Based on the 2013 best-selling novel of the same name written by Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians is a terrific romantic comedy that transcends the stereotypes of the genre as a result of its talented diverse all Asian cast and its spectacular setting and visuals. The plot follows the romance between a beautiful young NYU economics professor Rachel Chu, played by Constance Wu best known for her role on the ABC sitcom Fresh Off the Boat, and a handsome man from Singapore named Nick Young, played by Malaysian British model and television host Henry Golding. He invites her to join him for a friend’s wedding in Singapore where she will also meet his extensive family. Unbeknownst to Rachel, she quickly discovers that her boyfriend comes from an extremely wealthy Singapore real estate development family. She experiences difficulties relating to the large family that can be quite demanding and snobbish, especially Nick’s intimidating mother Eleanor, played by critically acclaimed Malaysian Chinese actress Michelle Yeoh best known for her role in 2000’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Although Nick tries to relieve some of the stress, Rachel as the daughter of a working-class single mother in New York struggles with keeping up appearances and staying with Nick who is pressured to marry one of his own. Over the course of the film, she encounters an eccentric cast of characters, including her hilarious college friend played by comedian Awkwafina, her friend’s ostentatious father played by Ken Jeong best known for his breakout role in The Hangover franchise, Nick’s spoiled cousin played by The Daily Show’s Ronny Chieng, and a truly obnoxious family friend of Nick played by Jimmy O. Yang from HBO’s Silicon Valley. The highly entertaining and often funny as well as several occasionally highly dramatic scenes are set against the beautiful backdrop of the glamorous city of Singapore and the over-the-top wedding festivities that could only be put on by one of the world’s richest families. It is very much a fish out of water story about a whirlwind romance and the complicated family relationships involved with a couple of such different backgrounds. Overall, I found it to be one of the best romantic comedies in years that was filled to the brim with lighthearted and heartwarming moments of laughter and dramatics.
KEITH on Reels 