Review of Crazy Rich Asians (2018) by Natalie W — 23 Aug 2018

I speak about this movie as a Singaporean and a lover of books. Does this movie fully represent the true socio-economic background of Singapore? No. Is the Singapore Tourism Board elated about this movie? Goodness yes. Does it have it's flaws? Definitely yes.

Although it needs to be noted that this movie doesn't quite cover the ethnic diversity and the full extent of the cultural richness of my country, given that it is by virtue a Hollywood movie about Asian-Americans and a wholly Asian cast makes it already a tick in my book.

Complain all you like about the massive media fuss about the cast- it still is a remarkable achievement in my opinion.

The movie's plot is nothing remarkable. In fact I find the original novels much more engaging. However, the way the movie is shot makes it a wonderful, messy hotpot of glitzy wealth and a sublime yet strong message of romantic, familial and platonic love. You would expect to guffaw at it a little but instead, the scenes leave a warm feeling in your heart and I have to admit a I shed a few tears during the screening. Much kudos to the actors, directorial and editorial team for making this movie a success (Thank you, Mr Kwan for this trilogy too). Beauty, after all is found in simplicity.

Now that the review is done and dusted, I must say that this movie reminded me of the success and beauty of Singapore. Having grown up in this tiny and rather scorching hot island, the constant harping on the scenic Central Business District area located by the Singapore River in national education lessons had me rolling eyes at the drone cuts of the night/day scenes of the said places. But Singapore has beauties that the world rarely sees. The Housing Development Boards (public housing flats) in the quiet towns far from the glitz and the glam, religious and cultural tolerance and of course: food. I hope the next installment will cover more of these aspects although I feel that this one has done Singapore sufficient justice by neatly stitching together the traditional Asian and modern sides. Do come and visit this small red dot if you can! There is much more beauty here than what is shown in the movie.