DIVERSE: Crazy Rich Asians proves a successful and important first step towards more Asian representation in Hollywood.
By Micah Pierce, Staff Writer
Crazy Rich Asians, Hollywood’s first film to feature an all Asian cast in 25 years, does not disappoint. There is little doubt that many Asians and Asian Americans were holding their breath for this movie, that is supposed to represent their culture so prominently for the first time in years. Those doing so can let out a sigh of relief because Crazy Rich Asians hits all the right notes for a film of its cultural significance. Not only is the film successful from a cultural perspective, it is also extremely successful from a financial one. Over its first three days of release, Crazy Rich Asians collected roughly 33 million dollars at the box office, and has made over 40 million dollars as of Tuesday, August 21. This amount is more than adequate for Crazy Rich Asians to secure the number one spot in the box office, which it has held for over a week now.
The film begins by introducing Rachel Chu as a highly intelligent woman that works as a professor at New York University. Soon after, Rachel’s long term boyfriend, Nick Young, is introduced as he invites her to Singapore for his best friend’s wedding, and to inevitably meet his family. Unknown to Rachel, Nick’s family is the old money of Singapore, and Nick stands as the next in line to inherit his family’s millions. Rachel faces an uphill battle against those who don’t believe an Asian American like her could possibly measure up to their expectations, many of whom are Nick’s own family.
An important component in the film’s success was its cast, which features some familiar and experienced faces as well as some fresh ones. One of the most notable cast members is Ken Jeong; Jeong is a renowned actor and comedian, and is one of the most recognizable Asian Americans in the country. His talent for making audiences laugh certainly does not falter in Crazy Rich Asians. Jeong portrays the father of Peik Lin (Awkwafina), the good friend of the film’s protagonist, Rachel Chu (Constance Wu). Wu brings Rachel Chu to life with her raw emotion and witty humor. Fans of Wu’s other work such as Fresh Off the Boat may not be used to her portraying a character so full of emotion but she pulls it off wonderfully. The film’s male lead, Henry Golding, plays Rachel’s boyfriend, Nick Young. Crazy Rich Asians was a huge step for Golding, as it was a major hit and the very first film he has been in. Although he is only a budding actor, it is clear Golding has the ability to go far in the industry, as the love between Rachel and Nick is one of the strongest points of the movie.
Although an important milestone in Asian representation, Crazy Rich Asians doesn’t quite encompass all Asians everywhere. Many critics have complained that the film doesn’t capture the true diversity of the Asian culture, and they’re not wrong. To be able to fit the true richness and complexity of the entire Asian culture into a movie that’s two hours long is impossible. Despite not showing every facet of Asian society, Crazy Rich Asians is a film worth watching that’ll have viewers bursting into laughter or tears at any given moment.