Let me start off by saying that there is nothing I find more tedious than formulaic movie plots with the possible exception of politically correct films designed to make one feel guilty if one doesn’t whole heartedly endorse the movie. And if I’m being completely honest, I’m not a big fan of Rom Coms either. I approached John Chu’s ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ with all these trepidations in hand, and I must confess, that I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Even though everything I mentioned above is true about this film, it takes nothing away from the fact that this is just a good, multi-layered, culturally rich film that will having you laughing hysterically as often as it tugs at your heart strings. The fact that this is an all Asian cast film is being touted in the press and while it is certainly true, this is first and foremost a family story that all can universally relate too.
Based on the best selling novel by Kevin Kwan, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ follows the Cinderella story of New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), if being an Economics Professor at NYU allows you to be put into the Cinderella category. Rachel’s boyfriend Nick Young (the impossibly handsome and charming half-Brit Henry Golding) has decided he wants to bring her to his best friend’s wedding back in his homeland of Singapore. He feels it’s time for her to meet his family. Excited that this might lead to proposal for herself she readily accepts. To her surprise, the accommodations on the way to Singapore are First class and to Rachels cautious surprise discovers that Nick is the heir to one of the wealthiest families in Asia. I paused here as a simple Google search would have told Rachel how rich her boyfriend was, but I suppose we have to suspend disbelief. As Rachel is introduced to Nick’s family, what follows is over-the -top wealth porn that has an almost fairy tale type menagerie of visual feasts.
Rachel’s introduction to the matriarchal structure of Nick’s family starts off with the cold pleasantries one would expect from the super wealthy, but Rachel soon feels the pressure of Nick’s overly possessive mother Eleanor (the still striking Michelle Yeoh) as well an assortment of caddy women envious of Rachels position as the soon-to-be fiancé of the Young Family’s heir apparent. Sub-plots circle around various members of his family that are too numerous to mention, but all are uniquely asian, while at the same time resonating with universal struggles people of all backgrounds face. Nick’s sister Astrid (played by the impossibly beautiful Gemma Chan) is one of the more notable sub-stories showing that even someone who seems to have it all still struggles to find happiness. By coincidence, Rachel’s best friend from school Piek Lin Goh lives in Singapore, and what Rom Com would be complete without the quirky best friend. Piek is great, but an under-utilized Ken Jeong who plays her father steals every scene he is in.
Of course, nothing can go according to plan, and the stress of Nick’s families disapproval puts a strain on their relationship, which Nick must rectify. Despite the asian backdrop of this film there is nothing new to this kind of paint-by-the-numbers story line, but that doesn’t mean one can’t enjoy a well crafted story that provides escapism to make one laugh and cry and feel wonderment at the fairytale excesses. It is also part travelog as there is an abundance of exploration of the famous Singapore food scene as well. Even the wedding scene, which tend to be a hallmark of these types of films was so well done that I only felt appreciation as opposed to my usual eye rolling.
Something I love about films is that one sees stories and experiences from around the world, however it isn’t enough just to be different. You have to have a story that resonates and draws you in. Despite the exoticism of Singapore and the family dynamics within asian families, the struggles and triumphs ring true with everyone. We spot our own family dynamics within the exaggerated stories of these ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. It’s a fun ride we’ve all been on before, but there is nothing wrong with taking another turn on a ride we’ve thoroughly enjoyed.
I give this film *** 1/2 stars
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