Crazy Rich Asians
Starring: Constance Wu, Gemma Chan, Lisa Lu, Henry Golding
Director: Jon M Chu
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Rating: 15+
RUNTIME: 113 Mins
There is a reason that people love a good Cinderella story. If it’s done well, it shows us a beautiful and glamorous royal or rich world that many of us dream of, then exposes its sordid underbelly.
Crazy Rich Asians, based on the book by Kevin Kwan, takes that classic story, infuses it with buckets of charm and gives us a look into the culture of Singapore with a cast that all deserve to be seen again and again.
In the film, Rachel (Constance Wu) is dating Nick (Henry Golding), but is unaware of his family’s extraordinary wealth. When they fly back home for a friend’s wedding, Rachel learns about the money and is faced with the judgment of his family, particularly his mother Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh) and friends.
The story may be simple at first, but it’s not just Cinderella dressed in a new set of clothing.
During the film, we get a look at the culture of old money in Singapore, and the differences between what people want for their children in different cultures.
Eleanor tells Rachel that in America, there is too much emphasis on following your passion, whereas in Asian cultures, they know how to build something that lasts.
It’s not just the culture of the haves and have-nots here. It’s the culture clash between the East and the West.
While we’re watching that story, we’re also indulging in the glamour and extravagance of money, from the insane bachelorette party on a private island, to the lavish flower-viewing social event of the season. It’s hard not to drool over the first class plane suite, the fairy tale wedding with water and flowers actually running down the aisle, the Great Gatsby-style parties and the food.
While we’re watching that, however, we’re feeling Rachel’s discomfort, trying to be a good guest and to be respectful of family traditions, and being rebuffed and judged, despite her best efforts.
Aside from director Jon M Chu’s luscious visuals, the film rests firmly on its cast. Wu brings bucket loads of charm, and is the perfect way in for viewers. The chemistry between her and Golding is palpable (and he’s clearly got a future as a romantic lead). Yeoh is devastating as Nick’s judgmental mother. She doesn’t even have to say a word. Her withering glance is enough. She’s so good at the stare that it makes you wonder if they cut out paragraphs of dialogue once they realised that she can say it all with scrutinising eyes and pursed lips.
The big standout here, though, is Awkwafina who plays Rachel’s college buddy Peik Lin. Her energy carries the viewer through the scenes with her family that might have been tedious in another film. Ken Jeong, who plays Peik Lin’s father, also adds to the merriment.
It must be said, all is not happy in the end here.
Cinderella story or not, Crazy Rich Asians doesn’t wrap everything up in a neat little bow. Not everyone is going to come around in a week in real life, and it isn’t all roses here either. It’s more relatable that way, moving forward despite obstacles, rather than just conquering them.
If there is a critique, it’s that some of the minor characters get lost. It’s something that often happens when a book is translated into film. It relies on the fact that book readers know who the two step-sister-like women snarling at Rachel are, or that they know the depths of the extended family’s characters. Some of the jokes here rest on that, and as someone who hasn’t read the book, I was very aware that I was missing quite a bit. It didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment, but I wish I was in on the jokes.
Overall, Crazy Rich Asians stuns with its glamour, and gives us the sort of vicarious wish-fulfilment that is the appeal of Cinderella stories the world over.
We see the lives of the wildly wealthy and what life would be like if we had that kind of money, but also, the drama, judgment and restrictions that go along with it. It’s got a standout cast, all of whom should be appearing as leads in films going forward.
It shows us a culture that many might not be familiar with. Whether you’re familiar with the book or not, it’s definitely worth a watch.
Showing in: Cineco, Saar, Seef II, Wadi Al Sail, The Avenues
Kristian’s verdict: 4/5
