DEBATE TRIGGERED OVER ASIAN STEREOTYPES AT THE MOVIES

Marvel release viewed as key step in breaking the mold

After watching the new Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, data analyst Kevin Chen said he felt proud of his Chinese ancestry.

"Finally, Hollywood's Chinese dragon is true to the legend that is not malevolent and does not spit fire," said the 35-year-old, who was born in Hong Kong and grew up in the Bay Area in northern California.

"The characters are deep and well-rounded, not like the geeks or nerds that we are often portrayed as," he added.