a journey of self discovery with shang

Marvel Studios’  Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings  is in cinemas  and is now streaming on Disney+ for all subscribers.

* Sign up to Disney+ now to start streaming titles from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars , National Geographic, and now Star.

For $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year for Australian subscribers or $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year for New Zealand subscribers, you’ll have unlimited access to exclusive, ad-free content with unlimited downloads.

Stream Disney+   on up to four compatible devices at once, or download and watch anywhere, anytime. Plus, there's a dedicated Kids Profile, designed especially for kids under seven years old.

We want everyone of every age to have a great Disney+ experience. So, to keep the kids from watching entertainment that’s meant for the grown-ups, we’ve introduced easy-to-use parental controls and PIN-protected profiles. Learn more

Visit the official Disney+ website to sign up and start streaming today. Subscription required. Conditions apply.

Marvel Studios’ Black Widow stars Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh talk sisters, stunts, and more!

June 28, 2021

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Soars to Disney+

March 30, 2021

Marvel Studios’ WandaVision takes us on a wonderful journey through the history of sitcom television

February 16, 2021

Spider-Man swings onto Disney+. Here are our top 5 Spidey moments we have on replay.

June 17, 2022

Make a date with your Marvel super heroes on Disney+ for your next movie night

May 30, 2022

A Marvel movie timeline of every film in order of release

May 17, 2024

What to watch on Disney+ this month: New content dropping in May, 2024

May 1, 2024

What to watch on Disney+ this month: New content dropping in April 2024

April 2, 2024

What to watch on Disney+ this month: New content dropping in March 2024

February 29, 2024

What to watch on Disney+ this month: New content dropping in February 2024

January 31, 2024

What to watch on Disney+ this month: New content dropping in December

November 30, 2023

What to watch on Disney+ this month: New content dropping in November

October 31, 2023

What to watch on Disney+ this month: New content dropping in October

September 28, 2023

What to watch on Disney+ this month: New content dropping in September

September 7, 2023

What to watch on Disney+ this month: New content dropping in August

July 30, 2023

Follow Disney+

44 Facts About The Movie Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings

Written by Katlin Reynolds

Modified & Updated: 19 May 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with its thrilling storyline and incredible action sequences. This Marvel Studios film introduces us to the first Asian superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, played by the talented Simu Liu. The movie follows the journey of Shang-Chi as he confronts the demons of his past and embraces his destiny as the Master of Martial Arts. With its unique blend of captivating storytelling and mesmerizing fight scenes, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has become a cultural phenomenon and a box office success. In this article, we will delve into 44 fascinating facts about this groundbreaking film , from its production secrets to the hidden Easter eggs. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to dive into the world of Shang-Chi!

Key Takeaways:

• Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is the first Marvel superhero film with an Asian lead, breaking new ground in representation and paving the way for more diverse storytelling in the future.
• The movie combines thrilling martial arts action with epic superhero powers, showcasing authentic Asian culture and delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

First Marvel superhero film with an Asian lead

The movie Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings marks the first time a Marvel superhero film features an Asian lead character, breaking new ground in representation.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton

The film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on films like Short Term 12 and Just Mercy .

Simu Liu portrays Shang-Chi

Canadian actor Simu Liu plays the titular character Shang-Chi, a skilled martial artist who must confront his past and uncover the secrets of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.

Introduction of the Ten Rings organization

The movie delves into the complex and shadowy Ten Rings organization, which has been present in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the first Iron Man film.

The return of the Mandarin

After the controversial portrayal of the Mandarin in Iron Man 3, this film reintroduces the character as a formidable antagonist, played by Tony Leung.

Blend of martial arts and superhero action

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings combines the thrilling action of martial arts with the epic scale and powers of the superhero genre, offering a unique cinematic experience.

Authentic representation of Asian culture

The film pays great attention to authentic representation of Asian culture, showcasing diverse traditions , customs, and mythology throughout the story.

Standalone film within the Marvel Cinematic Universe

While Shang-Chi is part of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe , the movie stands on its own, providing an independent story that can be enjoyed by both Marvel fans and newcomers alike.

Cameo appearances of familiar characters

As with other Marvel films, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings features cameo appearances from familiar characters, linking it to the broader Marvel universe .

Introduction of new heroes and villains

Apart from Shang-Chi and the Mandarin, the film introduces a host of new characters, both heroes and villains , expanding the Marvel universe for future adventures.

Choreographed fight sequences

The film showcases expertly choreographed fight sequences, blending martial arts styles to create visually stunning and dynamic action scenes.

Groundbreaking visual effects

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings employs groundbreaking visual effects to bring the fantastical elements of the story to life, making it a visual feast for the audience.

Incorporation of Chinese mythology

The movie incorporates elements of Chinese mythology, including legendary creatures and mystical artifacts, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

Strong emphasis on family bonds

The theme of family plays a central role in the film, exploring the complexities of relationships and the impact they have on the characters’ choices and actions.

Diverse cast ensemble

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings boasts a diverse cast ensemble, representing different Asian cultures and showcasing the talent of actors from various backgrounds.

A mix of comedy and drama

The movie strikes a balance between humor and dramatic moments, providing both lighthearted entertainment and emotional depth.

Shifting power dynamics within the Ten Rings

The film examines the power dynamics and internal struggles within the Ten Rings organization, as Shang-Chi confronts his father and seeks to change his destiny .

Stunning cinematography

The cinematography of the film captures the beauty of the locations and action sequences, creating visually stunning moments that enhance the overall viewing experience.

Exploration of identity and self-discovery

Shang-Chi’s journey becomes a reflection of the universal theme of identity and self-discovery, as he grapples with his past and embraces his true potential .

Introduced through a post-credits scene

Shang-Chi was first introduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe through a post-credits scene in the movie Avengers: Endgame , creating curiosity and anticipation among fans.

Box office success

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings enjoyed tremendous success at the box office , breaking records for a Labor Day weekend release and further solidifying the demand for diverse storytelling.

Critical acclaim

The film received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, action sequences, performances, and cultural representation, making it one of the most celebrated superhero films in recent years.

Representation matters

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings exemplifies the importance of representation in cinema, paving the way for more diverse and inclusive storytelling in the future.

International appeal

The movie garnered attention and appreciation from audiences around the world, transcending cultural barriers and showcasing the universal appeal of the superhero genre.

A milestone for Asian representation

Shang-Chi’s success has been hailed as a milestone for Asian representation in Hollywood, signaling a significant shift in embracing diverse voices and stories on the big screen.

Exceptional performances

The cast delivers exceptional performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters, and leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Rich character development

The movie provides rich character development, allowing the audience to connect with the journey and growth of the characters throughout the story.

Emotional storytelling

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings weaves an emotionally resonant narrative, touching on themes of love, loss, and personal redemption.

Spectacular action set pieces

The film features spectacular action set pieces that showcase the incredible physical abilities of the characters, all while serving the larger narrative.

Soundtrack and score

The movie’s soundtrack and score enhance the viewing experience, setting the mood for each scene and heightening the emotional impact of the story.

Surprise twists and turns

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring a thrilling and unpredictable viewing experience.

Strong female characters

The film features strong and empowered female characters who play pivotal roles in shaping the story and challenging traditional gender stereotypes .

Exploration of father-son dynamics

The complex relationship between Shang-Chi and his father is explored, delving into themes of duty, betrayal, and the struggle for acceptance.

A story of personal redemption

Shang-Chi’s journey is one of personal redemption, as he confronts the mistakes of his past and strives to make amends while forging his own path.

Seamless integration into the MCU

Although the film stands on its own, it seamlessly integrates into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe, providing connections and references that enhance the overall narrative.

Captivating visual design

From the intricate costumes to the mesmerizing production design, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings delivers a visually captivating world that immerses the audience in its story.

Impressive character arcs

The characters in the film experience significant growth and development, going through transformative arcs that add depth and complexity to the overall narrative.

Thought-provoking themes

The movie explores thought-provoking themes such as heritage, cultural identity, and the responsibility that comes with power, sparking discussions and reflection among viewers.

The power of friendship

The film highlights the power of friendship and the importance of having a support system, as Shang-Chi embarks on his journey with his loyal companions .

Immersive action sequences

The action sequences in the film are immersive and adrenaline-inducing, designed to showcase the unique abilities and combat skills of each character.

Nods to martial arts cinema

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings pays homage to classic martial arts films, incorporating stylistic elements and references that fans of the genre will appreciate.

A story of self-acceptance

At its core, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a story of self-acceptance , as the characters learn to embrace their true selves and find strength in their identities.

Emotional resonance

The emotional resonance of the film stems from its ability to tap into universal themes and create compelling connections between the characters and the audience.

A triumph of representation

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings stands as a triumph of representation, showcasing the power of diverse storytelling and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.

In conclusion, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is a landmark film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that brings a fresh and exciting perspective to the superhero genre. With its exceptional cast, stunning action sequences, and compelling storyline, the movie has successfully captivated audiences worldwide.As the first MCU film featuring an Asian lead, “Shang-Chi” offers representation and diversity, celebrating Asian cultures and showcasing their rich heritage. It not only delivers thrilling martial arts scenes but also explores themes of family, identity, and the power of destiny.With its critical and commercial success, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” has proven that diverse storytelling has a place in the superhero realm. Fans eagerly anticipate the film’s impact on future Marvel projects and eagerly await the next chapter in Shang-Chi’s journey.

1. Who plays the lead role in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”?

The lead role of Shang-Chi is played by Canadian actor, Simu Liu.

2. Is the movie connected to the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Yes, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and adds to the overarching storyline.

3. Are there any post-credit scenes in the movie?

Yes, there are two post-credit scenes that provide hints at future developments in the MCU.

4. Does the movie involve martial arts?

Absolutely! “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” showcases incredible martial arts choreography and pays homage to the genre.

5. Can the movie be enjoyed by those who are not familiar with Marvel?

Yes, the film stands on its own and can be enjoyed by both longtime Marvel fans and newcomers alike.

If you enjoyed learning about Shang-Chi's groundbreaking representation and thrilling martial arts action, why not explore more cinematic wonders? Dive into the adrenaline-fueled world of Last Action Hero , uncover enigmatic secrets within the expansive MCU , or delve into extraordinary facts surrounding martial arts . Each topic offers a unique perspective on the power of film and human dedication, promising to captivate and enlighten curious minds.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

Share this Fact:

‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ Film Review: Marvel’s Martial-Arts Saga Nails the Characters and the Kicks

Tony Leung delivers what might be the superhero genre’s best performance yet in a film that blends dazzling fight choreography and dramatic depth

This review of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” was first published on August 23.

Marvel Comics creators Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin originally conceived martial-arts hero Shang-Chi as a loose composite of the imagery and mythologies of Bruce Lee, Caine from “Kung Fu” (whom Lee created), and Sax Rohmer’s pulp villain Dr. Fu Manchu. If Marvel Studios has thus far made slow progress in developing solo adventures for its many superheroes of color, it takes another successful stride, if not quite as sizable as “Black Panther,” with “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” a film that builds simultaneously on the lexicon of 50 years of Hong Kong action films and the thematic boilerplate of MCU origin stories.

Simu Liu (“Kim’s Convenience”) injects an earnest, charming humility to the character’s introduction into Marvel’s world of larger than life conflicts, while Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh provide Hong Kong bona fides as his father and aunt, both of whom are eager to indoctrinate him in the secrets of wuxia storytelling.

We meet Shang-Chi (Liu), hiding in San Francisco as a hotel valet under the name Shaun, an obfuscation his best friend Katy (Awkwafina) later rightfully points out is a lazy way to keep a low profile when his father Wenwu (Leung) is a thousand-year-old warrior with super-powered bracelets, endless resources, and foot soldiers around the globe working for his organization, the Ten Rings.

After defeating a team of henchmen that came in search of a necklace given to him by his late mother Jiang Li (Fala Chen, “The Undoing”), Shang decides to reconnect with his estranged sister Xialing (newcomer Meng’er Zhang), worrying that she will be targeted next. He arrives in Macau to discover not only that she does not need his help, but she has also established a not-so-secret empire of her own as a fight broker; the postcard that he thought she sent is actually a decoy from Wenwu to obtain her matching necklace as well.

With Katy in tow providing a running commentary for each new development, Shang and Xialing get captured by their father, who brings them to his stronghold to divulge his reasons for seeking their childhood keepsakes: Wenwu hopes to find a path to a village hidden deep in a neighboring forest where he believes Jiang Li is being kept prisoner. Despite their troubled upbringing under Wenwu’s alternately merciless tutelage of Shang and seeming indifference to Xialing, the two of them are torn about whether or not to help him. But when they find an opportunity to access the village — and learn from their aunt Jiang Nan (Yeoh) the real secret behind the voice summoning their father — Shang, Xialing, and even Katy join the fight to stop Wenwu, in the process confronting a family legacy that their father hopes to fulfill and that they are determined to rewrite.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (“Just Mercy”) and cowritten by Cretton, his frequent collaborator Andrew Lanham, and David Callaham (“Mortal Kombat”), “Shang-Chi” oozes with lore from classic Asian martial arts movies (themselves drawn, in turn, from classic cultural storytelling tropes) from the ‘70s to today and enhanced with the best computer-generated imagery that money can buy. You can see echoes of everything from “The Big Boss” to “House of Flying Daggers” (and plenty of Shaw brothers and Tsui Hark movies in between) in the storytelling and set pieces; for the uninitiated, it offers an overview of the genre, almost like a Quentin Tarantino movie, whose influences and inspirations will be fun to uncover and explore on their own after future viewings.

More importantly, the writing trio has created a fully fleshed-out character with Shang-Chi rather than a caricature or pastiche of the martial-arts icons on whose shoulders stands their hero, who possesses the abilities to defeat any opponent coupled with a motivation to avoid fighting at any cost.

At the beginning of the film, Shang is torn between wanting to forge his own path and yielding to the filial piety baked into his upbringing and reinforced through years of grueling martial-arts training. Indeed, it’s receiving his first “adult” assignment from his father (to murder the man responsible for his mother’s death) that instigates his journey of self-discovery. What the film does well is to showcase how Shang discovers that he’s able to achieve fulfillment not by ignoring the past but by confronting it head on, and eventually seeking balance between his father’s indefatigable thirst for power and his mother’s pursuit of harmony.

That this is represented in some really extraordinary fight choreography only adds dimensionality to Shang’s journey; as Simu Liu exploits his opportunity as a relative unknown on screen to the advantage of a character who audiences are watching discover himself, Cretton also leverages Tony Leung’s veteran status (not just as an occasional Asian action star but as one of the most accomplished and gifted actors in the world) to lend gravitas to the choices that lead Shang towards his inevitable path to superhero-dom.

Put simply, Leung never does too much in a scene, and he conveys subdued romantic longing better than almost any actor in the last 40 years. Here, he gives what is probably the best-ever performance in a superhero movie, certainly for a villain; with his possession of the Ten Rings, Wenwu has all he could ever want, fears nothing, and desires only that which transcends all human abilities, enhanced or otherwise — his wife back by his side. Leung conveys effortless authority leavened with a distant sadness, and it makes viewers care, both about him and about the overall stakes of Shang’s evolution, so that when the film pivots into world-ending sequences where monsters and martial-arts choreography become more important than the characters, audiences can still be invested, or at least less put off by familiar climactic tropes.

The action is all terrific, from Shang’s first display of skill in an accordion commuter-bus brawl to a showdown with the forces of evil on the back of a mythical flying dragon. Unfortunately, “Shang-Chi” does not always flow smoothly between its scenes of exposition and setup and these explosive set pieces, as Cretton repeatedly prefers first to study the characters and their motivations and then to put them through their paces, instead of doing both at the same time. It’s honestly an admirable choice in a genre designed quite literally for cutting to the chase, but it’s a pacing better suited for “Crouching Tiger” or one of Zhang Yimou’s action-oriented films than Marvel’s. Some of these reflective moments undercut the urgency of the final battle, much less Shang’s encroaching self-discovery.

Still, Liu leads the cast with a workmanlike understatedness that evokes the sturdy invisibility of someone like Matt Damon, a comparison that seems more apt since Cretton has indicated that he took inspiration from “Good Will Hunting” for the hero. As his platonic best friend Katy, Awkwafina rides a thin line between appropriately pointing out the incredible nature of each new situation in which they find themselves and undercutting the emotional weight of a story that needs to be at least a little bit serious, but she delivers a youthful charge that better connects this film to, say, Paul Rudd’s “Ant-Man” entries and the other Marvel films better than reams of interconnected mythology ever could. Meanwhile, Meng’er Zhang is a great acting discovery playing Xialing, a character who deserves to be lionized and spun off like Shuri was after “Black Panther,” and Yeoh once again supplies a unfussy, stabilizing presence both on screen and as a performer that grounds all of the mystical mumbo-jumbo and makes it seem believable.

Following the cathartic reset of “Avengers: Endgame,” Marvel’s Phase Four films cannot help but feel a little bit like they are struggling to recapture their predecessors’ magic and narrative momentum. Even if it was long overdue, or maybe precisely because it was, “Black Widow” still felt like the remnant of a timeline before heroes had reached total market saturation. “Shang-Chi,” by comparison, feels like the new beginning that its predecessor was meant to be, as much as anything, because it truly ventures in a new direction — building distantly on the world that has now become common moviegoer knowledge, but adding stylistic flourishes and an unhurried pace from Cretton that suggests it’s content to be its own story instead of a cog in a larger machine. (Truly, the only letdown comes during a post-credits scene where you’re reminded that this character will have bigger obligations to a story that’s not his own later on.)

Marvel is, of course, working tirelessly to construct the next stage(s) of its universe, but like the bamboo scaffolding that surrounds a Macau high rise, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” offers a good reminder that it’s nice to slow down and take a little extra time to explore what’s already built instead of firmly affixing your view on stories that haven’t yet been reached.

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” opens in U.S. theaters September 3.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Am I Gay?: A Journey of Self Discovery with Shang

Newest in most viral

• © 2024 Imgur, Inc

'Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings' Review: Tony Leung's Villain Eclipses The MCU's First Asian Superhero

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a mouthful of a title, but with the amount of pressures riding on Marvel's first Asian-led film, perhaps it needs it. This isn't an instantly recognizable hero like Captain America, or one loaded with cultural pride like Black Panther . Shang-Chi 's history is much knottier and more complicated. The character of Shang-Chi emerged out of the '70s Brucesploitation craze — the phenomenon that followed the death of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Comic book artist Paul Gulacy even took direct inspiration from Lee, drawing Shang-Chi to look like the martial arts star. But here's where the knotty part comes in: Shang-Chi was created as a counterpart to Sax Rohmer's pulp villain Dr. Fu Manchu (yes, that Fu Manchu ), enjoying his heyday as the star of '70s and '80s martial arts pulp stories before disappearing into the ether.

Shang-Chi was always a strange character to revive as Marvel Studio's first Asian superhero, but there is admittedly something intriguing about reclaiming a character created out of caricature and cultural stereotypes, and turning it into something empowering. But does Shang-Chi actually achieve this? Not really. But in the interim, it does turn out a mostly decent Marvel movie buoyed by crisp, kinetic action and the Marvel Cinematic Universe's best "villain" yet.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings does the classic Marvel Studios thing and remixes the more troubling and wilder parts of the character's history into a palatable crowdpleaser — presenting our Shang-Chi ( Simu Liu ) as the son of Wenwu ( Tony Leung ), the leader of the ancient Ten Rings organization and the "real" Mandarin (a character with his own complicated cultural history) who has been leading his clandestine terrorist group from the shadows for centuries thanks to the mythical "Ten Rings" weapon he carries. Raised as an assassin from childhood, Shang-Chi ran away to the States, where he adopted a new name and life. That's how we first meet him: as Sean, a sweet San Francisco hotel valet working alongside his best friend Katy (a scene-stealing Awkwafina ), happy in their arrested development, even as their friends scoff at their low ambitions. But that all changes when Shang-Chi is attacked on a bus by a group of assassins sent by his father, and he's forced to reveal his sick martial arts skills that he's had along — thus accepting his destiny as our Chosen One of the week.

As familiar of a superhero origin story as Shang-Chi is, the film blessedly feels like the least Marvel of the solo films we've had lately. This is thanks to director Destin Daniel Cretton 's decision to drive the film by its strong character dynamics, both in the comedic double act that is Liu and Awkwafina's "two idiots" routine, and the complicated family relationship between Wenwu and his estranged children Shang-Chi and Xialing ( Meng'er Zhang , an imposing physical presence in her first feature film role). Liu and Awkwafina, both coming from the comedy scene, thrive in the first half's "fish out of water" narrative, with Liu playing the bewildered everyman well to Awkwafina's overly enthusiastic tourist. Awkwafina, in particular, shows her skills by smoothly juggling the film's best comedy moments with a few scenes of real gravity. The cast manages to carry a strong sense of tongue-in-cheek humor throughout the film, with one later surprise character hailing straight from the Taika Waititi school of comedy.

But while Liu's stuntman chops are on display in the exhilarating fight scenes choreographed by the supervising stunt coordinator Brad Allan (an elite member of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team who sadly passed shortly after making this film), the star's chance to prove his leading-man charisma is completely eclipsed by Leung, who effortlessly proves he's one of our greatest screen actors of the past 40 years with a simple roll-up of his shirtsleeves. Cretton seems to be keenly aware that he has an international superstar on his payroll and makes total use of it, treating us to many a close-up of Leung's face on the verge of tears, emotions roiling underneath the surface in that beautifully subtle, evocative way that the Hong Kong actor has perfected over the years.

It's to Shang-Chi 's benefit that the film essentially has two leads, really. Leung's Wenwu is presented as more of a tragic antihero than as a full-fledged villain, with his doomed romance with Shang-Chi's mysterious mother Jiang Li ( Fala Chen ) and his subsequent near-redemption given as much screen time as Shang-Chi's journey of self-discovery. And Leung, one of our best cinematic romantic leads and devastatingly handsome to boot, manages to inject sex appeal into a Marvel film with merely a look. Liu might be accomplished at playing the comedic everyman, but is less gifted at carrying the film's dramatic scenes, struggling to match the talents of Leung, or even Awkwafina, and portrays most of Shang-Chi's internal struggles with the same pained look.

But as a hero whose superpowers are his badass martial arts skills, Liu more than excels at the job. Shang-Chi 's fight scenes are breathtaking — whether in the bruising street-fighting scenes when Shang-Chi is dodging magical steel blades on (and outside of) a bus, or when the film goes full wuxia in scenes with Leung and Michelle Yeoh . But while Shang-Chi does manage to escape the shadow of Bruce Lee (mostly by shedding the '70s martial-arts exploitation genre entirely, which feels like a missed opportunity), it still only manages pale imitations of its influences: the wuxia-inspired sequences feeling more weightless than anything out of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon , and the Jackie Chan-inspired fight scenes feel more like the Hollywood takes on Chan's work — albeit one of the better Hollywood versions that actually lets the action play out onscreen instead of being edited to high hell. And Liu, as a skilled physical performer who trained hard for the role, has the physicality to pull it all off.

It almost feels cheap to criticize Shang-Chi for its dull visuals — we know at this point that the MCU "house style" flattens out even the most visually distinctive of directors, until all the films share the same muted gray color palette. Cretton has never been particularly renowned for his visual flair, coming from the character drama indie world, but manages to at least keep the film visually coherent (and in many of the wuxia-inspired moments, quite beautiful) even as it descends into CGI bombast. And though it falls victim to the dreaded Marvel third-act CGI muddle, Shang-Chi 's is one of the more forgivable ones, if only because it verges on full fantasia.

As Marvel remixes go, Shang-Chi is one of the more successful ones. Maybe not as stylistically strong as Black Widow and certainly not as much of a watershed moment as Black Panther , it is elevated by the strength of its hard-hitting fight scenes and the supporting performers — especially the Tony Leung of it all.

/Film Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Shang-Chi’s Journey of Self-Discovery

Get Tickets SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS is now playing

Marvel Cinemtic fans recently experienced the origin story of fan-favorite, Natasha Romanoff in BLACK WIDOW, but soon they will be introduced to the newest superhero in the MCU. To prepare for the next installment in Marvel Phase Four and the origin story of Shang-Chi, we interviewed Destin Daniel Cretton, director of SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS.

Destin Daniel Cretton most recently directed the AMC Artisan Film JUST MERCY, starring two of Hollywood’s biggest names who have played an integral part in the success of the MCU, Brie Larson and Michael B. Jordan. Cretton told us that the two actors were influential in his transition from the creative development of the smaller budget, artisan films to the blockbuster machine that is Marvel. Ryan Coogler, director of the BLACK PANTHER also played an essential role during the process, influencing Cretton’s decision with bringing his vision of the character to life and making him relevant, current so all fans could relate too him, whether you are Asian American, African American or Caucasian. “The fulfilment of a childhood dream to actually put a superhero in the world that, I could actually dress up like at Halloween, or relate to as an Asian American… with Simu was extremely fulfilling.”

A very important aspect in the creative process for Cretton was watching actor, Simu Liu transform himself into the hero, Shang-Chi, “Watching Simu bring the character to life with his humor, charisma and his intensity, was really fulfilling and magical.” He spoke about his excitement for fans who will be inspired by Shang-Chi, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, turning his pain from the past into strength. More importantly though, he is very excited for fans to discover all of the characters in SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS, “I am as equally excited to introduce the world to all of these characters, they’re such a rainbow of personalities, that when you leave the theatre will be almost impossible for you to hold on to the fictional belief that all Asians are the same. Every character in this movie is so beautifully and drastically different.”

Within the rainbow of personalities, fans will be introduced to the “real” Mandarin, not the Trevor Slattery character from IRON MAN 3, but Shang-Chi’s father, Wenwu. Cretton finds the version in his movie very relatable and prefers to call the Mandarin, Wenwu. “The way Tony Leung plays him, really breaks the stereotype of the Mandarin… he’s a fully realized human being that may do things… that most of us would never do and you may not agree with. But you will relate to the reasons why he is pushed to do those things.” From the trailer, very little is known about the father of Shang-Chi but Cretton spoke briefly about the pain that is pushing Wenwu, and that it may appear vicious and scary.

One thing that fans of the comics have noticed, is the shape of the Mandarim’s rings themselves. Instead of being jeweled rings, the creative team behind SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS referenced the influences of KUNG FU HUSTLE and THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN with inspiring the design of the bracelets seen in the trailer on posters. Cretton shared that they did not want the ten rings to be on the Mandarins fingers, because it felt too similar to the previous villain in the MCU, “when that idea was birthed, it created a whole new exciting journey to go on with the ten rings.” The shape of the ten rings may be different than the comics, but we will have to wait and see if the bracelets contain the same powers.

As we wrapped up the interview, one part of the movie that Cretton could not dive deep into was the involvement of a previous MCU character, Abomination. He did go on to say though that, “The fun of working in the MCU, that it is incredibly fun and creatively fulfilling, because there is so many hanging questions from the past that you can choose to answer in your movie, or pitch to connect dots in the MCU.” You can see bits of the role Abomination plays in the journey of Shang-Chi in the newest trailer in an epic battle within a caged arena.

Get your tickets and embark on a journey of self-discovery and epic adventures when you see SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS on the big screen and an AMC near you.

• Big Marvel Characters In Theatres In 2024 January 21, 2024
• Arthur The King’s True Story January 19, 2024
• Most Anticipated Action Films of 2024 January 13, 2024
• See All Articles

Popular With Movie Fans

You may also like ....

These articles were picked just for you

Most Anticipated Action Films of 2024

Anticipated movie villains of 2024, major 2024 movie anniversaries.

Geeks Of Color

‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ Is An Action-Packed Origin Story Of Self-Discovery And Identity – Review

It’s been a long time coming – Marvel’s first Asian superhero has taken center stage in the MCU and is finally on the big screen.

Written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings follows the origin story of Shang-Chi as he explores his past and journeys into becoming the eventual superhero that saves the world. The movie stars Simu Liu as the titular superhero, Awkwafina (Nora Lum) as Katy, Tony Leung as The Mandarin, Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan, Meng’er Zhang as Xialing, Fala Chen as Jiang Li, and Ronny Chieng as Jon Jon, with Benedict Wong reprising his role as Wong and Sir Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery.

The MCU has officially begun Phase 4 and what a start it is with its introduction to Shang-Chi. Thankfully, this movie doesn’t require any prior Marvel knowledge in order to watch and enjoy it. Though some prior movies like the Iron Man trilogy laid the groundwork for Shang-Chi , this movie explains all of that for you. This really allows Shang-Chi to shine as a stand-alone origin movie.

One of the many high expectations for this film is the action, does it live up to the hype? Let’s just say it’s an absolute no-brainer that I have to highlight is the action sequences. Everyone’s been praising the fight scenes and the choreography and the praise is well-deserved. Simu Liu, Tony Leung, Michelle Yeoh, Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Andy Le (Death Dealer), and the entirety of the stunt team and choreographers expertly created something captivating and dynamic. You can tell that this team put in so much work into perfecting their stunts, and the one-shot moments are tremendously impressive.

This movie showcases so many different martial arts styles that I wish I was able to list them all off when I watched it. As someone who grew up watching a lot of wuxia movies (a genre of Chinese fiction that focuses on martial arts), Shang-Chi honors this tradition and genre in a way that makes my heart soar. Fight scenes tend to be dramatic and intense, but there were a couple of wuxia fights in this movie that were so elegant and even serene. Those wuxia scenes truly looked like beautifully choreographed dances that carried their own narratives. The mixture of multiple forms of martial arts is just as persuasive in its storytelling as the dialogue and the characters, and I love how a specific conflict of fighting styles is a mirror reflection of Shang-Chi’s identity conflict and ultimate self-acceptance.

Speaking of conflict and acceptance, I love the way this movie explores Shang-Chi’s internal conflict and his growth. Shang-Chi’s journey explores common diaspora experiences that many Asians in Western communities encounter when trying to adapt and survive. The constant struggle of fitting in between Western and Eastern societies is so poignant for many people, and this movie does not shy away from being unapologetically Chinese. Even just the fact that the characters are multilingual and will switch between English and Mandarin in the middle of a scene is an accurate reflection of how many multilingual communities communicate.

Not only that, this origin story follows the clash of different cultures as well as the turmoil of who he was and who he could be. Even just the fact that Shang-Chi changed his name to Sean is a relatable experience for many Asian immigrants who are simply trying to fit in. It’s a small, humorous moment but it definitely will resonate with many people because our names connect us to our history and our family. On the other hand, the more explicit struggle that Shang-Chi faces is whether or not he will follow in the footsteps of his father and whether he can accept that he is the culmination of everyone who had come before him. Combining that with the conflict of family tensions and balancing the importance of family, the story is multidimensional without being confusing, and the resolution is impactful. I absolutely adored watching that unfold and seeing how it rippled out, not just to Shang-Chi, but to those around him.

The friendship between Shang-Chi and Katy is so natural with a great mix of vulnerability and quippy humor that makes them so relatable. It’s a testament to Liu and Lum’s fantastic on-screen chemistry. Honestly, the rapport for the entire cast is so effortless and it genuinely feels like everyone meshes well together. Liu and Zhang also have some great moments of connection and tension that easily serves as a strong foundation to their story and relationship. This is Meng’er Zhang’s first foray onto the big screen and she absolutely kills it. Her character Xialing is captivating and it left me wanting to learn more about her which I hope Marvel really considers. I wouldn’t be upset if there was an eventual spin-off focusing solely on her because I need more of her. 

We can’t talk about the cast without addressing the legends in the room, Michelle Yeoh and Tony Leung. Michelle Yeoh has taken Hollywood by storm and continues to reign supreme in her performances here especially when her martial arts skills shine. Tony Leung is phenomenal and is one of my favorite actors of all time, so I’m incredibly thrilled that mainstream Western audiences finally get to experience his mastery. Although his character The Mandarin, or Wen Wu, is technically the villain, Leung’s portrayal is multidimensional and sympathetic which is a much-improved contrast to his racially insensitive comic book counterpart. Also, though I was watching for the plot, I was definitely looking very respectfully at Mister Tony Leung.

I will admit that I went into this movie with low expectations. I am not someone who has watched a lot of Marvel movies or shows, nor am I an avid fan of action or superhero movies. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It is a fantastic origin story that is very friendly for viewers like me with little to no existing Marvel knowledge. Overall, I found this movie to be a must-watch; better yet, I came out of this movie wanting to watch it again and again! 

Most of all, I can’t understate the cultural significance and impact of Shang-Chi and what it means to the Asian-American community. This is a major milestone for Asian representation in something as hugely accessible and prominent as Marvel. A new generation of Asian-American children now will get to see someone who looks like them on the big screen, and many older Asian-American folks can celebrate this achievement.

P. S. There are two credit scenes and both are worth sticking around for, so be sure to watch out for them. I’m excited to know what foundation they’re laying for the future and what connections will be made later down the line.

Rating: 8.5/10

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings opens in theatres on September 3.

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

‘IF’ Is a Creative and Sentimental Tale of Love and Imagination – Review

‘The Garfield Movie’ Is a Disappointing New Start for the Classic Character – Review

Witness Her!!! ‘Furiosa’ is a Joyride Of Emotion, Metal and Vengeance – Review

‘Knuckles’ Is a Fun Adventure for the Entire Family – Review

Discover more from geeks of color.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

From 'Women Is Losers' to 'Simulant', Simu Liu's top 6 films ranked ahead of Netflix's 'Atlas'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Atlas,' directed by Brad Peyton, is an upcoming American science fiction action thriller film scheduled for release on Netflix on Friday, May 24, 2024.

The film features Jennifer Lopez , renowned for her role in 'Selena,' alongside Simu Liu , known for his portrayal in Marvel's ' Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, ' and Sterling K Brown, acclaimed for his performances in 'This Is Us' and 'Black Panther.'

The film revolves around a woman named Atlas, who is launched into orbit on a high-stakes mission. She faces the challenge of defeating a rogue robot warrior, with whom she shares a mysterious and intertwined past.

As you eagerly await the release of ' Atlas' on Netflix , here are six of Simu Liu's best movies, ranked for your viewing pleasure.

1. 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' (2021)

'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,' a 2021 American superhero film based on Marvel Comics featuring the character Shang-Chi, stands as one of Simu Liu's most prominent works.

The Marvel movie , produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, follows the journey of Shang-Chi, a skilled martial artist who opts for a peaceful life after parting ways with his father and the secretive Ten Rings organization.

However, his past catches up with him when he is unexpectedly attacked by the Ten Rings, forcing him to confront the secrets and dangers he thought he had left behind.

With a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' is a must-watch film for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and action-packed adventures alike.

The movie is available for streaming on Disney+, Apple TV+, and Prime Video.

2. 'Barbie' (2023)

'Barbie,' a 2023 fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig, stars Simu Liu, Margot Robbie, and Ryan Gosling in pivotal roles. 

'Barbie ' follows the journey of self-discovery undertaken by the iconic doll couple, Ken and Barbie, as they navigate both the fantastical realm of Barbieland and the real world.

In this film, Simu Liu's character, Ken, forges an unexpected alliance with Ryan Gosling's character, also named Ken, leading to a unique partnership.

With an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, 'Barbie' has garnered acclaim for its charming storyline and engaging characters.

As you eagerly await the release of 'Atlas' on Netflix, you can enjoy this captivating film, 'Barbie.' The movie is available for streaming on Max, Prime Video, and Apple TV+.

3. 'Women Is Losers' (2021)

'Women Is Losers,' with its 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, stands out as one of Simu Liu's notable films.

Written and directed by Lissette Feliciano, the 2021 film delves into 1960s-era feminism and the immigrant experience through the eyes of Celina Guerrera (Lorenza Izzo), a teenager whose life takes a dramatic turn following an unplanned pregnancy.

In this film, Simu Liu brings to life the character of Gilbert, a significant figure in Celina's life. 

'Women Is Losers' is available for streaming on Max, Prime Video , and Apple TV+.

4. 'Arthur the King' (2024)

'Arthur the King' is a 2024 American adventure film directed by Simon Cellan Jones, featuring a star-studded cast including Mark Wahlberg, Simu Liu, and Juliet Rylance in key roles.

The movie revolves around Michael Light, a determined individual who secures a sponsor to support him and his team of athletes in their quest to compete at the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic.

Simu Liu takes on the role of Leo, a key character in Light's team of athletes.

With a solid 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, 'Arthur the King' has garnered praise for its engaging storyline, dynamic performances, and thrilling action sequences.

'Arthur the King' is available for streaming on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.

5. 'Simulant' (2023)

'Simulant,' a 2023 Canadian science fiction thriller film directed by April Mullen, is regarded as one of Simu Liu's standout performances.

In this film, viewers are transported into a future where Artificial Intelligence has advanced to the point where humanoid simulants can effectively replace loved ones who are dead.

The film depicts a situation in which an android is brought into a widow's household to serve as a replacement for her late husband.

With a rating of 47% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film offers an intriguing glimpse into a possible future where technology blurs the lines between the real and the artificial.

'Simulant' is available for streaming on Hulu, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Disney+.

6. 'One True Loves' (2023)

'One True Loves,' a 2023 American romantic comedy-drama film directed and produced by Andy Fickman, is a must-watch for lovers of romantic films.

Based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Taylor Jenkins Reid, the film stars Phillipa Soo as Emma, Simu Liu as Sam, and Luke Bracey as Jesse. 

The film delves into Emma's journey of healing and self-discovery following the death of her husband, Jesse, in a helicopter crash.

Emma's life takes an unexpected turn when she reunites with her old best friend, Sam. 

Despite a 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie offers a light-hearted and entertaining watch for those interested in romantic comedies.

'Atlas' trailer

'stranger things' cast then and now: horror show's teen stars have become adults.

How to Begin Your Self-Discovery Journey: 16 Best Questions

As part of this process, we must not only search to determine what constitutes our true selves, but let go of objects of identification we’ve long mistaken for ourselves, requiring a balance of introspection and new experiences.

So let’s set sail.

In this article, we’ll give you a range of powerful questions to help you along your journey of self-discovery and point you toward further reading and resources.

Before you continue, you might like to download our three Meaning and Valued Living Exercises for free . These creative, science-based exercises will help you learn more about your values, motivations, and goals and will give you the tools to inspire a sense of meaning in the lives of your clients, students, or employees.

This Article Contains:

What is self-discovery according to psychology, fostering self-discovery skills: 10 examples & tips, why is the process important, a look at self-discovery coaching, 3 exercises, games, and activities for adults, best worksheets and journal prompts, 16 questions to ask yourself or your clients, helpful books & apps for your journey, tools from positivepsychology.com, a take-home message.

Drawing often from the field of philosophy , psychologists point to the illumination of our daimon (or ‘true self’) as the ultimate goal of self-discovery.

Formally defined, this true self is

“the central inner force common to all human beings and yet unique to each, which is the deep source of growth… [that is] free, healthy development in accordance with the potentials of one’s generic and individual nature.”

Horney, 1950, p. 17

As part of the process of searching for our true selves, we are ultimately working to identify three things (Waterman, 2011):

• Personal potentials
• Our purposes for living
• Opportunities to act upon those potentials and purposes in living

The search for our true selves, therefore:

“refers to those processes, both intuitive and reasoned, by which those [personal, purpose-related] potentials are discovered and come to attain the status of personally concordant goals that are to be actualized.”

Waterman, 2011, p. 360

According to this view, a person’s true self essentially lies beneath the surface, and our task is to find, recognize, or understand that which already exists. Once you have, you can then make choices about your life and identity that are more consistent with this self-knowledge (Waterman, 2011).

Seek a supportive atmosphere

The more time we spend in the presence of supportive family, friends, lovers, and communities , the sooner we will be likely to discover our true nature. This is because warm and encouraging atmospheres facilitate feelings of inner security while providing the freedom to have our own feelings and thoughts (Horney, 1950).

To this end, here are some ideas to consider:

• Seek quiet spaces and time out to facilitate reflection or journaling .
• Join a social group whose interests and passions align with your own, such as a painting, writing, or poetry group.
• Find a coach or therapist for a safe space to pursue self-discovery.
• Set boundaries with people who discourage your individuality, negatively affect your emotions, or put you down.
• Seek the company of people who inspire you, make you feel positive, and challenge your perception of yourself.

Identify your drifts

Pay close attention to the things you naturally love doing, or drifts, particularly those that are personally expressive . By paying attention to the subconscious pull of these activities, you can allow them to guide you toward your true self, stemming from your genetic makeup, upbringing, and experiences (Pagedar, 2021).

• Our drifts tend to emerge when the mind is still, so try selecting a quiet day to do some meditation or practice some relaxation techniques.
• Try to notice activities that cause you to slip into the state of flow , as these often point us toward our drifts.
• Consider which activities you possess a natural aptitude or talent for, perhaps using a strengths-finding exercise .
• Think about which activities you find intrinsically motivating . These are the activities you would undertake in the absence of external rewards, such as money or the approval of others.
• Notice times when you feel a strong sense of personal responsibility to do something or have a unique vision about how something should be carried out.

Download 3 Meaning & Valued Living Exercises (PDF)

These detailed, science-based exercises will equip you or your clients with tools to find meaning in life help and pursue directions that are in alignment with values.

Download 3 Free Meaning Tools Pack (PDF)

By filling out your name and email address below.

To understand why self-discovery is so important, we must consider the consequences of failing to identify our true selves.

According to Horney (1950), when a person experiences a large discrepancy between their lived and real selves, they are likely to experience a sense of alienation from themselves. This remains true even if the person is successful in their activities and receives external rewards.

Such a person may often notice themselves wondering, “ Why am I doing this when it’s not who I really am? ” The consequence is a feeling of guilt or dissatisfaction if we fail to live up to an idealized version of ourselves that we cannot be.

Besides this negative emotional toll, the problem with pursuing such an ideal is that it will be rooted in externally derived standards of worth.

To illustrate, here are some examples:

• A student feels pressure from their parents to pursue a prestigious career in law, even though this line of work does not inspire them.
• A famous musician has mistaken their true self with their like of the status, prestige, and social validation they receive while performing.
• A woman’s family talks her into finding a husband and settling down when she’d rather travel the world with her friends.
• A son feels obligated to take over the family business when he’d prefer to start his own venture.

When we cannot live in alignment with our true selves, we must spend energy attempting to deny and distort our experiences to make sense of a pervasive lack of happiness and personal fulfillment. This ongoing effort can go so far as to produce psychological states and conditions such as depression (Waterman et al., 2010).

This is why self-discovery is so important.

Our goal in life should not be to pursue imagined or externally derived ideals, but rather to develop a more realistic understanding of our strengths and limitations. By doing so, we can avoid negative psychological states and self-actualize , feel contentment, and make better contributions to the world.

A growing trend in coaching, self-discovery coaching is about looking beyond specific goal pursuits (e.g., “I want to improve my self-esteem ”) to discover how we can live authentically and be truly happy .

Self-discovery coaching has many components, including (Elevate Life Project, n.d.):

• Exploring your values to live in congruence with what’s most important to you
• Discovering grounded confidence, centeredness, and strength
• Identifying your abilities for making easier decisions

The role of a self-discovery coach in this process is to act as co-pilot on a client’s journey toward authentic fulfillment by challenging them, imbuing them with courage, and showing compassion.

If you or your clients are looking to set off on a self-discovery journey, consider the following fun and insightful activities to get you started.

This exercise is a useful starting point for viewing yourself clearly in terms of values, beliefs, and more. The exercise guides users through a two-step process of considering themselves from the perspective of others, followed by a consideration of their self-perceptions at different times in their life.

Spontaneous collage

Collage is a fun and cathartic method of self-discovery that helps people bypass the socially protective aspects of the mind and reveal aspects of their authentic self. Best of all, no previous art experience is required.

For a great resource, check out Shelley Klammer’s 12-week online course and check out the #collageforselfdiscovery hashtag on Instagram to get inspired by others’ collages.

Kokology: The Game of Self-Discovery

Created by famous Japanese psychologists Tadahiko Nagao and Isamu Saito, kokology , the study of kokoro (“mind” or “spirit” in Japanese), is a fun and sometimes hilarious game for learning about yourself.

The game invites players to answer questions about seemingly innocent topics, such as the color of an imaginary bird that has flown in their window, to reveal profound insights in their answers.

Journaling and worksheets can both be hugely helpful for this purpose.

To help, look at some of the following free resources from our site:

• Self-Awareness Worksheet for Adults This worksheet poses a series of 15 questions to help you discover more about your true self. Specifically, the questions tap into topics such as your talents/strengths, values, and barriers to living more authentically.
• What Are My Qualities and Traits? This worksheet invites you to identify your top five and weakest two qualities from a list of 100 strengths. It then invites you to consider how you might shape, develop, and use your toolkit of identified strengths to better your life.
• Reflecting on Three Things This worksheet invites you to explore what defines who you are. These reflections can include statements, objects, roles in life, people you admire, and ambitions.

If you’re more into journaling, see if any of the following prompts might inspire some of your upcoming entries (Hollis, 2019):

• What things have you been doing lately that may be positively or negatively affecting your mental health ?
• What ways can you touch or move your body that makes you feel good?
• If you could spend the day doing anything, what would you do?
• How do you show love to other people?
• What are some things about you that you wish other people knew?

How to discover your authentic self – at any age – Bevy Smith

For more ways to get started on your journey of self-inquiry, consider the following questions, drawn from leading books designed to guide you toward self-discovery (see Helpful Books & Apps for Your Journey ):

Mindful self-discovery questions

• What’s going on inside your body at the moment (e.g., sensations, flows of energy)?
• Is there joy, ease, and lightness in what you are doing at the present moment?
• Do you really have any problems right now in this present moment ?
• Is there anything you can do to change, improve, or remove yourself from a present dissatisfactory situation? If not, how can you move toward accepting your present circumstances?

Exploring values

• What are your top five personal and professional values?
• How are you living outside your values?
• In what areas do you feel a personal sense of responsibility to better the world?
• How are you living outside of your integrity?

Questions about fear and courage

• What do you fear the most?
• What fears have actually come true in your life?
• What would happen if you treated the actions you fear as an experiment?
• For which pending decision could you use 10% more courage?

Considering worthwhile experiences

• What has made your childhood worthwhile?
• What lessons did you learn last week?
• What makes life worthwhile for you?
• What trip have you always wanted to take, and how could you make this trip happen?

More questions for self-discovery

For even more powerful coaching questions, be sure to check out some of the dedicated articles throughout our blog:

• 73 Powerful Coaching Questions to Ask Your Clients
• 100 Most Powerful Life Coaching Questions [+PDF]
• Self-Coaching Model Explained: 56 Questions & Techniques for Self-Mastery

Here are some of our favorite books and apps to support greater self-insight and discovery.

1. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment – Eckhart Tolle

A critical first step toward greater self-insight involves ceasing to confuse your true self with the endless stream of thoughts flowing through your mind.

The bestselling book The Power of Now  takes readers on a journey to find their deepest self through the lens of mindfulness and spirituality.

The book guides the reader through steps to help recognize and free themselves from ego in the form of defense mechanisms, automatic negative habits, and over-identification with thought. From here, readers can then discover their true nature and lasting contentment, rooted in the present moment.

Find the book on Amazon .

2. Self-Discovery Questions: 155 Breakthrough Questions to Accelerate Massive Action – Barrie Davenport

Not all of us have the resources to employ a self-discovery coach, making it all the more important to know what questions to ask on your self-discovery journey.

Barrie Davenport’s book of 155 powerful questions is a perfect companion for self-reflection and journaling, helping readers become less reactive and take charge of their lives and destiny.

Once you become acquainted with your answers, you can strengthen self-awareness , break out of automatic patterns, and feel empowered to make positive new life changes.

3. The 365 Self-Discovery Journal: One Year of Reflection & Development – Created by 21 Exercises

Journaling remains one of the best ways to pursue self-discovery and greater self-insight (Charles, 2010).

This book provides journal lovers with a year’s worth of challenging and original questions to guide self-discovery.

By combining each prompt with thought-provoking poems and quotes, this book is an excellent tool to help steadily expand the reader’s comfort zone and curiosity across domains ranging from career and finances to love and relationships.

4. The Quenza app

Quenza was designed by our very own team as a one-stop resource for coaches and psychologists wishing to remotely support their clients’ self-inquiry between scheduled sessions.

The app links with an online dashboard and growing library of science-backed activities you can customize and send directly to your clients’ smart devices, including audio meditations, guided visualizations, and many thought-provoking reflections.

Try the app, platform, and entire library of pre-built activities for 30 days for just $1.

5. The Waking Up app

While Western takes on meditation tend to emphasize health and stress reduction, there is much more we can discover about ourselves through this powerful practice.

Waking Up , developed by philosopher and neuroscientist Sam Harris, features a rich array of audio-based meditations, exercises, and conversations with leading experts and teachers to help you make profound discoveries about the nature of your own mind.

This app is a top-rated resource for those seeking to dismantle illusions of the self and rediscover their true nature and purpose.

6. The Reflectly app

With the growing recognition of journaling as a tool for self-insight, new technologies are emerging to support this powerful practice.

Reflectly is a modern journaling app for self-care and greater happiness. Drawing on evidence-based approaches from positive psychology, mindfulness, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, this app serves as an AI companion to help you manage negative thoughts and find greater happiness.

Among its personalized functions, the app includes daily quotes, a mood tracker , and personalized insights via its reporting features.

Throughout this post, we’ve discussed the importance of clarifying values to better understand what brings meaning throughout one’s journey of self-discovery. To this end, we invite you to check out our free Meaning & Valued Living Exercises Pack .

This pack features three of our top tools from the Positive Psychology Toolkit©, all of which center on the theme of values-based living:

• The Top 5 Values This exercise draws on key principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients begin brainstorming their values. Following this, clients will then prioritize these values in a list to identify those most central to who they are.
• Self-Eulogy This exercise invites clients to consider how they’d like to be remembered at their funeral as a means to identify and clarify values. Based on this, they can then consider how well they are living in alignment with these values.
• The Scoreboard Metaphor This exercise helps clients recognize how to enact their values through goal-setting. In particular, it draws on the metaphor of a basketball game to illustrate how living into one’s values is an ongoing process and that the paths by which we pursue our goals are opportunities to enact our values in daily life.

You can access all three exercises for free by downloading our Meaning & Valued Living Exercises Pack .

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others discover meaning, this collection contains 17 validated meaning tools for practitioners. Use them to help others choose directions for their lives in alignment with what is truly important to them.

17 Tools To Encourage Meaningful, Value-Aligned Living

This 17 Meaning & Valued Living Exercises [PDF] pack contains our best exercises for helping others discover their purpose and live more fulfilling, value-aligned lives.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Self-discovery is an ongoing process of stripping away that which is unimportant, reviewing our core values, and seeking to live in greater alignment with these inner truths.

Importantly, anyone can take steps toward greater self-knowledge . All that’s required is an attitude of curiosity and regular time out for meditation, reflection, or self-questioning.

We hope this article has left you feeling equipped for your journey of self-discovery, and if you decide to try out any of the tools or exercises we’ve explored, be sure to let us know in the comments.

We’d love to hear from you.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Meaning and Valued Living Exercises for free .

• 21 Exercises. (2018).  The 365 self-discovery journal: One year of reflection & development.  Author.
• Charles, J. P. (2010). Journaling: Creating space for “I”. Creative Nursing , 16 (4), 180–184.
• Davenport, B. (2015).  Self-discovery questions: 155 Breakthrough questions to accelerate massive action.  Bold Living Press.
• Elevate Life Project. (n.d.). Self discovery coaching . Retrieved October 11, 2021 from https://elevatelifeproject.com/self-discovery-coaching/
• Hollis, B. (2019, July 16). Who am I? Journaling prompts for self-discovery and self-reflection. Learning to Be Free . Retrieved October 11, 2021 from https://www.learningtobefree.com/2019/07/16/journaling-prompts-for-self-discovery/
• Horney, K. (1950). Neurosis and human growth: The struggle toward self-realization . Norton.
• Pagedar, A. (2021). Finding awareness: The journey of self-discovery . Author.
• Tolle, E. (2004).  The power of now: A guide to spiritual enlightenment.  New World Library.
• Waterman, A. S. (2011). Eudaimonic identity theory: Identity as self-discovery. In S. Schwartz, K. Luyckx, & V. Vignoles (Eds.), Handbook of identity theory and research (pp. 357–379). Springer.
• Waterman, A. S., Schwartz, S. J., Zamboanga, B. L., Ravert, R. D., Williams, M. K., Bede Agocha, V., … Brent Donnellan, M. (2010). The Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Well-Being: Psychometric properties, demographic comparisons, and evidence of validity. The Journal of Positive Psychology , 5 (1), 41–61.

Share this article:

Article feedback

What our readers think.

This is a great article for self-discovery, I recommend it to all, it’s a must read for the young minds.

Thanks to a great counselor. I appreciate your encouragement and efforts that have served as an eyes opener to self discovery and other resources that is helpful.

You have some great resources listed here in this article. Thanks for the great read! -Ryan

Appreciated, Nicole, for insight well done to start kicking where need be. Keep up te good work!

Thanks Nicole. I will explore some of the resources which sounds great. I work with medical students, some of whom are at the very beginning of learning reflective approaches to enhance their self knowledge. The challenge is always to find a variety of ways to promote engagement. You have given me some helpful ideas.

Thank You Dr, Nicole.

I have left you a message on LinkedIn.

Thank you so much for this wonderful article. Very useful and helps in the journey of self awareness and so helpful to the therapist and counselors who are using these resources to support clients. Heartfelt thanks and gratitude for all the resources that benefit the clients and counselors who otherwise would not be able to access such great quality articles and resources. Thank you. As a counselor who is doing a lot of free counseling these resources and articles are so helpful, cause I cannot afford them otherwise. Thanks for supporting the counselors and therapist and clients who ultimately benefit.

Thanks, Nicole … you shared a very interesting set of perspective.

Let us know your thoughts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related articles

Reparenting: Seeking Healing for Your Inner Child

In our work as therapists, we often encounter the undeniable truth: we never truly outgrow our inner child. A youthful part within us persists, sometimes [...]

30 Best Self-Exploration Questions, Journal Prompts, & Tools

Life is constantly in flux – our environment and ‘self’ change continually. Self-exploration helps us make sense of who we are, where we are, and [...]

Inner Child Healing: 35 Practical Tools for Growing Beyond Your Past

Many clients enter therapy because they have relationship patterns that they are tired of repeating (Jackman, 2020). They may arrive at the first session asking, [...]

Read other articles by their category

• Body & Brain (49)
• Coaching & Application (58)
• Compassion (25)
• Counseling (51)
• Emotional Intelligence (23)
• Gratitude (18)
• Grief & Bereavement (21)
• Happiness & SWB (40)
• Meaning & Values (26)
• Meditation (20)
• Mindfulness (44)
• Motivation & Goals (45)
• Optimism & Mindset (34)
• Positive CBT (30)
• Positive Communication (20)
• Positive Education (47)
• Positive Emotions (32)
• Positive Leadership (19)
• Positive Parenting (15)
• Positive Psychology (34)
• Positive Workplace (37)
• Productivity (17)
• Relationships (43)
• Resilience & Coping (37)
• Self Awareness (21)
• Self Esteem (38)
• Strengths & Virtues (32)
• Stress & Burnout Prevention (34)
• Theory & Books (46)
• Therapy Exercises (37)
• Types of Therapy (64)

• China Edition

• China Daily PDF
• China Daily E-paper

A journey of self-discovery

New tourist route opens in guizhou that taps into the profound history and culture related to a prominent chinese thinker, report yang feiyue and yang jun in guiyang..

By Yang Feiyue and Yang Jun in Guiyang | China Daily | Updated: 2023-03-21 08:36

People with the knowledge of Wang's ideas and tourism planning have conducted field investigations, and found 12 sites across Guizhou which carry traces of Wang's spirit, Xie says.

Those sites have been pieced together into a classic learning route, along which travelers can enjoy a dialogue with the ancient thinker while having fun.

Li Xiaolong, head of the Guizhou Longchang Wang Yangming Research Institute, believes the value of each of the 12 sites is different, but their connection is very close.

"Wang Yangming came to Longchang with a heavy heart, but was light-hearted and full of hope when he left," Li says, adding that the 12 sites have preserved elements reflecting the changes Wang went through.

"When visiting each point, it is important to quieten your mind, truly enter into the thinker's inner world, and carefully appreciate and reflect upon the historical background and his life experiences. Only then can you gain something meaningful from the journey," Li says.

Zhang Lubin has been working at the Yangming Culture Park at Longchang, one of the sites, for eight years.

It was where Wang gained his philosophical insight, which was named the "Longchang enlightenment".

"I have given group tours thousands of times now, hosting probably 60 or 70 tours during the busiest months," Zhang says.

• Local flavor adds spice to tourism
• Saudi Arabia offers sightseers a new world of experience
• Hong Kong sees over 1 mln visitors in February, first in 3 years
• Mountain retreat
• Gansu beckons as destination of beauty and progress