So I saw Crazy Rich Asians. I had heard only good things about this film going into it, thus I had high expectations. What I wasn’t prepared for was one of the most endearing, smart and unique movies I’ve seen in a long time. It grips you right away, having you fall in love with its cast and wanting you to learn more about the lives of both Rachel (Constance Wu) and Nick (Henry Golding) as they not only learn more about each other, but of themselves and the crazy rich lifestyle Rachel is thrust into.
Rachel and Nick are getting ready to go to Singapore for a wedding in which Nick will be a best man. On the way there, Rachel finds out for the first time that Nick is actually the son to one of the richest family’s in the world, and that she must now contend with the stares of all of Nick’s peers but also his mother, who he adores. She is in love with Nick, but can an American girl survive in a world of an insanely wealthy Chinese family?
Thankfully, this doesn’t get lost in it’s own absurdity. There are multiple stories that we follow that show that even when people have more money than most could dream of they are still human. They deal with everyday problems, such as fear of the unknown, adultery, family disputes, this is all just as relevant and real as those without a gold mansion. The cast is spot on, and the chemistry between Constance Wu and Henry Golding is electric, when they are together it feels as though they should be together, and apart you can see them struggling with if they should stay. And as a viewer, who admittedly (as shocking as this is, I know) does not have insane amounts of wealth, watching someone who views this world as an outsider is so compelling. Rachel is a fighter and someone you want to see happy, so to see her go through this is fascinating.
I also need to commend the cinematography. The camera has this sense of placement and timing that is incredible to watch. It flows through scenes, or places itself right where the audience needs to be when it could easily get lost in the wonder of it all. One scene in particular had such an elaborate long shot that I couldn’t help but be impressed. This extends to the set design, you are sold that you are now transported along with Rachel into this world that many never get to see, that of the crazy rich. Rachel herself acts as a voice for the audience when she just stops to admire the houses or scenery around her.
I really could keep gushing about this film. I left shocked about how much I love this movie. Yes, love. This may be one of, if not the best romantic comedies of the decade. It is a bit over the top at times, but I believe that that is the point. It’s a world that we without a comma in our bank account really couldn’t understand and thus following someone who also has never seen it just makes it all that more interesting. I say that Crazy Rich Asians is good for anyone to watch, no matter how much money they have.
Thinking Outside the Box Office 