Lost in the bustle of the latest action picture is often the romantic-comedy. Especially the really good ones. So when one suddenly shows up on our movie screens, it’s kind of a big deal.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018) Film Review
Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is in a perfect state of bliss. She has a perfect job as a professor, and the cherry on top is her ideal man, boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding). Together, they live the ideal New York lifestyle. Something changes when Nick suggests she accompany him to Singapore where she’d finally meet his family. His best friend is about to marry, and Nick wants his family to meet most important person in his life. Unfortunately for Rachel, everyone knows who she is (and her lack of wealth) before she arrives, and what she doesn’t know is who Nick really is.
Nick is actually Nicholas Young heir to a fortune beyond Rachel’s middle-class American upbringing. But what she does know is she loves Nick. As the tug and pull between his family and Rachel heats up, it’s up to her to decide what’s important.
From the moment I saw the big-screen trailer of this one, I knew this would be a must see. It looked like the romantic-comedy we didn’t knew we needed. Prior to its release, I had heard of this being adapted, but I didn’t know much about the story itself. The trailer inspired me to buy a copy of the book, and excitedly begin to read. Imagine my disappointment when the book and I did not get along. (Too many characters with too much backstory make for a monotonous read.) Fortunately I didn’t let this spoil anything, and I still went to see the film. At the risk of spoiling my thoughts to come, I walked away with nothing but smiles.
This film is without question one of the most entertaining I’ve seen in a long while. It’s bright, breezy and romantic without batting an eyelash. It encapsulates everything we love about, and is good for, a romantic comedy. There’s sass, there’s poise and elegance, there’s quirkiness and perhaps the most important fact, there’s plenty of swoons. (Try and tell me that “wedding scene” isn’t one of THE most romantic – modern, moments ever!) When it all comes down to it, Crazy Rich Asians is the romantic comedy we’ve all been waiting on.
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Beyond the surface perfection of this comedy, this one shines bright because of its cast. Everyone is enigmatic and the leading couple has a chemistry that’s wonderful. Their scenes together are always nuanced with some emotion whether it be a “good bye” or romance, their scenes are never (ever) dull. The nuances are breathtaking.
Newbie Henry Golding is golden in the leading man role (comfortable and swoony, a combo that never goes out of style). Despite her role on an ABC TV comedy, I’ve never seen Constance in anything. But she feels right at home in this role. In fact, she kills in this role. Whether it’s the romantic scenes (have I mentioned the epic romance element of this film?) or the scenes near the end, she is perfection. Much as I want to say more about these conclusion scenes, I cannot without getting spoiler-y. Not to diminish them, the rest of the cast is also spot-on. The secondary character who’s story is likely to earn her own story in the sequel (which is already in the works) is Astrid.
Beyond this, I don’t know what else I can say. If I continue on, chances are I’ll spill all the fun that is Crazy Rich Asians. Then that takes away the sense of discovery for potential viewers. Beyond the characters and cast, the cinematography is gorgeous. Just when you think you’ve seen the most intricate scene, they up the intricacy. If you like characters to root for or like movies that make you smile, Crazy Rich Asians will delight. If you’re a fan of good romantic-comedy, then I say with confidence, this film will dazzle you.
Content: there is some sexual innuendo and minor profanity, but nothing graphic.
Photos: Warner Bros.
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