Just now at the movie theater, the new Marvel superhero film starts already on Disney+ Day with Disney+. Here you learn all the important information about the comic film and how you can watch it.

The peculiarity: The film will be available for all subscribers, without having to pay for a Disney+ VIP access. Only the regular Disney+ costs of $7.49 per month are payable.

Our tip: until November 14th, the Disney+ Premium month is still available for only 1.99? in the first month.

This surprising change in strategy comes as a surprise, following the previous strategy of Marvel and Disney which has been to release films such as "Jungle Cruise", "Cruella" or the most recent entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, "Black Widow" at the same time in theaters and on Disney+'s premium VIP section at the same price. It's an interesting experiment to see what new paths future blockbuster starts can discover.

What makes Shang-Chi unique is not just the unusual release strategy. It's also the first Marvel superhero movie directed by an Asian and featuring mostly Asian actors.

Following the death of family matriarch Ying Li (Fala Chen), an accomplished fighter and guard of a hidden village deep in the forest, Wenwu vows revenge. He takes his son Shang-Chi onto his campaign, neglecting his daughter Xialing.

Shang Chi, Xialing, and Katy are like always in the Marvel universe: fate has bigger plans for them. Driven by sadness, Shang Chi's father withdrawal has drawn him into madness. He destroys an ancient ancestor shrine and sets in motion unstoppable dark forces. Now Shang Chi, Xialing and Katy embark on a journey - this time to different worlds - to save their families and the world with the help of their lost aunt (Michelle Yeoh) and a magical troop of animals.

The director from Hawaii, Destin Daniel Cretton, made his name with smaller dramas like "Short Term 12 - Stille Helden" and "Just Mercy" before he directed his first blockbuster with "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings." He's currently directing on the HBO Max series "Tokyo Vice," which is being produced by Michael Mann.

In the title role, Canadian actor and stuntman Simu Liu shines, having previously accumulated plenty of action experience in series such as "Taken: The Time is Your Enemy" and in the comedy "Kim's Convenience." Newcomer Menginger Zhang plays his sister Xialing and thus denies her a chance to take on her first film role.

For the quiet drama "The Farewell" she was praised by critics and received, besides other awards, a Golden Globe as best actress. Currently her voice is also heard in the original version of the animated film "Raya and the Last Dragon" on Disney+ where she voices the dragon Sisu.

Tony Leung is one of the biggest Chinese stars in the world, well known in his roles in films like "Chungking Express", "In the Mood for Love - The Sound of Love", "Infernal Affairs - The Eighth Hell" and "The Grandmaster". With his Marvel role, he's trying to make a foothold in Hollywood.

Michelle Yeoh is a well-known Hollywood figure. However, her beginnings date back to the Hong Kong action film scene, where the former ballet dancer quickly gained prominence alongside Jackie Chan in such films as "Poweman 2", "Police Story 3 - Supercop" and "Megacop".

ultimately she was able to present her gifted martial arts in "James Bond - The morning never dies" to a larger international audience in 1997. Subsequently, she achieved success internationally, including in "Tiger & Dragon" and "Die Geisha." She has previously appeared in the comedy "Crazy Rich" with Awkwafina and recently starred in the science fiction series "Star Trek: Discovery."

Shang-Chi's reunification with his sister takes place in a underground fight ring, which is similar to the trash video game movie "Mortal Kombat" from the 1990s. Later, father and son enter a brightly lit gangster meeting spot that might be from an early John Woo film.

Marvel incorporates some amusing and fantastic elements, such as kindly dragons and brave lions, into the form of comic book characters. Although the first half presents a more grounded and humorous approach, the second focuses more on mythical fantasy with a focus on Chinese folklore.

Aside from the spectacular and impressive action, Tony Leung's standout performance in the film is his portrayal of Wenwu, a compelling and human-like character who brings an edge to a family drama without going over the top. He and the other main characters possess three-dimensional depth which is not always present in Marvel films.

Among the younger actors and actresses who all provide good service, Awkwafina stands out in particular for her quirky and natural talent. Together with lead actor Simu Liu, she builds a wonderful chemistry. Marvel has finally released its martial arts action thriller/kung fu film. And the wait was worth it!