Crazy Rich Asians Review | Entertainment

The story follows New Yorker Rachel Chu as she accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young, to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore.

Excited about visiting Asia for the first time but nervous about meeting Nick’s family, Rachel is unprepared to learn that Nick has neglected to mention a few key details about his life. It turns out that he is not only the scion of one of the country’s wealthiest families but also one of its most sought-after bachelors. Being on Nick’s arm puts a target on Rachel’s back, with jealous socialites and, worse, Nick’s own disapproving mother taking aim. And it soon becomes clear that while money can’t buy love, it can definitely complicate things.

Directed by Jon M. Chu (‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’, ‘Step Up 2: The Streets’, ‘Now You See Me 2’)

Starring Constance Wu, Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, Ken Jeong, Jimmy O. Yang, Chris Pang

Written by Peter Chiarelli (based on the novel of the same name by Kevin Kwan)

In NZ cinemas NOW

So, what’d we think?

To say I loved this film would be the understatement of the century. Crazy Rich Asians far exceeded my expectations of what a romantic comedy could be with its light-hearted script, charismatic cast, stunning visuals and dynamic soundtrack that gave me and my girlfriends all the feels.

A cinematic revolution, Crazy Rich Asians is directed by an Asian filmmaker and is the first film since The Joy Luck Club that features an all Asian cast. It’s a rarity and a blessing for the wider community and as an avid movie goer, it’s a joy to see so much life and love on the big screen.

I watched this film in a packed theatre full of diverse men and women who all left with a smile on their face. There were moments where I missed what was happening on screen because the sound of laughter overpowered the theatre and the cultural identity of the film felt like it was fully embraced by the whole audience.

Based on the Kevin Kwan novel of the same name, the film follows Rachel as she heads to Singapore alongside her dashing boyfriend Nick (“the Asian bachelor”) to attend his best friend’s wedding and meet his family. Of course things can never go smoothly, so after learning that Nick comes from an insanely rich family and having to deal with that revelation, she meets his not-so-lovely mother who treats Rachel like she is not worthy of her son or her family. Cue drama and high fashion.

While this film made me fall in love with rom-coms all over again, i’ll be honest and say that it doesn’t stray from the basic formula you’ve seen a million times over. However where other films have failed in making a genuine connection with the audience, Crazy Rich Asians succeeds in creating a romantic bubble in which you feel all the wonderful and heart-wrenching moments at your core.

This of course wouldn’t be achievable without a fantastic cast.

Constance Wu (Rachel) and Henry Golding (Nick) are perfectly cast in the lead roles and their chemistry is what helps pull this film together. Alongside some of the best Asian drama and comedy actors and actresses the world has to offer, including a few film veterans, Crazy Rich Asians biggest win is in finding a cast who work so flawlessly as a unit to bring this family to life.

Awkwafina, the newest scene-stealer taking Hollywood by storm, stars as Rachel’s eccentric college friend and is 100% the most relatable character in the whole movie. From hyping up her BFF to take on Nick’s mum to offering up some stellar and hilarious commentary on the chiseled body of her man, Awkwafina infuses so much comedy and tenderness into moments that have the potential to fall flat.

With a stunning wedding scene that had the whole audience in awe and some exterior shots that have me dusting off my passport, Crazy Rich Asians really is the culmination of all the wonderful moments that keep you wanting to watch a movie over and over again.

But, should you see it?

Abso-freaking-lutely. Crazy Rich Asians is worth all the hype it’s been receiving for its diversity and sensational comedic moments. Lead by a charismatic cast who infuse the film with so much life and light, this film is quickly on its way to becoming your next binge watch.

Will you be checking out this film?

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Written by Monique Renee

Usually barefoot and deep in wanderlust mode, Mon loves binging Netflix, cuddling babies and stalking through Instagram looking for boho decor inspo and hotties with man buns. You’ll usually find her on holiday, planning a holiday or thinking about holidays.

Favourite Instagram to follow: @hotdudesreading