Rachel, an American-born Chinese economics professor, (Constance Wu) accompanies her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding) to Singapore for his best friend’s wedding. Believing Nick to be an average guy she discovers that he is heir to one of the richest families in Asia. In typical romantic comedy fashion, she has to decide if her love for Nick is greater than all the trappings that come from being in the rich and famous spotlight.

FILM

Crazy rich Asians is an American produced Asian romantic comedy shot entirely in Singapore. With the budget approaching $30 million this film from the beginning appeared to be a risk because many Hollywood producers believed the all Asian cast would not sell in America. However, this could not be further from the truth as of this writing, after two weeks at the box office, CRA landed squarely at number one and is on pace to make over $100 million. Besides being a financial hit Crazy Rich Asians Is just a flat out good romantic comedy. Yes, it follows all the same pitfalls of a rom-com: young couple falls in love, faces adversity, separates for a while, learns something about themselves and then in the end they come back together and we all learn that love conquers all. Now I have to say I have a soft spot in my heart for rom-coms and CRA has landed itself right there with the likes of Notting Hill, Love Actually, Pretty Woman, and Sleepless in Seattle.

The pacing of the film is good coming in at 120 minutes which usually is a bit long for this genre but works well here. Michelle Yoeh gives a solid performance as the Chinese mother who is doubtful her sons love interest as anything more than a gold-digger and Awkwafina gives a strong performance as young Rachel’s best friend, comic relief and the one keeping her grounded in reality. The film is beautifully shot and the chemistry between the two leads is solid.

FAITH

As for issues of faith in Crazy Rich Asians? Outside of a love for family and a belief in the value of tradition there are no direct references to faith in the movie.

Crazy Rich Asians is this year’s best rom-com.

Roger Legg