Review: “Crazy Rich Asians” Made Us Laugh, Cry and Drop the Jaw
“Crazy Rich Asians” is a movie adapted from a trilogy novel written by Kevin Kwan of the same name. Becoming an NY Times Best-Seller, the book series has earned various critical acclaim. Director Jon M. Chu turned this Asian fairytale into the big screen starring new actor Henry Golding as the male lead role, Nick Young and actress Constance Wu as the female lead role, Rachel Chu. The film is a romantic comedy movie that tells the story of Nick Young, who is an heir to the richest family in Singapore. He had dated Rachel Chu for a while, without letting her know that his family was super well-off. Nick asked Rachel to come to Singapore to attend his best friend’s wedding, which meant Rachel got to meet Nick’s family. This panicked Rachel, as she knew nothing about Singapore or Nick’s family. She also hasn’t noticed that she will face the matriarch of Nick’s family that is his mother, Eleanor Young (Michelle Yeoh). Albeit being Asian, Rachel Chu was born and raised in America so she wouldn’t know about her cultural heritage and it set up a barrier between her and Nick’s traditional Chinese-Peranakan background.
From the point of view of those who live in a whole different culture from their designated race, this movie speaks volume as we learn to understand Rachel and Nick’s perspectives. Following the plot from the beginning to the end, “Crazy Rich Asians” serve a splendid visual design and cinematography. The filmmakers truly do their research by bringing tropical colors to life. Starting from the interior design down to the food, we could only wish to experience those in real life. “Crazy Rich Asians” also marks the first movie which is starred by an All-Asian cast in Hollywood after 25 years. All the characters in this movie are in-tuned with their roles especially Michelle Yeoh who looks elegant, cold, and firm at the same time. The character of Rachel’s best friend named Peik Lin who is played by comedian Awkwafina adds tons of comedic lines in this movie. So you’ll be able to laugh, cry and drop your jaws on the floor while feasting in a bash of the glory of this movie. Those who found the novel is a bit heavy and confusing will understand the movie a lot better since it was a simplified version of the original. Moreover, with their record-breaking success, we suggest you watch “Crazy Rich Asians” at the cinema that will air regularly in Indonesia starting from 11 September 2018.
Reviewer: Susanti Oktavia/Editor: Novita Widia
