(3 / 4)
Manages to be both a story I’ve seen countless times before as well as a film unlike anything that’s come before it.
Over the past few years it has become increasingly popular for films to present a story that breaks the mold of societal and cultural norms. As seen by the recent event films Black Panther and Wonder Woman, an incredible phenomenon is occurring in which social change is essentially being commoditized for viewers. Moviegoers are not only being drawn to the novelty of a film from a different cultural point of view, but they are also being motivated to buy a ticket and become a part of history, doing what they can to support the paradigm shifts in Hollywood standards. Despite some controversy regarding the nationalities of the actors in the film, Crazy Rich Asians features an entirely Asian ensemble and continues the propulsion towards an increase in representation and diversity whilst being presented in an elegantly enthralling package.
Based on Kevin Kwan’s 2013 novel of the same name, our story begins with Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) and Nick Young (Henry Golding), two NYU professors who have been in a happy relationship for almost a year. One evening, Nick decides to invite Rachel to accompany him on a trip to Singapore to attend the wedding of his best friend Colin, and also have Rachel finally meet his family. Unbeknownst to Rachel, however, Nick comes from an exorbitantly wealthy family of real estate developers. The word “wealthy” doesn’t even do the family justice, as Nick’s home in Singapore could be mistaken for a palace, and the family is largely revered as royalty to the rest of the country.
Once arriving in Singapore and meeting Nick’s family, it isn’t long before Rachel discovers that many in the family disapprove of her, with Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh), Nick’s mother, being the most vocal and direct about this. Despite Rachel being a success by U.S. standards, Eleanor believes that Rachel’s Western value of personal happiness and lack of social status will damage the longevity of the family, ultimately leading to Nick’s unhappiness. Rachel and Nick’s relationship is put to the test, as we see whether their disparate social standings will tear them apart or if their love will defy the odds and overcome the disapproval of Nick’s family.
As the premise denotes, the film is more or less a typical rom-com, containing many of the tired story beats that accompany the genre. However, these story conventions are elevated by the culturally profound struggle Rachel faces, which has not been properly explored before in a mainstream Hollywood film. Despite being of Chinese ethnicity, American raised Rachel is seen as an outsider by Eleanor, possessing ideals related to individualism rather than putting the collective family above all else. This type of prejudice that stems beyond how we look on the outside was a refreshing conflict to witness that was no doubt bolstered by the fantastically stoic performance from Michelle Yeoh and well-meaning sincerity of Constance Wu.
Crazy Rich Asians is also enhanced by the sheer beauty of most everything depicted on screen. As you would infer from the title alone, there is glitz and glamour presented at every turn during the course of this film. While this may sound like mere window dressing, the opulence proves to be more purposeful, as it manages to present Asian culture in a more flattering and sophisticated light than is typically demonstrated in mainstream Hollywood.
Director Jon Chu, who is most well-known for action flicks like Now You See Me 2 and G.I. Joe: Retaliation has an eye for bringing out the best of Singapore, as much of the film was shot on location. Every detail from the cuisine served to the jewelry adorned by the characters is gorgeous, but it is also entrenched in Asian culture and serves as a strong representation of the beauty present in Singapore.
Crazy Rich Asians is the rare romantic comedy where despite being a bubbly and predictable story, the film has something novel and profound to say regarding social classes and how ideals can shift based upon where one lives. As Rachel’s friend Peik Lin (played hilariously well by Awkwafina) describes during a memorable scene at a party, “it’s like the Asian bachelor…” only with something far more substantial to say than one might believe from a quick glance at the story.
