Crazy proud to be Asian
The writer tried not to cry but Crazy Rich Asians was a deeply meaningful watch.
Thrown into the deep end, Rachel has to navigate through the lifestyle of the ultra-rich and make a good impression, especially on Nick’s imposing mother, Eleanor (Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh).
Crazy Rich Asians is a fun, dazzling rom-com from start to finish. It’s essentially a Cinderella story featuring a love story between two people from vastly different social classes, conniving characters plotting to tear them apart and there’s even a makeover session!
But it’s also more than that. It’s the first Hollywood movie to feature an all-Asian cast since The Joy Luck Club in 1993. It’s even more special for viewers here as it tells the story of Asians living in our part of the world.
My heart soared when I heard the lahs and mahs fall off some of the characters’ lips. Seeing our unique way of speaking English represented in a Hollywood production is something I never thought was possible.
However, don’t expect all its Singaporean characters to speak Singlish. In fact, some of them sport accents from the West, which can be a bit confusing. But then again, it does make sense since these affluent characters probably received overseas education.
Then there’s the food – chicken rice, satay, kuih lapis. The film features in vivid detail an array of scrumptious food I’ve eaten my whole life, which made me feel a surge of pride and not to mention, made my stomach growl.
Of course it wouldn’t be Crazy Rich Asians without showing viewers the “crazy rich” part. The film spared no expense in making sure its characters are swimming in luxury.
Aside from the resplendent designer frocks, the set and production design are absolutely decadent. One scene in particular, which sees Nick’s best friend getting married in a nature-themed wedding ceremony, is so over the top and yet, magical. (Mark my words, wedding planners will be flooded with requests to recreate the ceremony, which can only be described as “paddy field glam”.)
While the film is set in Singapore and features iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, some of it were shot in Malaysia. Seeing Carcosa Seri Negara – used in the film as the Young family’s mansion – in all its glory actually gave me goosebumps.
Another thing that gave me goosebumps? Superb acting performances especially by the incomparable Yeoh. The former Bond girl had a look in her eyes that told her character’s story even before she said a word.
Awkwafina, who plays Rachel’s best friend Peik Lin, is probably the most memorable character from the show. She is hilarious. Her down-to-earth comedic sensibilities nicely contrasts the uppity world the film is set in.
It was hard for me to imagine Wu playing Rachel initially because I only saw her as the no-nonsense mother of three from Fresh Off The Boat. But Wu proved me wrong. She capably embodies both Rachel’s vulnerability and strength.
Travel host-turned-actor Golding does not disappoint in his first ever acting role. He manages to evoke an air of sophistication but there’s also kindness and warmth in his eyes, which lend beautifully to his character Nick.
Ultimately, what impressed me most about Crazy Rich Asians is it shows viewers what it means to be Asian through and through, not just in the way we speak or the food we eat or by having an allAsian cast on screen. One of the major strands of the film is the importance of filial piety – putting our elders’ wishes first, often ahead of our dreams and passions. This moved me to tears.
It’s significant because Hollywood movies have always preached the idea that we must chase after our own dreams no matter the cost. While that is something we Asians want to do, sometimes we simply cannot because of these Asian values that we hold dear to.
For the first time, or what feels like the first time, we have a Hollywood movie explaining why.