Media Studies
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Analysis of Narrative Structure and Storytelling Techniques
🤓 Study
📖 Quiz
Play audio lesson
Analysis of Narrative Structure and Storytelling Techniques
Narrative Structure
-
Chronological order - "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" uses a blend of chronological storytelling and flashbacks. The flashbacks play a crucial role in character development, particularly in revealing pivotal moments from Shang-Chi's childhood.
-
Three-Act Structure - The film adheres to the traditional three-act structure - set up, confrontation, and resolution.
-
Set up - Here, the film introduces characters and their background, Shang-Chi's ordinary world, and the summons (the pendant) he receives.
-
Confrontation - It includes the journey of Shang-Chi to confront his father and his past, the hardships and battles he faces.
-
Resolution - In the climax, the film resolves the main conflict with a final showdown, end of the antagonist, and resolution of character arcs.
-
Foreshadowing - The narrative employs foreshadowing to hint at events to come. For example, the legend of the ten rings is introduced early, hinting at their significant role later on.
Storytelling Techniques
-
Symbolism - "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" makes extensive use of symbolism. The ten rings are symbolic, representing power, control, and immortality.
-
Visual storytelling and cinematography - The film makes use of colours, landscapes, and fight choreography to communicate ideas and emotions. Notably, the film employs a bright, vibrant colour palette in Ta Lo compared to the darker colour tone of Wenwu's kingdom to contrast the worlds.
-
Use of Enigma Codes - The film employs enigma codes to engage the audience. The true nature of the ten rings, the Ta Lo village, and the dark creature behind the gate are all mysteries that gradually unfold, maintaining audience interest.
-
Character Arcs - Characters undergo significant transformations throughout the story. Shang-Chi’s evolution from an underconfident parking valet to a hero is a classic example.
-
Flashbacks - The film makes excellent use of flashbacks, which weave in and out of the current timeline to provide context and depth to the characters, especially Shang-Chi and Wenwu.
-
Drama and Humour - A mix of dramatic tension and humour keeps the narrative engaging. Comic relief characters lighten the mood.
-
Conflict - At the heart of the narrative is the conflict, both internal (Shang-Chi's struggle with his father's legacy) and external (the threat posed by Wenwu and the dark creature), which drive the story forward.
-
Dialogue - Dialogue in the film is used effectively to reveal character personalities, motivations, and to move the plot forward.
Remember, these points are merely a guide. It's crucial to delve deeper and form your own interpretations, linking these understandings with the appropriate media theory and principles.