The highly anticipated movie Crazy Rich Asians is now out in theaters, and it is the epitome of extra. Based on Kevin Kwan’s best-selling novel, Crazy Rich Asians is the story of Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), an Economics professor from NYU, who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) to attend a wedding. With striking locations and an amazing Asian cast, Crazy Rich Asians is a breath of fresh air in the rom-com genre.
One of the main points of focus of the film is obviously the cast. This is the first movie I have seen with an all-Asian cast, and I adored it. I also loved that this story contained many Chinese customs and traditions that made it stand apart from the usual rom-coms. Typical romantic comedies include the same kind of characters: white, straight, middle-to-upper class people. They also usually follow the same narrative; a newly formed couple who bicker and fight most of the time and don’t seem to be compatible with each other. So, for once it was refreshing to see a couple from the usual that respect and truly love each other. Additionally, it was really nice to be entertained by a movie while also learning from another culture. Lastly, Constance Wu and Henry Golding’s chemistry is amazing from start to finish, which made the story endearing and beautiful.
Besides the cast, this movie is visually striking. From the amazing locations to the costume design, this film is aesthetically pleasing and over-the-top. Throughout the movie, we get various glimpses of Singapore as well as other exciting and beautiful locations. The set design is gorgeous, from the mansion to the stunning wedding scene, and it lives up to its title: it’s crazy and rich while also maintaining its Asian influence.
Lastly, this movie is essential in today’s film industry. I believe this film revived the rom-com genre and created something new; there is no denying that this movie is among the most significant films of 2018. It breaks the mold and crosses barriers by drawing away from stereotypes and portraying Asian characters in a new light. It shows an incredible group of characters with completely different personalities. From strong female characters like Rachel, Kerry and Eleanor, soft yet endearing male characters like Nick and Colin, and humorous roles like Peik Lin and Oliver; it is a breath of fresh air in this genre. This movie shows Hollywood that diversity and representation is important and necessary because it has inspired an entire community of people that has been underrepresented throughout the years.
Crazy Rich Asians has it all, from an amazing cast to a great romance story with lessons and humor. Light-hearted, funny, and absolutely extra (I’m serious, that wedding scene left me in awe), this film is everything you expect from a rom-com. Besides that, this movie represents a community that has been diminished in the film industry and stereotyped endlessly throughout the years. Crazy Rich Asians proves that diverse films are successful (it is the number one movie for second weekend in a row), necessary for people throughout the world, and essential in the film industry. So, if you want a feel-good movie that is diverse, different, and hilarious, then this is a must watch.