Review of Crazy Rich Asians (2018) by Wayne K — 04 Dec 2018

A fantastic little film, chock full of laughs, heart and genuine intrigue, Crazy Rich Asians is as satirical as it is lyrical, and as funny as it is poignant. On the surface itâ(TM)s a classic story of a person meeting their partners family and hoping that they will accept and welcome them into their circle.

But deep down itâ(TM)s a story of class systems, pride, ingrained family tradition, jealousy, betrayal and ultimately learning to live life based on your own standards, not those set by others. As someone whoâ(TM)s lived, worked and holidayed in East Asia for several years, itâ(TM)s great to see so many cultural stereotypes being exposed, and in a way that feels fresh and natural.

The cast is full of incredible talent, with Michelle Yeoh being especially effective as the sharp-witted, acid tongued matriarch. Itâ(TM)s a film that feels realistic, even in its most of audacious excess, because of the way the narrative is structured.

We follow the heroine, who is lost among strangers and completely out of her depth. We see the world through her eyes, and we make the discoveries alongside her, so weâ(TM)re as much a part of the film as she is.

The film is so adept at sucking us into the story that even when the odd rom-com clichà (C) does rear its ugly head, they honestly didnâ(TM)t bother me too much. I felt like the characters were acting in a completely realistic way.

As modern rom-coms go, it might not be as funny as The Big Sick, but it easily exceeds it in terms of visual grandeur, social commentary and its uncanny ability to make us believe everything that happens on screen, however crazy it might be.