it ties in with a greater message of the movie, pure genius

[@mariohunt3152]

You promised a “your mom” joke and didn’t, I don’t know who you are any more

[@alexmoreschi5417]

This^

[@Zachfive]

I watched the video twice because I thought I missed it. What does life even mean anymore?

[@ArturoAlbero]

That promise was the your mom joke after all. He's getting smarter...

[@sunlikes25]

@@alexmoreschi5417 I don’t know whether he’s a Star Wars fan or not, cause I think he’s the toxic one.

[@jenkins5265]

"If you don't get a job, demons will come out of the portal and eat your soul" bahahaha. An Asian parent's dream message in every movie.

[@ShadowArtist]

Yin and Yang are co-relational, "contrasts", but they aren't "opposed", to say 'in opposition" suggests Yang and Yin are in conflict, when they aren't; they're necessary aspects of existence itself like Matter and Energy. The HUGE mistake Westerners make is applying absolutist pluralism, when Yang and Yin are *relativistic* , co-related, (more akin to dualism); intrinsic forces/aspects of the Nature and the Cosmos and reality

[@flaviomonteiro1414]

Well said friend...

[@alfchuah]

Wenwu doesn’t mean war as a last resort!!!!! It is 文武, meaning books and “kungfu”. In ancient China, 文 usually means bookish, intellectual, learned people vs 武 which means physically more endowed. This kind of name usually means that the parents want a child to be 文武双全，which means they want the child to be good in both.

[@stephenkeen5737]

Great explanation

[@AndrewMystx]

Basically his name means Balance.

[@Uouttooo]

Can I laugh at your "physically more endowed" explanation? People could easily get the wrong impression! 武 means more accurately that a person has learned and practiced martial arts/self defense skills. In all, it means a person is well educated, learned as well as capable of defending him/herself in a fight if pressed.

[@generalkenobi9782]

Perfectly balanced, as all things should be.

[@LotanLevant]

Hello there

[@mikecontreras5190]

Like your mom!

[@Thenamelessgod-cz9em]

Indeed

[@misterbennnn]

The advice given to Katie could also be read as "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

[@Denevive]

- Michael Scott

[@izzyxblades]

When Ronnie Chang said "I can speak ABC" he didn't mean ABC as in English. ABC means American Born Chinese. ABC is the common term that we use to lable those of us who are born here. It is basically akin to calling someone a white washed.

[@Dtctr010]

Whoa i never heard of that until now that flew over my head when i heard it

[@tonbopro]

he literally meant we speak English too，almost the same we are not savages line，；this is MACAU not US

[@sanketvaria9734]

@@tonbopro I think it was used as double meaning word. Like the theme of the movie. Balance!

[@kadyliang5646]

Shang Chi is not technically ABC, since he was clearly born somewhere in China (presumably where WenWu's compound is) and lived there more than half of his life. He only moves to America when he runs away. But he definitely "presents" ABC, which is why Ronnie Chang says what he says. I don't believe Katy "reads Chinese but doesn't speak it." That would be highly unlikely for an ABC. More likely she understands it (like when she's interacting with her family) but doesn't speak it well. A lot of Chinese words are homonyms, or sound a lot a like, so it can be hard even for ABCs to get the correct pronunciation because they can't associate the sounds to the written character. Also, Chinese dragons are often associated with "Yang" and their counter balance force is the phoenix, which is "Yin".

[@David-du2jk]

I knew that one actually!!!

[@HellfireClub242]

Loved the movie. The martial arts was awesome and seeing Asian representation in the MCU was fantastic to see.

[@whiskeystone6188]

"ABC" had a double meaning in that instance. "American Born Chinese."

[@c187rocks]

Also was totally a dig.

[@princessjello]

That scene gave me war flashbacks to getting needled by my aunties about my shit chinese :X

[@UltiMulti_Games]

0:17 I love this running joke so much

[@izzyxblades]

As a Chinese person, I agree with everything except for the duality of the soul. Yes that is the term for souls, but those two characters are not two separate things, at least in Cantonese culture.

[@Uns46]

Yea I haven’t heard of that either

[@Gruntyodoom]

Wow. I've been struggling with motivation on the job hunt, but that conclusion should really help with that now, thanks!

[@jeffreyschweitzer8289]

Really excellent analysis. These insights should be printed out and handed to the audience on the way in. Makes the movie much better

[@wisethirtyseven]

Laughed entirely too hard at the false ending joke. Well played SC, well played.

[@stephenkeen5737]

Absolutely

[@siegebug]

As a Taiwanese this video is very inaccurate. I really should be sleeping now so I’ll leave you with this. wen means writing and wu mean martial art(文武). His mean literally means he has the brain and the brawn.

[@ripsaber6546]

Yes, these KZbinrs (Screen Crush, Screen Rant, New Rockstars) have been very inaccurate in their analyses of this film in general.

[@JimvicDy]

Thought of this as well. Writing and warrior seems the closer meaning representing culture and the military in one...

[@benjaminfletcher6632]

Thank you. He really should have gotten a special guest or something. Ryan is cool but this a monetized video. I don't think its cool to get paid for cutural appropriation. There were bound to be inaccuracies.

[@patrickvelasquez2333]

Make a video then, I want to see what you have to say.

[@teovu5557]

There is a saying in Chinese called " Pen and Sword". Means you are both Smart/Educated but equally as much a fighter/warrior.

[@brucelau2023]

Still tho the whole ☯️ meaning does really say a lot and how the big battle part in Ta Lo has so much , the balance between his father Wenwu & Leiko Wu is very powerful and very significant definitely

[@russrichardson991]

I always love your videos. Your conclusions and the analyses behind them save me weeks of figuring them out by myself 🤔

[@WyzgalBert]

I love this series of breakdowns! Well done!

[@Devillionaire]

Goddamn I love this movie. It’s so good on so many levels. Can’t wait to see more Shang-Chi in the MCU!

[@Tr1pleOseveN]

Wow u really did your research, I’m very impressed and proud, good job...😁👍🏼

[@IDadGoodAlot]

Omg, the cut to the ending at 0:22 was HILARIOUS! Love that you promised to throw in a “your mom” joke to keep is watching. Had to pause to write this, gotta get back to the vid.

[@quaywood3397]

Xialing's quick assent to power was probably aided by Clint Burton's years as Ronin. Easy for an "unknown" 16 year old to carve out an underworld empire if Clint was busy killing of known entities. Her dad was probably greasing some wheels in the shadows to keep her safe and alive.

[@user-kv6ki9ge2z]

Dude good on you! Great breakdown!

[@thelostpawn]

GD, Ryan!!!! No other channel makes such great connections!!!!

[@stephenkeen5737]

Your final summary card was an absolute crack up. Well done

[@wchiggenbobber]

As an asian-american-- its weird to watch these videos made by non-asians talking about the asian-american experience. Its something thats largely ignored in media so all the content now is just shocking lol

[@adamgordon625]

eastern culture has been slowly working its way into western culture. I've been so excited for this movie just for this reason to see it in this big huge movie. I hope this inspires more interest in the west.

[@adamgordon625]

i actually stayed a hotel not long ago that had the tao te ching in the nightstand, not a bible. it was a great surprise.

[@adamgordon625]

@Dichang Feng your totally right, i wonder if the next episode will touch on this on this.

[@adamgordon625]

we did get the clip of his sister assuming control of the fathers organization, so i will bet money this is going to come up.

[@adamgordon625]

wow, there is so much eastern thought that they can go with here and make some really great movies with here for the west to see and hopefully relate to.

[@altacus]

Thank you for making this video.

[@DominickRuocco]

When the Doug ending popped up the beginning of the video I was like WTF. They had me for a second. 😂

[@jorgecarbajal8076]

3:45 The dragon is specifically called the Great Protector. 5:33-5:40 This scene always cracks me up. 9:34 Not the lesson I was expecting, but it’s a nice surprise.

[@CrazeCracker79]

Well, I have to say, that was a very insightful and educational take on tye in depth makings of a cinematic film. Honestly, I love the trivial insights of things like this. I like the "meanings" to things in life. Even the most mundane things can have many layers building up to what it's purpose or existence was suited for. Thank you for explaining these to the parts making this storys' purpose.

[@michaelchevillot4557]

Cool insight!!!

[@grossnapkin]

This is why I love this channel 🥺

[@mitchcoleman4595]

Damn that was lit. Shang chi Is a good movie. Quick in some parts, but overall really good. Your ending has left me ROFL

[@SirDaniel89]

I had that Uncle Iroh line in my headin the theatre, thank you for that!

[@argish]

I love when you use Avatar clips. I love that show, and those clips remind me of everything I learnt from that show. Thank You.

[@timrush9779]

the last line sums it up

[@lendrickbegay8532]

I love how you are answering questions nobody asked! I watch them lol

[@pikeyMcBarkin]

Great video

[@Realms3113]

FANTASTIC movie. One of the MCUs finest.

[@donicioanddeegan5900]

great video

[@SomeSmexyBeast]

Awesome video

[@IndistreeHolla]

I like your Whats The Point series.

[@jasonprowse8760]

In kung fu schools the kung fu bow of open palm and closed fist represent the learning of martial arts. The fist represents combat and fighting, the open palm represents reading and learning - Together means the reading and learning of martial arts. Outside martial arts it can mean other things.

[@jaiyadav5557]

You really got me by rolling the outro lol 😂

[@Flomas98]

3:27 thats Guildhall Southampton, I skateboard here every week. This was weird seeing it in a screencrush video

[@NinPossible]

Man, this makes me want to watch this again.

[@krcmaine]

I don't require a "your mom" joke, but there is always a twinge of sadness when none are present.

[@bobbiecash8654]

Omg 😂 totally got me at 0:26 lmao

[@ripsaber6546]

In the comics, the Xian (inhabitants of Ta-Lo) derived superhuman powers from properly balancing the positive and negative "chi" energy within their physical forms. Earth Mother Gaea was known as "Yin" to the Xian and the Demiurge embodied the concept of "Yang."

[@henrytoloza8623]

When he took the rings for the first time it was like a music concert everyone else also enjoyed it

[@kalmwind]

Anyone got a theory on why there are perfect circles in the mountains of the village?

[@Uns46]

ALIENS 👽

[@APersonsChannel]

Another thing to point out is that in the Chinese-American community, the term “ABC” means “American Born Chinese”. When Jon Jon says “I can speak ABC” to Shang-Chi and Katy in Macau, it’s a joke with two meanings; “I can speak English” as well as “I can speak American Born Chinese”.

[@danielyamamoto3379]

The son is more like the mom because when the mom collected the rings they glowed gold.

[@buddhidev7877]

In the Yin there is the Yang, and in the Yang there is the Yin.

[@MarsNis]

The movie was brilliant! Might be a hot take, but I think it's the best Superhero movie so far this year.

[@brucelau2023]

Well until Spider-Man NWH correct ?

[@MarsNis]

@@brucelau2023 Yeah haha, it's why I said "So far.." :)

[@yashsharma1408]

It's the best origin movie so far in my opinion

[@Grizzy6122]

I don't think it's really a hot take, but I still agree

[@machetesportsfilms3014]

Absolutely agree

[@CarltonYoung]

Great explanation of the Chinese culture, much appreciated

[@GdnationNY]

Imagine being a valet and watching this movie. That hurts!

[@chadcognac5626]

Nailed it. I very much enjoyed the film.

[@spydey2k]

9:33 - Gotta tell that to the kids

[@futurist1399]

Can't wait for episode "What If Shang-chi saved her mother by using the ten rings in the drawer and became a villain just like his father and fights iron man"

[@PhatGirlLuvr68Comix]

The lesson is: Don't get your soul sucked.

[@urbanspaceman4903]

3:48 nice one disney

[@lentostinato]

I'm pretty sure the reason there's a dragon dance during the Chinese new year is to scare off the demons rather than bringing good luck.

[@fangz5058]

FYI, "I can speak ABC" is actually for "American born Chinese". There are similar acronyms for BBC (British born Chinese) and CBC (Canadian born Chinese) and so on.

[@MatanVil]

The amount of Avatar references are going to the point of asking for a video

[@halemar]

Excellent analysis! And they thing super-hero movies doesn't have meaning...

[@kenburnmy]

Wow so deep

[@tonbopro]

Father to son，legacy in cultural heritage，remembering history to help tread the future， yet untrodden fields of potential，with the anecdotes from past experience passed down thru the ages ，respecting those who have gone before us but not blindly following in their footsteps，lest it comes to naught，like gaming manuals and life hacks from gamers sharing experiences， sadly only a few can afford scribes to put it on the record for our reference，but the thought that we can learn from our mistakes and choose to embrace life is the deeper one

[@VJArt_]

I never thought id see a day where screen crush used a jojo picture

[@seannsd9208]

The Great Protector is the OG owner of the Ten Bracelets

[@BaconHer0]

WHERE'S THE YOUR MOM JOKE? WE'VE BEEN ROBBED

[@sleter2414]

Personally, i thought Wenwu's style leaned towards the Yin while Lee's style leaned towards the Yang. And the Ten Rings embodied the Yin, while the Great Protector embodied the Yang. By channeling the Great Protector's energy through the Rings, Lee and Shang Chi were able to wield great powers

[@kiratan1101]

The openning aerial shot of San Francisco does not have the Salesforce Tower, while Ant-Man and the Wasp the Saleforce tower was in it. Emmmmmm

[@TrellSaedoe19]

It’s on the back in my iPhone 11 also

[@catsithx]

Deamons will come for me......yeah a lesson that is wholesome.

[@tonycockerham6971]

Was the 'yo momma joke' slipped in with the info about Tiger Mom?

[@ChesterCorazon]

What happened to the mom joke? I was waiting for it.

[@yinko9082]

That one guy who was like aaah no worry I speak abc 😅

[@khaleelu]

What I want to know is where do I get that phone cover from

[@nevbezaire]

Shang-Chi, having been born in China, can't have an ABC name, by definition. Shawn is the American name he assumed but it's not American-born Chinese

[@Devillionaire]

You right - Shang-Chi ain’t ABC. That’s why the dude in the film who said “I speak ABC” was talking to Katy not Shawn, cuz she said her Chinese is poor, and she IS an ABC.

[@rev.dr.dayspring7805]

How does thos video only have 50k likes??????? We have to go thru his videos and "like" every video and comment to get him and his crew some views and dollars! You all are underpaid, even if you all get a million a year, you are still underpaid!!! Keep it up! You all are amazing!! -simp out🎤

[@acenull0]

Lmao not the sticky floors 😂😂😂

[@anthonyshannon4508]

0:27 that was such a mind fuck 😂

[@salcanzonieri]

Shang Chi seems to be using the Mizhong style, also known as Lost Tracking style. Hidden meaning?

[@katearcher8514]

I agree with you, but it would be nice for the film to be more straightforward about it. These themes are really obscured and leave us with many things happening without any obvious reason or motive.

[@j.28gram28]

Even if your not ready for the day it can not always be night

[@shaikhaziz8280]

“Not the bees” in every video please special request

[@ivsmith5320]

Take a shot every time he says “Balance” 😵‍💫

[@yeungscs]

RIP Liver

[@publiclyshamed5383]

@ScreenCrush How ya gonna leave Goku hangin there?!

[@aliwantizu]

Dude, you now have 6 videos on Shang-Chi, and STILL not a single video on the final 2 episodes of Rick and Morty season 5. WTH?

[@brentgarner993]

My thoughts exactly. What gives?

[@suttscraig]

I think Katy is her actual name when she’s asked her Chinese name she panics for a second and says Rae win(can’t even being to spell that sorry) which is what she calls her brother when she’s leaving to get the bus with Shang chi

[@nottyisdabest]

Did the dragon teach Shang-Chi fire bending before he left?

[@TheTrueMorse64]

6:23 Wait I thought she just made that name up so she could please Wenwu

[@Krillinish2]

Crushed it

[@5u374m]

Very cool to use Avatar scenes.