SEXY SLANT ON FASHION AND FOOD

Here are five reasons you must watch Crazy Rich Asians, writes BUHLE MBONAMBI

I’VE been a fan of Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians trilogy since I came across the first book in 2014. It was salacious and scandalous, while also giving insight to the world of crazy rich people.

The 1% has always fascinated me, as have China, Singapore and Hong Kong. The book is the perfect mix. So with the film finally in cinemas, I can’t wait for more people to be exposed to the glorious world and characters of Crazy Rich Asians.

Here are five reasons you must watch it.

IT’S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS

While the premise of the story is about Asian-american Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) going to Singapore to meet her boyfriend Nick Young’s (Henry Golding) family, it also navigates the sometimes treacherous relationships we have with members of our family.

Rachel not only has to charm Nick’s family – who, unbeknownst to her, are wealthy and are the most revered family in Singapore – but she also has to handle the changes that come with knowing who her boyfriend really is and how that affects their relationship.

It’s about the lengths that friends will go for each other and how family handles dealing with a potential new family member.

THE GLORIOUS FOOD

One of the things that have always stood out for me is the way Kevin Kwan has written about the food in the books. It’s like the sub-plot is about how to eat your way around Asia, the restaurants, private clubs and street vendors you should frequent; the types of food you must try (from chilli crab, chicken rice and katong laksa, to the chocolate chiffon cake made by the Young family cook that everyone keeps trying to replicate, but fails); the book and the film have great moments that speak to how much of a role food plays in Asia.

THE LUXURIOUS FASHION

One of my favourite characters in the book is Nick’s cousin, heiress Astrid Leong. From couture gowns to buying expensive jewellery on a whim, she has no problem with exhibiting her wealth. But she is also able to find vintage garments, like an early Madame Gres linen dress.

THE BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS

From Singapore and Malaysia, to Macau, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, Crazy Rich Asians explores Asia in a way I haven’t come across before. It’s beautiful. You want to visit the continent.

IT EXPLORES THE LIVES OF THE ASIAN 1%

There’s a passage in the book where Nick’s mother, Eleanor, speaks to Astrid about shopping in Paris and how terrible it is that Louis Vuitton makes Chinese shoppers stand in long queues. Astrid responds and says she hasn’t been inside a Louis Vuitton in 15 years.

That’s a sign of someone who gets their clothes custom made by couturiers and clearly would rather die than be sign carrying or wearing a trendy brand.

Then there are the luxury penthouse suites with walk-in closets that have cameras fitted in them so you don’t ever repeat an outfit. Some characters go even further in the upcoming books, including giving fish plastic surgery so that it looks good.

Crazy Rich Asians is directed by Jon M Chu and is on circuit now.