Crazy Rich Asians (2018) - USA
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
Probably the most important film of 2018 comes in the form of “Crazy Rich Asians” starring an all Asian cast and directed by Jon Chu in a romantic comedy setting backed by big Hollywood studio - Warner Brothers. Seems like a dream come true, it is for many people and thinking about the trailblazers for Asian representation for Hollywood. The road is long, difficult and often emotional. There is that aspect of feeling surrounding the hype and thank goodness the film is a highly entertaining, engaging and all round great film not just for Asian Americans, but for the general.
When was the last time that Hollywood saw an Asian Clark Gable romancing with the leading Asian American lady. It’s that significant and probably overshadowed the winning story of the film as well. Constance Wu is outstanding in the lead role as she is required to stand up and smashes through not just the normal glass ceiling, but to engage the audience as she struggles, cries and take on the almighty future mother in law in the shape of Michelle Yeoh. Yeoh is simply brilliant, menacing and caring as her eyes shows most of the telling scenes. Like a mother tiger protecting her loved only son and club - played confidently by the handsomely structured Henry Golding. Rapper Awkwafina simply chews scenery and likewise her father (played by the always funny Dr. Ken Jeong). Gemma Chan is a goddess and is as graceful as ever and many other Asian Americans, Australians, from different backgrounds around the world shows up and making it count.
As an Australian Chinese / Hong Kong, the film strikes me right at the heart where it matters. For all these years, we have been underrepresented in films, TV and top level senior management. It’s almost timely that this film rises to the occasion and take the box office by storm. As of the time of writing, the film earned big in the US with a 35 million plus opening and a sequel to boot. Not many films can be hyped up so much and yet delivered just about all expectations and beating it as well. I liked the film, there is a lot to enjoy the tension, the love, the powerful and the rich and at its core a beautiful love story that matters. We matters and this is just the beginning. We will take Hollywood by storm for many more years to come! One thing is for sure, it won’t be 25 years till the next big studio film.
I rated it 9/10