‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is a modern day Cinderella story. It’s significant because not since the ‘Joy Luck Club’ 25 years ago has there been an all-Asian cast in a mainstream film. Like ‘Black Panther’ earlier this year, it is a wake-up call to Hollywood that there is an audience for stories dealing with underrepresented minority characters. This movie has it all. It’s a charming romantic comedy that gives you a peek into the lives of the ultra rich. It contains a stand-out cast against the futuristic backdrop of Singapore. Don’t let the fairytale story fool you. The film explores class differences and female empowerment. ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is a groundbreaking film that is definitely worth your time.
Rachel (Constance Wu) dates Nick (Henry Golding) but is oblivious to the fact that her boyfriend comes from a wealthy family. He invites her to accompany him to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. When they are escorted to a luxury suite on the airplane, she learns that Nick’s family is involved in real estate development and he is the most eligible bachelor on the island. Although she’s a bit shocked, you can tell she genuinely loves him regardless of his money. Rachel is not a ditz. She is a smart woman with a satisfying career as an economics professor at NYU. Once they get to Singapore, the glitz and glamour is absolutely amazing. The fun aspect of it all is that the audience gets a glimpse into the extravagant world of the super rich too.
It’s pretty insane. There is a bachelorette party on a private island as well as a lavish wedding that actually has flower petals and water running down the aisle. The film showcases the delicious food of the region and how important it is for family gatherings. When Rachel finally meets Nick’s mother Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fame), it is apparent from the look on her face that she disapproves of her. She wants her son to marry a blue blood. She considers her an outsider that is not good enough for her son. As Eleanor’s bestie Peik Lin (Awkwafina) tells her, “You’re a banana – yellow on the outside, white on the inside.” We root for Eleanor to win over Nick’s steely and protective mom.
Besides Awkwafina as the best friend, Gemma Chan who plays Nick’s favorite cousin Astrid delivers another stand-out performance. Her subplot is dealing with a husband with far less money than her. There is also some comic relief from Peik Lin’s father played by Ken Jeong from the Hangover movies. Their family perfectly depicts the differences between old and new money. When Peik Lin is invited into Nick’s family soiree wearing casual clothes, she rummages through the trunk of her Audi R8 sports car for a cocktail dress as if that was normal behavior. Later in the film, Eleanor must endure bullying from a group of mean girls that believe she is just being a gold digger. Will she be a fighter or jump on the next plane back to New York? You’ll have to see ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ to find out.
‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is a great way to close out a summer full of blockbuster movies full of CGI monsters. The two leads, Wu and Golding are charming together and feel like a real couple. This is a rom-com with some genuinely poignant moments. You may want to bring some Kleenex with you. Although this kind of story has been told before, the talented all-Asian cast breathes new life into it. It’s about time Asian actors get an opportunity to star in a Hollywood movie. ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is a dazzling and refreshing romantic comedy that you don’t want to miss.
