Crazy riCh asians
Singapore bling…
Reviewing the US sensation that’s changing the game.
The beats of this adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s bestselling novel about Singapore’s high-rolling elite may sound familiar: a wide-eyed heroine (Constance Wu) is thrown in at the deep end when her boyfriend (Henry Golding) invites her to meet his family, and in particular his domineering mother (Michelle Yeoh).
But there’s nothing remotely ordinary about this pacey, terrifically entertaining, modern fairytale, which is also a major milestone for on-screen representation: it’s the first studio movie in 25 years (since The Joy Luck Club) to feature an all-Asian cast in a contemporary setting. Directed with pizzaz by Jon M. Chu (Now You See Me 2), the film works on a surface level as a Gossip Girl-esque blend of juicy intrigue and wealth porn (that title is no joke), while also telling a compelling story about class, love and cultural heritage.
Though most of the characters are little more than archetypes, there are startling moments of depth. A climactic set-piece between Wu and Yeoh – a quiet conversation over a game of mahjong – is as gripping and high-stakes as any fight scene you’ll see this year, and as nuanced as any monologue. If there’s any justice in Hollywood, Crazy Rich Asians alone should revive the romcom. Emma Dibdin
THE VERDICT
Between its charismatic cast, sumptuous visuals and zingy script, this gem has more depth than meets the eye.