The only thing crazier than love is family.

Directed by Jon M. Chu (Now You See Me 2) and written by Peter Chiarelli (The Proposal) and Adele Lim (Life Unexpected), Crazy Rich Asians is a landmark film for representation in Hollywood. Constance Wu (Fresh Off the Boat) and Henry Golding (A Simple Favour) fall in love alongside Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and Awkwafina (Ocean's 8). "This contemporary romantic comedy, based on a global bestseller, follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu to Singapore to meet her boyfriend's family". Will Crazy Rich Asians be as great as its cultural significance?

As Nick Young (Golding) and Rachel Chu (Wu) fall in love (at the very start of the film), I fell in love with Crazy Rich Asians. John Chu has directed a film that borrows from some of the most iconic (and infamous) romantic comedies; enriching the genre's conventions so that Crazy Rich Asians has become a refreshing and subversive romantic comedy. It goes without saying that Crazy Rich Asians is a big leap forward for representation in Hollywood; an entirely Asian cast and an Asian director have resulted in a genuine win for diversity - the film is a critical and financial success proving that there is a demand and appreciation for well-made, authentic and diverse films. Warm and enchanting, Crazy Rich Asians is not only great for representation but a revival for the rom-com. 

Every character in Crazy Rich Asians is well realised. Although only the leading couple is thoroughly developed, even the supporting characters feel lifelike. Rachel Chu is an excellent lead who has been brought to life with a fantastic performance by Constance Wu. Crazy Rich Asians tackles the culture clash between Asian-Americans and Asians; Rachel, an Asian-American, is brought into a traditionally Asian family by her boyfriend Nick. The audience gets to see the lavishness of Singapore through Rachel's eyes. By default, Rachel is the most relatable character. Writers Kevin Kwan (author), Chiarelli and Lim send Rachel on an emotional roller coaster; she experiences the highs of visiting a grand nation and succumbing to a new upper-class lifestyle as well as the lows of being rejected by Nick's mother and judged and envied by other women in the community. Wu remains likeable throughout with a very heartfelt and sweet performance; she is the reason for most of the film's stand-out and poignant moments. Rachel elegantly handles bullying and rejection by not giving her opposers "the satisfaction" of causing a fuss. Wu sells these moments excellently. There's a pivotal moment in the final act where Rachel confronts Eleanor (Yeoh) and it was incredibly satisfying. Not only does Rachel stand up for herself (in the most graceful fashion) but she becomes the voice for so many oppressed people (the lower class, immigrants, single mothers). Rachel Chu (and Constance Wu) injects plenty of sugary sweetness and endearment, contrasting nicely with everybody else's luxury and high-class style. 

Mostly thanks to Henry Golding's performance, Nick Young is a very charming leading man. The couple has their ups and downs, like any rom-com duo, but neither Nick or Rachel ever do anything that makes their characters unlikeable. It's almost like they are fighting through a storm that keeps presenting challenges and obstacles that neither can control. Nick's character fault is that he is secretive but he does have good intentions - he doesn't want Rachel to think of him any differently. Nick Young could quickly become a cinematic heart-throb. Henry Golding is alluring and his chemistry with Constance Wu is sensational. Nick's family represents the traditional values of Asians. His parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins and friends are all wealthy and thriving. There's Astrid (Gemma Chan), Nick's cousin, who is a generous and mindful socialite. Astrid discovers that her fiance is having an affair. Gemma Chan delivers a relatable performance that the audience can really get behind. Nick's other relatives are film directors and successful businessmen; each has their own quirks and recognisable characteristics. Nick and his relatives symbolise the family values of the Asian community. Crazy Rich Asians appears to give an insightful and realistic look at the Asian culture. Whereas in Western cultures it is the oldest male who leads the family, the grandma is the matriarch. Nick's mother has struggled to receive approval from her mother-in-law Ah Ma (Lisa Lu). This results in a cold-hearted performance from Michelle Yeoh as she treats Constance Wu's Rachel the same way - Yeoh's Eleanor's bitchiness level hits a new high during a scene on the staircase; it was intense, fierce and brutal. 

Crazy Rich Asians succeeds with its comedic moments too. This is mostly down to Awkwafina who is introduced as "Asian Ellen" and elicits laugh after laugh throughout. Awkwafina didn't reach her full potential in Ocean's 8 where she had to share her screentime with seven others but in Crazy Rich Asians, she really proves to be one to watch in the comedy scene. I hope Awkwafina sees the same success Tiffany Haddish has since her breakout role in Girls Trip. Awkwafina's comedic style reminded me of Melissa McCarthy - she uses similar tones and sarcasm - and as McCarthy begins to fade (have you seen The Happytime Murders?), there is room for Awkwafina's star to rise. In general, the film's tone is light making it very easy and enjoyable to watch. Alongside its messages about family, culture and self-worth, there's a great underlying theme about female friendship. When the other girls are jealous and rude to Rachel, she is able to confide in Araminta (Sonoya Mizuno) despite just meeting her; Rachel turns to Peik (Awkwafina) and her family when Eleanor reveals her mother's secret past to Nick; her mother arrives to reassure her and console her. These are all small, special moments scattered throughout the film that are touching. 

The characters in this film certainly live a desirable and luxurious lifestyle. To some, this may come off as belittling and egotistical but I enjoyed it as a form of escapism. Not only does Crazy Rich Asians send its audience to Singapore, experiencing street food, lavish parties and grand houses along the way, but it offers a glimpse into a pretty unreachable lifestyle. In some ways, it's comparable to Christian Grey's life in the Fifty Shades films...but it is an offence to put Crazy Rich Asians in the same category so I take it back. The strict family traditions are crazy; the mindless spending is crazy. However, nothing comes close to the wedding scene - a flowing river down the aisle is an insane but beautiful idea. That wedding scene was incredibly moving and heart-warming; the soundtrack elevates the scene and makes the moment more about Rachel and Nick than the bride and groom. It was a truly gorgeous moment. Jon Chu also demonstrates his take on the conventional "changing room" scene to the backdrop of Sally Yeh's version of "Material Girl". It was a lot of fun. The film's climactic scene in the economy section of an aeroplane was also very funny and accurate. Escapism cinema at its most extravagant and materialistic. 

I would have never expected Crazy Rich Asians to be one of my favourite films of the year but here I am writing this review. I appreciate Jon Chu's film for both its cultural significance as well as its quality. Ultimately, it is a rom-com and follows the rom-com formula. Yet Crazy Rich Asians's refreshing cast, location and culture make it feel like something new. There are two follow-up books that will likely be adapted and I hope that Chu returns to direct. Constance Wu and Henry Golding play a likeable leading couple with strong performances while Awkwafina delivers the comedy. Crazy Rich Asians is a feel-good film with plenty of moving, funny and uplifting moments. 

80

/100

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