Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings introduces the exciting world of martial arts to the MCU. Along the way, it adds a slew of gifted and inspiring characters to its already massive universe. These impressive warriors are a welcome inclusion to the MCU, worthy to stand alongside Earth's mightiest heroes.
However, not all of Shang-Chi's friends and foes are equally smart. Indeed, the movie makes it clear that some characters are more clever than others. They use their intelligence to move their plans forward, leaving others behind to try and keep up.
Razor Fist
Razor Fist is the ideal enforcer as he asks little questions and obeys every command. He's willing to do everything necessary to fulfill his duty and seems to have blind loyalty towards the Ten Rings organization. In fact, Razor Fist remains with the group, even after Wenwu's death at the end of the movie.
Despite his brutish appearance, Razor Fist does exhibit a degree of cleverness throughout the movie. He knows when to fight and with whom, something that becomes clear when he agrees to join the people of Ta Lo against the Dweller's minions.
Trevor Slattery
Fans will remember Trevor Slattery as the so-called Mandarin, considered by many fans as one of the worst parts of Iron-Man 3. Throughout the movie, Trevor proves he's a well-meaning albeit somewhat dumb actor who does what he needs to survive. Years in solitude also left him in a world of his own; others might confuse his unique and eccentric personality for ignorance or even stupidity, but Trevor does possess an intellect that makes him stand out.
He becomes a jester for Wenwu and his organization because he knows it's better than death. During the climactic fight, he's smart enough to pretend to be dead and avoid any attack from an enemy. Furthermore, he's also capable of understanding the hundun Morris, proving that intelligence doesn't always come in the most obvious way.
Katy
In many ways, Katy is Shang-Chi's most sympathetic character. Played by the multi-talented Awkwafina, she represents the audience, a new pair of eyes discovering the marvel of Shang-Chi's world. She remains cool throughout the whole ordeal, even as she deals with things no regular human would ever face.
Katy has a quick mind, especially in times of trouble. She also has very high emotional intelligence, proven by her handling of the bus situation, her behavior during the fight at the Macau club, and her handling of the final battle at Ta Lo. The movie suggests that Katy isn't living up to her potential and still has plenty to offer, so hopefully, a sequel will take more time to explore her character.
Shang-Chi
As the protagonist of the movie, Shang-Chi drives the entire plot. He has a classic hero's journey and makes the common mistakes a protagonist does in his quest to discover himself. He easily falls for his father's trap and allows his anger to get the best of him during their first fight at Ta Lo. However, he shows innate talent to learn, taking the lessons from his parents and aunt, and making the best of them.
Shang-Chi goes from capable albeit unwilling warrior to a full-on champion worthy of wearing the Ten Rings. Like Katy, Shang-Chi has tons of undiscovered potential that he's just beginning to explore and understand. Indeed, the movie is just the start of his journey.
Xu Xialing
Like her brother, Xu Xialing demonstrated innate talent from childhood. However, she's even more impressive because she taught herself everything her brother knew. Furthermore, she manages to build an entire empire from scratch, making a name for herself with little to no help from others.
Xu Xialing shows how intelligent she is multiple times. By the end of the movie, she's ready to take the leadership of the Ten Rings, restoring the crumbling organization and making it a dangerous threat once more. Xu Xialing is one of the best supporting characters in Phase 4 of the MCU: whether she's friend or foe, she's someone with enough talent and smarts to get whatever she wants.
Wong
Despite his short role in Shang-Chi, fans are already well-acquainted with Wong. He is one of the Masters of the Mystic Arts, whose knowledge rivals even that of Doctor Strange (so far, at least). Wong is one of the wisest and most experienced characters in the MCU, well-aware of everything from cosmic threats to more Earthly enemies.
Wong doesn't get many opportunities to show his impressive knowledge during Shang-Chi, but fans of the MCU don't need more confirmation. He is an established character that's quickly becoming one of the most notorious supporting players in the MCU.
Xu Wenwu
Every great villain comes with a very large brain. Indeed, the villain is more clever than the hero nine times out of ten. How else would they pull off their schemes and become a threat in the first place? Xu Wenwu is among the most intelligent characters in the movie, manipulating everyone to do as he wishes. He managed to remain hidden for a thousand years, building an empire that the world came to fear and staying one step ahead of all his enemies.
Xu Wenwu is an incredible character, so intriguing that he might be one of the few MCU villains to deserve a spin-off movie. This mighty warrior wasn't perfect, though as he allowed the Dweller to fool and manipulate him. Xu Wenwu was unable to let go of his regrets, leaving himself vulnerable to the influence of others.
Ying Li
Ying Li was Xu Wenwu's wife and Shang-Chi and Xu Xialing's mother. She is a wise and spiritual warrior who abandoned her legendary village to form a life besides Xu Wenwu. She taught him new fighting techniques while also helping him realize there was more to life than just conquering.
Although she died long before Shang-Chi's events, Yung Li's wisdom remains present in most main characters. Her teachings help her children find the inner strength they need to persevere, demonstrating unique reasoning and understanding that only one other character possessed.
Ying Nan
Like her sister, Ying Nan is a guardian of Ta Lo. She is perhaps the wisest of all characters, the protector of a long legacy hidden from the outside world. In many ways, she's the embodiment of knowledge and history and a key figure in Shang-Chi's journey.
Ying Nan is one of Shang-Chi's bravest characters, a capable warrior who could stand up to the Ten Rings themselves. However, she's also the cleverest and most mature, a leader in every sense of the word. Ying Nan knows her duty and uses every resource at her disposal in practical and effective ways. She's also the keeper of vast and ancient knowledge and knows when to reveal them and to whom. Her leadership saves Ta Lo from the Dweller and its minions.