Crazy Rich Asians Movie Review

Sorry for the lack of blog posts in the last few weeks, I had a lot going on during the latter half of August, but I have returned to deliver a movie review! 

Crazy Rich Asians premiered on August 15th and had the pleasure of seeing it twice. Once on opening day and then again a week later. The romantic-comedy film was filled with fireworks, drama, a colorful setting, and literally full of Asians. It was a masterpiece and the first film to have an all-star Asian cast since The Joy Luck Club back in 1993.

The story is about Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) traveling with her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) to meet his family for an upcoming wedding in Singapore. Once she arrives, she discovers Nick and his family is one of the richest families there.

Based on Kevin Kwan's first book, it delivered on the major plot points that I enjoyed while reading. It predictably cut some parts like less attention on the other family members, but they kept enough of the story to keep the heart. 

The one major change from the books I approve of is the character Peik Lin Goh, played by Awkwafina. In the book, I don't recall her being remotely humorous, but in the movie, she easily provided almost all of the comedic moments along with her father, played by Ken Jeong. She acted fairy godmother-like with how she helped Rachel adjust to the rich lifestyle and how to act around the Young Family.

This movie does not represent all Asian-Americans by any means. We're not all Crazy Rich. But the culture is present in the form of food and clothes. Especially the food. 

Astrid's plot in the movie was more or less the same, I'd say it was simplified. Played by Gemma Chan, I believe she did the character justice with grace, beauty, and glamour. In the book, her issues with Michael were made more obvious early on, but in the movie, we do not get a glimpse of their issues until the end. 

However, I do appreciate how they prepared Astrid for the sequel with the mid-credit scene. She is about to take on a bigger role with future love interest, Charlie Wu. The movie did shoot more scenes with Charlie, played by Henry Shum Jr., but they were cut to give Astrid more screentime. I think they made the right decision.

Overall, I'd give this movie 10/10 for achieving the impossible. I'm excited to buy this on DVD and to watch the developing sequel. I'm happy!