Chinese
culture and tradition clash in the thoroughly entertaining Crazy Rich Asians, based on a best- selling trilogy. This marks a rare American studio film featuring a predominantly Asian cast (directed
by Jon M. Chu) and signals a further cinematic resurgence in recent years of heretofore
underrepresented groups e.g. Wonder Woman
and Black Panther.
When
college students, Rachel (Constance Wu) and Nick (Henry Golding) fall in love
in New York, they plan to attend his best friend’s wedding in Singapore, where
Nick’s family, the Youngs, are spectacularly wealthy. Surrounded by a collection of family members
and friends, some with hidden agendas, Rachel
is anxious to make a good impression especially with Nick’s strong willed mom
(Michelle Yeoh). It becomes a battle of wills
as loyalties are tested and secrets revealed. Can true love survive?
The
well-paced film exudes confidence in its performances with Yeoh and Awqwafina (as a college friend) as standouts. There
is a Pretty Woman vibe with Rachel as
a resourceful underdog fighting for respect and acceptance. The cityscape of Singapore, beautifully shot,
serves as a stunning backdrop to the festivities including a lavish wedding and
reception, and the sumptuous displays of Asian cuisine are simply mouthwatering.
The
film is an old fashioned love story with a modern sensibility. It is an interesting contrast in classes of
wealth as well as Chinese familial tradition with its struggle between old and
new. It will resonate with audiences as it successfully crosses cultural
boundaries with its universal themes of love and its display of female
empowerment. With more than a
passing kinship to My Big Fat Greek
Wedding, it’s a feel good film with
heart and a sense of humor to boot. (There is a mid-credit scene with
future implications.)
***1/2
of **** stars
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