It’s hard to go wrong with a romantic comedy, most of them have the same formula. From a lovey-dovey couple, after more than 60 minutes the problem will arise, and most of them will end in happy ending. Such classic, simple and also safe.
That’s why it’s rare to see such a boring romantic comedy movie or an amazing one. Most of them are good and lovely, but that’s it. It stops there.
Crazy Rich Asians is a movie based on a popular novel written by Kevin Kwan on 2013 with the same name. Just like any other romcoms, the movie also follows a classic formula of romantic comedy movies but in the same time the formula feels modernize.
The movie is such an amazing romantic comedy movie, and what makes it different despite the classic formula is its unique Asian approach. Watching Crazy Rich Asians is like watching a drama romance Chinese movie in the age of imperialism with the mixture of Pretty Woman and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Its world is so bright and lavish with an endearing visually appeal that provides an intoxicating rush that makes it feel fresh. The movie is meticulous and hilariously alert to social structures, social pressure, family dynamics, idealism and money.
Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is an economic professor raised by a single mother and she dates Nick Young (Henry Golding), the heir of the filthy rich Chinese family in Singapore. Nick asks Rachel to go with him to Singapore to attend Nick’s friend wedding and meet his family. Nick’s mother Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh) does not approve their relationship and questions Rachel’s comparatively average upbringing.
Crazy Rich Asians is also crazy at production design and costumes, they might get some Oscar attention. As what an amazing romcom should taste, Crazy Rich Asian is sugary delightful and so do the OST of the movie. In my wildest dream, i never know that i will listen to the chinese cover of Coldplay’s Yellow. There is also an Asian cover of Madonna’s Material Girl. The covers make the world feel different yet familiar.
The character persona of the movie and also the writing are well developed and also funny. You can see the difference between the American Rachel and the un-American Eleanor. The girl who is an Economic Professor and the woman who put family over everything, Eleanor even ditched her study to focus on family. The not-so-American of Eleanor is also shown from her dialog “Your room is ready … for you,” she tells her adult son.
Beside the American and not-so-American depiction, the movie at the early scene also represent the situation of today digital activities. The social network learning Rachel’s existence all at once, and is one of the most fluent real-world visual representations of the internet at work that the movies have given us to date.
The movie introduces a huge group of characters but all of them are well introduced and every characters have their own story and purposes that make the story rich in content. In the world of lavishly wealth, with a lot of characters, that isn’t overbearing. The world and the approach make you feel like you are a part of the family.
One of the best scenes in the movie is the wedding scene where the water flowing on the aisle. The wedding scene is poised to become an all-timer for filmed weddings and the film’s finale wraps the story up with a big, bright bow. A happy ending but it is not cliche.
Crazy Rich Asians doesn’t give a big statement about inclusion, it also doesn’t preach about love or social structure. It simply tells an endearing story of a fizzy fantasy romcom. It is bright, buoyant, and hilarious, though far from flawless, this movie is hugely enjoyable and delightful.
Our Score (8.5/10)
Title : Crazy Rich Asians
Director : Jon M. Chu
Production : Warner Bros. Picture
Story by : Peter Chiarelli, Adele Lim
Original Story : Kevin Kwan (Novel Book)
Casts : Henry Golding, Constance Wu, Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan
Putu Radar Bahurekso
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