Why Shang-Chi's Theme is a Musical Masterpiece
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- Опубликовано: 12 фев 2022
- 🚨 Make sure to turn on captions to see the commentary! 🚨
We often forget how much effort and meaning musicians put into their work. Hours upon hours worth of passion and ideas - all condensed into a track that only lasts a few minutes at most. Here, I'll briefly try to appreciate some of that genius by examining Joel P. West's theme for the film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
All music and visuals used in this video are property of Disney. 
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![Why Electro's Theme is a Musical Masterpiece [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NWZsr5Hqwxo/mqdefault.jpg)
![SHANG-CHI (2021) Full Bus Fight [HD] Marvel IMAX Clip](/img/1.gif)
Hi everyone! Not much to say about this one other than I'm really happy with how it came out, and if you decide to subscribe, hit the bell icon 🔔 or RUclips won’t notify you when I upload! :(
Amazing analysis as always, love your content
@@tugs4223 Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Before watching Shang-Chi, I listened to the music to get hyped!
I think you did a perfect job with this one and it's more than I was hoping for, thank you once again and I'm already excited for the next!
Hello Ivy. I don’t know if you take video ideas but can you do one for demon slayer season 2 gyatoru and tenges theme. I would really love to see that and I want to see the connection/parallels you make between the two themes. I want to see how yo break it down and your take on what they mean. Thank you. It would make my entire month.
I absolutely adore Wenwu's motif. It feels so powerful and intimidating. And I love how when they used it in Shang-Chi's theme, instead of feeling intimidated, you feel triumphant.
I feel like a hero that can stand up to anything when that part comes up.
IKR
I never realized how well put together Shang-Chi's theme really is. Both of the family's themes mix well together. Keep up the great content!
Literally EVERY single one of these "Blank is a Musical Masterpiece" videos manages to give me CHILLS everytime, it's incredible 👌
Glad you enjoy them :)))
I agree. Please keep on making these videos of famous movvie motifs.
I never realized how his theme is literally made out of his parents themes, that makes it infinitely cooler and more amazing, thank u for this analysis!
Shang chi's theme is super underrated. Glad you covered it!
Buddy, I don’t think it’s underrated. It is really good and everyone knows how awesome the soundtrack is.
I don't think it's underrated
I really appreciate how you've used subtitles to explain this rather than stop it
It really helps the feelings to kick in
Brilliant. “The Light and the Dark”, featured on Shang Chi’s score album, portrays his theme even louder and more triumphantly
Yeah I debated whether or not I should include that one because it’s really grand. But ultimately the version I used for better for what I was trying to accomplish.
@@artloverivy Yeah I get it. When it’s quieter, you can more easily spot both themes coming together
The Light and The Dark has to be the best one out of the whole soundtrack because of how it builds up and has an epic finale to it.
Was not expecting a video for Shang-Chi's theme, but here we are! Didn't really pay attention to his theme on my first watch, so I appreciate you going in depth with it! (Also I really love how Shang-Chi defeats the Dweller In Darkness with both of his parents' fighting stances)
Yeah that final move is sexy as hell.
@@artloverivy lol, i saw one of the commentators in samuelkims vids say that he noticed that joel p. west showed the light side and the dark side in his theme . its very unnoticable , but its a very good and underrated score
Yesssssssss another 1 of these it's really crazy that not many people admire those masterpieces
I love how it suddenly opens with Shang-chi’s score and shows how he already knows how to fight and has his father in him, because the movie wasn’t so much him finding out his past but reconnecting with it. We as the audience and that girl were finding out his past like a movie should.
When I got to rewatch this masterful film, I really got to pick up the orchestration differences to the tone and themes made for both Wenwu and Ying's. Immediately realized how perfect this comes from how you described their theme of Yin Yang and how their balance helped shaped the story told thru the score for Shang-Chi himself. God I love Joel P. West's work in this maaaan wish he was Oscar nominated 😔
Thank you again Art Lover for bringing us another musical score gem vid 🤲🏾💙✨
This theme is so epic. God Im too drunk for this. 2:45 and I already started bawling my eyes out 😭 what a good theme
Being drunk is amazing 🎉 Also is that Stephen Fry in your profile pic? I love his hair there.
I seen this as " what a good meme "
Another thing I adore about this score and Shang-Chi’s theme is that Wenwu has two motifs. The first is the one in the video, which is the more common of the two, but the second is more of a villain motif and only plays a handful of times (most notably in Your Father at around the 1:17 mark and during the scene where he takes young Shang-Chi to do business at the underground casino after the death of his mother). The second motif is only ever associated with Wenwu and not Shang-Chi, which can seem obvious as it’s a villainous motif, but given the story of the movie, I think there’s definitely a reading of it where Shang-Chi’s theme takes the first motif and leaves behind the second as an extension of the idea of taking what you need from your background/family to strengthen you but leaving behind what doesn’t. He acknowledges his father’s legacy but isn’t burdening himself with it, which is reflected in the theme’s use of the first motif but not the second. This score, man
You want your mind blown? Ying Li ALSO has a second motif 1:42 - furthering the Yin Yang dynamic between her and Xu Wenwu. However, unlike his second motif, hers DOES briefly show up in Shang-Chi’s track 3:23. This shows how while he’s inheriting both of their powers, he’s only taking after his mother’s kindness and not his father’s selfishness. Pretty impressive stuff.
@@artloverivy
Holy heck, you’re right!
I hear it now, Two Motifs for Each Parent, and Three Present in Shang-Chi’s theme.
This Soundtrack is Nuts, and Very Underrated
And dude it's not only that you are explaining the music, you are also making us feel the music.
By the end of the video I had tears in my eyes.
Wow that’s quite something. Good music really does have the power to move us 🥺
i never realized that movie theme songs could have this much meaning in them until i saw your channel
loved the video
keep up the good work
Yesss! Joel West really outdid himself with Shang-Chi, and I love the storytelling in the score with the combination of his parents’ motives. I’m currently breaking the Shang-Chi score and the leitmotivs down on my channel and it’s been so fun!
This movie was incredible to watch! I especially loved the last scene, when defeating the dweller of darkness. It gave me goosebumps, the music has really evolved and the music began to gain confidence.
This movie really was a masterclass in every aspect of filmmaking, especially in scoring
Shang Chi was one of my favorite movies of the year, so it’s pretty awesome seeing you make a video on it! I really loved the tone they were going with! As an Asian American, this movie made me so happy! :D
Absolutely love his theme and how it is a combination of both his mother's and father's motifs which applies directly to his character.
Yoooo holy shit I never realized you left a comment here. Been watching your stuff since before I started making videos myself lmao. Love the intro/defeat edits (especially the Bo-Katan one 👌🏼)
@@artloverivy Ayyy appreciate your support! Love your commentary!
The mix between his mother and his father, all in one single theme. Powerful (in a triumphant way), yet soft and gentle. Totally define Shang-Chi really well, as he is a creation of both worlds.
I am absolutely in love with the way you describe what’s happening in these scores with themes and motifs and how beautifully you edit the music and the commentary so that it’s easy to comprehend. Please keep doing more, I am learning so much from these
I always thought that soundtracks in some superhero movies are really underrated. It's not only beautiful but greatly captures characters personality. Loved the video!
I am not even kidding this channel has to be my favourite channel now in all of YT, people who recognise and respect art. Just saw your spiderman video and can’t stop watching.
Yay! I’m happy you’re enjoying the vids 😊✨
I appreciated this amazing score the first time I watched this movie, it's so emotional and well structured, I love how music does the story telling in such a beautiful way. Marvel has strugled in their music when they started this universe, but ever after endgame every series or movie has had such amazing soundtracks that made me love marvel even more, thank you for doing this videos, keep going
I just love how shang chi's theme shows that wenwu and ying li (if that's his mother's name) are two different objects but becomes a perfect powerful matching duo when they are together a.k.a Shang Chi
This is something I thought about when I watched the movie in theaters. The music in it SLAPS!
I really liked the theme when it came out. It's nice to see, you covered this :)
This movie gets even better every rewatch, I'm telling you.
I absolutely love the music of Shang Chi. So far it's one of my fav theme of phase 4 after Spider-Man themes. It's so rich and distinct Wenwu and Shang Chi motif had my attention right away on my first watch.
I'm blown away when you explained it was a merge between his parents motif. At first I didn't realized it was Ying Li's motif because the theme has 10 notes on repeat so I thought each notes represent each rings so since Wenwu already have a motif I simply thought it must've be Shang Chi's.
Well the fascinating thing is that like I mentioned in the video, it technically IS Shang-Chi’s motif, but one that he inherits from his mother.
the first thing i noticed in this when you played Xu Shang-Chi and called the father’s first motif “triumphant” i realized the music might be that way because Shang-Chi was trying to get away from his father’s past and everything, but in the end he was triumphant over his father and became his own man but didn’t throw away his ancestry. (that is basically what you said but still i love the intricacies of this music, and the drums throughout are just 🤤🤤 so good)
oh my GOODNESS and i also realized that in his own theme, his mother’s motif plays first because he took longer to accept his father and wanted first to keep the traits his mother had with her kindness and selflessness. agh i could go on and on about stuff like this 😭😭 /pos
I've learnt to appreciate these themes and the meaning behind them thanks to you. Keep doing more. Love your work.
I love this theme so much
Especially the part where shang Chi's part starts it's just an absolute bop from that part
Even the movie was stellar a solid 9/10
And you explained it so perfectly
The background score was enough to carry this movie above 60%. The other facts linked as pillars to succession of this masterpiece Film. Your captions making this background scores even better versions. ✨❤
I'm so glad someone has made a video about this because every time I watch the movie I go buts over the score. I would excitedly point it out, but no one would understand. The deep, ominous strings in Wenwu's theme turning into triupmphant brass takes that motif from melencholic, tragic, and ominous to something proud, strong and full of triumph. Shang-Chi overcame the tragedy that was his childhood with his father, and focused on all the good, and turned the intimidating motif into something to be proud of. While Ying Li's is soft and gentle, full of grace and elegance, Shang-chi's is more sturdy in a way. It's slightly quicker, and is played with powerful instrumentation, showcasing he inherited more than just her kindness but her power and elegance as well. His theme is a wonderful mix and evolution of his parents, really bringing out what his aunt told him-- he inherited a legacy of the good and the bad. It is a part of him, but it only builds him up, he does not have to be defined by the sins of his father. And that's what his theme does. The difference in instrumentation shows while Shang-Chi has accepted what he and his father has done, he will not follow the path his father went down.
I adore this and I'm so glad someone else see's just how brilliant the music is in this movie
Easily one the best channels i've ever found on youtube. My favorite genre of music is soundtracks and that's pretty much all that I listen to everyday. And to see someone represent some of my favorite soundtracks with that beatiful explanation is amazing. And if we're talking about amazingness, I can't wait for you to analyze my favorite soundtrack of Spider-man movies which is from Hans Zimmer in TASM 2. Also I would for sure watch a 3 hours video of you describing every single second of Interstellar's soundtrack, for me the greatest music piece of all time.
Other suggestions: On the nature of daylight - Max Richter( pure art)
Light of the Seven from Game of Thrones s6 e10- Ramin Djawadi( This music has one of the best build-ups ever)
Gladiator- Hans Zimmer( I literally want this to be played in my funeral)
Time - Hans zimmer's soundtrack for inception
Married Life- Michael Giacchino's oscar winner soundtrack for Up.
I’ve been listening to the music of Shang Chi recently and it’s incredibly underrated. Joel P West did such a great job.
This made me appreciate Shang Chi even more.
Just got finished watching Shang Chi and was surprised you did a video on it. Really love your in-depth takes.. hope you never stop! A fan! For real!
Thank you 😊
I am loving these deep dives! It really intrigues me to see how these composers can compact an entire character arc into music.
I love how the music is interwoven within the story, it's absolutely Brilliant!
Dude you've completely changed my perspective on how to listen to instrumental music.
Shang-Chi is underrated
From the beginning I realized that his theme song was a mix of his father's and mother's theme. These details are so touching and beautiful that every time I cry. I'm glad there are other artists who realize this. You deserved and won a subscriber! Music is life!❤🎼🎵
Not gonna pretend that I didn't understood this theme [maybe because I watched this film twice] ; but man it feels good when someone portrays it these beautifully. Good job buddy!!!😚😚
I really love how composers tell stories with these motifs and change them according to the movie plot 😄
I LOVE THESE TYPES OF VIDEOS PLEASE DO MORE.
I shall I shall.
Would love to have a commentary on Davy Jones’ theme from Pirates. It’s such a sad piece of music that really defines the heartbreak and sadness in his character, I think that’s a musical masterpiece too.
YES
You help me to better appreciate these works of art that I probably didn't even think twice about before. Thankyou 🙏
first time i watch this movie, i got so emotional. So thanks to the music theme, i need them
Now I Hope People will Understand & Appreciate The Soundtracks Of Shang-Chi
For Me,It Was A Masterpiece From The Very First Time I Hear The BGM's in The Film ❤️❤️
Magnificent
This is a beautiful film...especially because of this amazing soundtrack.
Who would've thought that beautiful parent's motif would work accompanying an epic battle scene?
i get chills from these videos man... absolute chills.
Great video!
This instantly become my favourite Marvel theme and top 10 movie themes of all time when i first watched the movie, it is going to be hard to beat. It really invokes emotions and brought a tear to my eyes when Shang Chi and his sister Xu Xialing were running along the back of the dragon, that was such an incredible cinematic moment that just paid off such an amazing film.
Ppl are missing out this beautiful masterpiece. It al least deserve Oscar nomination.
I loved the score in Shang chi and couldn’t quite put my finger on why. You’ve just perfectly explained why! Thank you!
Such a shame Shang Chi’s theme was not featured at the closing end credits. It would have been cool because the calm water animation sequence would have matched this track perfectly!
I swear the theme of all three was making that movie my favorite
i really enjoy the format of these videos. you get to listen to the music without interruptions while still getting great commentary. keep on the good work 👍👍
I absolutely love Shang Chi's soundtrack. Glad to see it here.
There's a beauty to Shang-Chi making both his parents' themes into something new - his mother's motif given power and energy, and his father's motif given a hopeful spin.
Plus, the theme's just really good on its own, but that added thematic layer is just *chef's kiss*
Ok, I love this soundtrack, and also the words that you use to describe that. Good job!
The musical score from Shang Chi is epic. I love a strong character theme. Thanks for the deeper look at Shang Chi's hero theme.
Chills, literal chills
Please make more of such videos,
they are frigging awesome. As an audiophile myself, I can totally relate the accuracy & definitely love to see a fellow audiophile's other perspectives.
Best regards from a Singaporean.
So in depth and fantastic I love it
Yay! 😊
I hope you keep doing the analyzing videos. They’re amazing and really detailed. I can’t wait to see more heroes or villains music analysis.
P.S. - I really feel bad for Wenwu. For centuries, he has only lusting for power until he met the love of his life. He was willing to abandon his conquest, power, and longevity in order to spend time with his family until his death.
Shang chis theme being a mix of his mums and his dads is just so obviously intelligent.
I legit get goosebumps whenever I hear Shang-Chi's theme, and tears with the visuals. In the most basic way to say this possible, it's freaking awesome.
I was in love with this score since the first time I watched it. Your channel is a favourite for a while now, am always looking forward to new content. Thank you! 💜
Thanks for sticking around 💖
As the wise philosopher Count Dooku once said: "I was looking forward to this"
Lmao I’ve never seen Dooku’s primary title being a philosopher 😂
@@artloverivy he has evolved beyond we could imagine 😂
Shang Chi’s theme is probably my favorite soundtrack yet. I LOVE IT!!
It’s exciting, graceful, powerful, and not to mention I love traditional Asian music 😍
Man i love your videoss pls make more❤️
I will but I literally just finished this one like 10 minutes ago, ya gotta give me time 😂
@@artloverivy take all the time you need man you have some very good content 🙏🏻❤️
This is so good! I love your commentaries. You get me to think about soundtracks much more than I have in the past. I've seen your commentaries about The Batman, Shuri and Okoye, Sandman, and Electro's soundtrack and they're all superb. Kudos again. I've subscribed :).
This was surely a masterpiece...
And you know after watching your vids.. I listen music more carefully to understand what's the message it is trying to convey..
Hey ! i love this serie, and i was wondering if there was a playlist of all the amazing masterpieces with a lot of story in it on spotify ?
Oh God.... I am gonna put you on notifications... I missed this "masterpiece" by 6 hours....
Gosh.... Amazing !!
bro how many of these songs are musical masterpieces lmao
As many as I say there are muahahahaha
I show this video my musics teacher, now she is gonna cover it up on class and, good job man🤝
Really? Wow that’s amazing 🤩
Commentaries like these make one appericiate
Wuuuuu estuve esperando otro video dese hace tiempo...
Esta genial. Este soundtrack ni si quiera lo había analizado bien y tú lo hiciste increíble.
Gracias y maravilloso video amiga 👏
Dude I love these breakdowns of yours... Super amazing
A lot of people didn’t like Shang-Chi from a comic and MCU perspective. Always wondered why I was sucker for it and I think this is why subconsciously. So obvious that it’s a struggle between mother and fathers teachings but this musical score made it transcend for me.
Another great video! You’ve yet to dissapoint! I love the Shang Chi soundtrack, it gives me chills!
Although i had some problems with this movie, this made me appreciate it just a bit more :)
Finally, the wait is over
I really hope you continue to make more of these types of videos I’ve yet to see anyone do what your doing and there’s so much potential I can just imagine all the breakdowns you can do from popular media..like a Star Wars one would be cool and more of Hanz Zimmer from your electro video. I’ve already subscribed and seen all of them 😂
Hey this is awesome! I watched all of your videos earlier today and read somewhere that you were going to do Shang-Chi's theme, and that got me really excited. Turns out it released just now, awesome! Thank you so much! :p 🔥
No problem 💖 That’s a fun little coincidence
Im addicted to shang Chi dude! Especially wenwu!
The ending gave me goosebumps
The greatest piece in the scoring imo is “the light and the dark”. Goosebump inducing
This explanation is better than the actual movie
Not a fan of the movie huh? 😂
I really love your videos. You describe the emotions that the music evoke very well. I love discovering these musical masterpieces from your channel
Thank you!
Amazing.
only thing i really wish about the theme is that wenwu's theme in the midst of it was louder / more significant like in the movie, would have been absolutely amazing
I am so glad you covered this one. After the movie came out, I was obsessed with the soundtrack.
I really appreciate these kinds of videos. Please continue to do so
2:16 YEAH MY MAN
The music in _Shang-Chi_ may be more effective in terms of how the music tells the story than most movies in the MCU, but I felt the melodies weren't as great as I wanted them to be. Like, can you imagine a few keys scenes of the movie with music from the _Kung Fu Panda_ movies?
I need to watch this movie again, it’s really good