Member review

Crazy Rich Asians directed by Jon M. Chu is not your everyday, classic romantic comedy. This film follows an Asian-American woman Rachel Chu and her extremely wealthy Asian boyfriend Nick Young as they attend his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Despite the glamorous outfits and personalities that are presented in the film, I feel it does portray realistic complications of being in love with someone from a higher or lower social class. Rachel’s lower social class isn’t the only thing that the Young family have against her as she feels she is never fully accepted due to her American cultural identity and this is emphasised when Nick’s mother said to her, “You are not one of us”. It is almost like this film is showing us the disadvantages of dating the rich through the disapproving mother.

Rachel does come across as a vulnerable character in the film coming from a single parent family into a huge family who are seen as royalty in Singapore although the Young family’s insecurities show through their expensive and wealthy surface. Their main insecurity is being jealous of Rachel but some of Nick’s family are going through much worse. I feel these factors make the film realistic and relatable despite the fantasy storyline. The Young family resent Rachel’s open-mindedness and her drive to have a successful career as they believe they are more sophisticated and prefer to focus on their family rather than ambition.

This film had stunning cinematography which was complete with the vibrant lights and dazzling décor. The scenery was beautiful and it went along well with the swooning lifestyle fantasy. I recommend people watch this film as it was hilarious from start to finish and the pacing is perfect therefore you will be entertained until the end.