Crazy Rich Asians: The Rom-Com We've Been Waiting For
Praise be, the rom-com is back! In a summer inundated with action films and indie dramas, it comes as a relief to sit down and enjoy the bright and bubbly romantic comedy that is Crazy Rich Asians. And to top it all off, the movie is actually good. It's a classic Cinderella story set among the stunning and opulent wealth of Singapore. I'm not sure what I enjoyed more- Nick and Rachel's love story or the unreal jewelry everyone was wearing. What stands out about this film is that it has both flash and substance. The story remains grounded in its characters and avoids getting bogged down in rom-com cliches. Yes, it does have a few cheesy moments but they were entertaining and served to progress the story. For all of the familiar tropes this film employs- the jealous ex, the make over scene, the quirky best friend, the disapproving mother, etc.- I didn't feel like I was watching something I had seen before. Maybe it was the quick pacing, maybe it was because for the first time in 25 years a film has a predominately Asian cast, but it manages to seem fresh and new while also comfortingly familiar.
Constance Wu is endearing as Rachel Chu, a woman who has been pulled into a world she never thought she would be a part of. While Wu does have her moments of overacting she is for the most part a very likable heroine. Her character's growth and internal journey is as satisfying and fun to watch as all the fancy cars and jewels. Henry Golding is dreamy as the charming and sweet Nick Young. He has a screen presence that pulls you in right away. It’s a wonder to me why his career hasn't taken off earlier. Golding and Wu have believable chemistry and I was rooting for them from the get go. Awkwafina, who plays Rachel’s college friend, is the best part of the movie. I fully laughed out loud whenever she was on screen thanks to her great comedic timing and delivery. She is someone else whose career I am excited to watch going forward.
Overall, I really liked this movie. I'll probably go see it a second time. I laughed, I cried, I definitely swooned. It's a great break from the monotony of the current box office and I recommend it to anyone who likes love and fancy, shiny things.