It's incredibly important to recognize that "Crazy Rich Asians" is the first major contemporary Hollywood release since "The Joy Luck Club" in 1993 to feature a predominantly Asian cast. There has been much furor in the film world over the lack of diversity in movies and the Asian community has been one of the most slighted.
"Crazy Rich Asians" is also one of the best romantic comedies in general to come along in years. The movie could have as easily been called "Sleepless in Singapore," as there has not been a romantic comedy this good since Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan used to steal our hearts.
The girl in this wonderful boy-loves-girl tale is New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), an accomplished and confident college professor. The boy is Nick Young (Henry Golding), who invites Rachel to go with him to Singapore to attend his best friend's wedding. What she doesn't know is Nick is part of one of the wealthiest families in Asia, and they are not open to outsiders coming into their world.
Rachel becomes the target of family members who don't see her as worthy, and jealous women who want to take her place. Attacks from all sides leave Rachel not only doubting her relationship with Nick but also herself.
The movie is filled with elements that make it both romantic and fun _ including a scene-stealing turn by Awkwafina as Rachel's major confidant Goh Peik Lin _ but it all boils down to the chemistry between Rachel and Nick. If Wu and Golding can't make the audience believe they are in love, the highs and lows will not be strong enough to earn an emotional investment.
Chu brings recognition for her work on the TV series "Fresh Off the Boat," where she is a strong and dominating presence. Her character in "Crazy Rich Asians" starts strong but is worn down by the constant flow of negativity. Her ability to show both the pain of rejection and the determination to be herself no matter what others think establishes a strong half for the romantic equation.
Golding, who before this film was best known for being a contestant on "The Bachelorette," completes the romance formula. His charm comes screaming through in scenes whether he's showing his soft side with Rachel or his tougher skin when dealing with his demanding mother (Michelle Yeoh). The way Wu and Golding connect makes it easy to invest in their relationship. Once the commitment is made, every good and bad event is heartfelt.
Not only does director Jon M. Chu do a marvelous job of bringing the lavishness of Kevin Kwan's book to life but he's filled the movie with a supporting cast that's so strong any of them could star in their own movie. In many ways, "Crazy Rich Asians" is like "Love Actually" in that numerous supporting stories are interesting on their own but help tell the central tale when needed.
Along with Awkwafina's standout performance is Ken Jeong as her father. The family reflects the less glamorous part of the lifestyles of the rich and famous. It's so weirdly funny that the film's biggest flaw is there wasn't enough of this bizarre brood.
Gemma Chan, who plays Astrid, Nick's sister, provides the seriously emotional storyline Emma Thompson provided in "Love Actually." Her heartbreaking tale is equally as interesting as the main story.
The final element that makes "Crazy Rich Asians" work so well is the lavish look and presentation. Chu has created a world where if something is merely opulent, it is not even close to the rich thinking of this family. From a wild bachelor party on a barge anchored in international waters to a wedding where the bride walks down an aisle that has been turned into a small river, the look is as lush and rich as the name suggests.
The romantic comedy genre isn't easy because so many elements have to be as near-perfect as possible. If the main characters, story, setting, look or pacing is even a fraction off, the balance of humorous and touching is lost. Under Chu's guidance, "Crazy Rich Asians" finds the exact blend to make this not only a milestone production in diversity, but a film that's got all the elements to be universally entertaining.
