I’m going to start with the thing everybody wants to talk about: Crazy Rich Asians is the first major motion picture starring a predominantly Asian cast since The Joy Luck Club came out in 1993. That is BONKERS, and it makes this film’s release noteworthy. Great! Let’s talk inclusion! I love it. Thumbs up, Hollywood!
Now let’s talk about the next most important thing: Crazy Rich Asians is romantic comedy gold that should be celebrated not only for its cast but also for its perfect execution of light, breezy escapism. It centers on the relationship between NYU economics professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) and her boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding). Only when Nick takes Rachel to a buddy’s wedding in Singapore does she discover his family is richer than God.
Thankfully, this isn’t your standard Cinderella story, with Rachel starting from nothing and getting thrown into a glitzy world where she feels lost and unworthy. Hell no! Rachel’s an independently successful, fully formed human with a grown-up life, and she’s not terrified of losing everything, because she’s got plenty. Rachel is our set of eyes into Nick’s over-the-top world, and she’s relatable AF. Wait a second! It’s almost as if stories about people who aren’t white can be stories for everyone!
Crazy Rich Asians is rounded out by a delightful group of supporting actors, including Awkwafina as the best bestie sidekick ever and Michelle Yeoh as Nick’s icy mother. From its stunningly attractive cast to its setting of gold-plated opulence, Crazy Rich Asians is pure eye candy. And with its modern take on boy-meets-girl that shows us a film can still be funny without anyone pooping their pants, Crazy Rich Asians is heart candy, too. This will become a touchstone romantic comedy, and it better not be another 25 years before there’s another movie like it.
