Written by: Kevin Berge
I'm not a sucker for a good romance. I'm a highly masculine heterosexual man who would never cry because the girl got her guy despite all the hardships and tribulations because she deserves her happy ending. She deserves it! (Image Courtesy of: eastwestbank.com)
Quick Take: Crazy Rich Asians is a joyful romantic comedy that takes a fresh cultural perspective while showcasing the emotional strength of the genre. While not all that complex or unique in storytelling or scope, it is nonetheless satisfying and joyful.
***This review will not contain spoilers for Crazy Rich Asians, so anyone who has not seen the film can read ahead without risk.***
Is the romantic comedy on the path to a resurgence? It's not exactly a genre most would expect to be on the rise given its storytelling trappings, but more than a few recent movies have shown that they can have success simply by playing well with those familiar elements.
Crazy Rich Asians though feels like the strongest example of what the genre can still accomplish. While it is not all that complex or involved in construction, this is a movie that stands out by being a really good romcom on its own while also adding important cultural diversity to the genre.
The film stars Constance Wu and Henry Golding as Rachel Wu and Nick Young, a couple going to Singapore to celebrate the wedding of Henry's best friend Colin's (Chris Pang) wedding. What Rachel does not know is that her boyfriend is actually the heir to a real estate empire, and she is about to meet one of Singapore's most powerful families.
The main cast of this film is entirely of Asian descent from Michelle Yeoh as Nick's domineering mother Eleanor to Gemma Chan as his kind cousin Astrid. The film includes appearances from Awkwafina, Ken Jeong, Ronny Chieng, and more.
All in total, it makes for one of Hollywood's most diverse Asian-focused casts of all time, which is only odd because it took this long to have this unique a cast. Since the focus is on Chinese culture in Singapore, most of the actors involved are of Chinese descent with some exceptions (that caused some controversy).
The film itself also stands out because it puts such a focus on presenting culture. Singapore is in full beautiful view throughout this film even if the movie likely skims over the complexities to present a fairly general view of the city-state. The best shots of the movie focus on the landscapes.
Is the romantic comedy on the path to a resurgence? It's not exactly a genre most would expect to be on the rise given its storytelling trappings, but more than a few recent movies have shown that they can have success simply by playing well with those familiar elements.
Crazy Rich Asians though feels like the strongest example of what the genre can still accomplish. While it is not all that complex or involved in construction, this is a movie that stands out by being a really good romcom on its own while also adding important cultural diversity to the genre.
The film stars Constance Wu and Henry Golding as Rachel Wu and Nick Young, a couple going to Singapore to celebrate the wedding of Henry's best friend Colin's (Chris Pang) wedding. What Rachel does not know is that her boyfriend is actually the heir to a real estate empire, and she is about to meet one of Singapore's most powerful families.
The main cast of this film is entirely of Asian descent from Michelle Yeoh as Nick's domineering mother Eleanor to Gemma Chan as his kind cousin Astrid. The film includes appearances from Awkwafina, Ken Jeong, Ronny Chieng, and more.
All in total, it makes for one of Hollywood's most diverse Asian-focused casts of all time, which is only odd because it took this long to have this unique a cast. Since the focus is on Chinese culture in Singapore, most of the actors involved are of Chinese descent with some exceptions (that caused some controversy).
The film itself also stands out because it puts such a focus on presenting culture. Singapore is in full beautiful view throughout this film even if the movie likely skims over the complexities to present a fairly general view of the city-state. The best shots of the movie focus on the landscapes.
Rachel thinks she can stand up to Nick's mom, but she doesn't seem to realize she's messing with Yu Shu Lien. (Image Courtesy of: biography.com)
Of course, inclusion alone does not make a good film. It is appreciated, but much of this film was built on fairly basic storytelling tropes, taking HEAVY inspiration from Jane Austen. It would have been easy to coast here, but the movie works and has gained quick sustainable success because it is resonant.
The cast largely work, and the script helps them stand out. The dynamic of Rachel and Nick is never forced into narrative boxes, and it feels natural with the actors standing out strongly when working off one another. Constance Wu in general is great in the film though the standout is Michelle Yeoh in an imposing performance.
The movie focuses on the culture which allows the romance to develop more naturally. The conflicts that separate Rachel and Nick are always driven by others. They never turn on each other, and this makes it easy to root for them. It makes the whole film delightful.
There are a few elements that do not quite work. A few of the comedians brought in for oddball roles get a bit annoying and feel out of place. Awkwafina is the only one who really nails her comedy in the film without feeling out of place. The movie also does get a big bogged down in its final act.
Still, there's much to enjoy in Crazy Rich Asians, which feels universally resonant. Director Jon M. Chu finally feels at home behind the camera after a slew of bad blockbusters (G.I. Joe Retaliation, Now You See Me 2). He doesn't break any molds with his work, but he adds character and personality to a simple genre.
I rarely find myself pulled to watch a movie a second time unless it increasingly complex or a nail-biting action blockbuster, but there's a joy and life to this film that has me considering revisiting soon. Few movies radiate this much good energy at all times.
The cast largely work, and the script helps them stand out. The dynamic of Rachel and Nick is never forced into narrative boxes, and it feels natural with the actors standing out strongly when working off one another. Constance Wu in general is great in the film though the standout is Michelle Yeoh in an imposing performance.
The movie focuses on the culture which allows the romance to develop more naturally. The conflicts that separate Rachel and Nick are always driven by others. They never turn on each other, and this makes it easy to root for them. It makes the whole film delightful.
There are a few elements that do not quite work. A few of the comedians brought in for oddball roles get a bit annoying and feel out of place. Awkwafina is the only one who really nails her comedy in the film without feeling out of place. The movie also does get a big bogged down in its final act.
Still, there's much to enjoy in Crazy Rich Asians, which feels universally resonant. Director Jon M. Chu finally feels at home behind the camera after a slew of bad blockbusters (G.I. Joe Retaliation, Now You See Me 2). He doesn't break any molds with his work, but he adds character and personality to a simple genre.
I rarely find myself pulled to watch a movie a second time unless it increasingly complex or a nail-biting action blockbuster, but there's a joy and life to this film that has me considering revisiting soon. Few movies radiate this much good energy at all times.