Crazy Rich Asians - The Best Romantic Comedy In Over A Decade

Certificate – 12A

Directed By – Jon M. Chu

Starring – Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, Sonoya Mizuno, Chris Pang, Ken Jeong.

Running Time – 121 Minutes (2 Hours 1 Minute)

★★★★★

New Yorker Rachel Chu (Wu) and her longtime boyfriend Nick Young (Golding) attend his best friend's Colin's (Pang) wedding in Singapore. Excited about going to Asia and nervous to meet Nick's family, only to find out a few important details about his life. Learning not only is he from a mega-rich family, but a sort after bachelor making Rachel public enemy number one, especially to Nick's mother (Yeoh).

I say this every time a rom-com releases, Love Actually is my favourite rom-com and favourite movie period. However, I can happily say that not only is Crazy Rich Asians my favourite romantic comedy since this 15-year classic and my favourite of 2018.

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Speaking of classic, that’s what Chu has done. This film will be watched by generations to come not only in the Asians community (both American and British) but by everyone, this film will be aired on TV forever in a couple of years.

The main reason it hits all the rom-com beats, it’ll make you laugh, cry and it’s visually beautiful to the point I believe nearly all of the $30 million budget went on the scenery and spectacle of Singapore.

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This isn’t a boy meets girl story (that could be its own prequel/sequel) as they’ve been dating for a year, but it’s more of girl meets boy’s world from family to money and all the problems come with it.

The one thing when leaving was how all the women were strong characters. From the opening scene, Yeoh showcases this by being a complete boss and this is followed up by Wu, Awkwafina and especially Chan.

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Meanwhile, I strongly believe Yeoh isn't ageing because she's still as beautiful when I first saw her in Tomorrow Never Dies.

This will be the film that launches Chan’s career because, as UK TV fans will know thanks to Humans, she’s a Hollywood A-lister in the wings. Meanwhile, even though I wasn’t much of a fan of her in Oceans Eight, Awkwafina shows why she's the next big comedy actress.

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She brings much levity to the film (alongside Nico Santos) as the friend we’d all be if our friends was dating a famous person, taking selfies in the house and be the person to remind Wu’s character who she is and guide her through Chinese culture and give backstory to the Young family and Chinese money.

The other thing I left with was the importance of family, especially mothers which adds to the strong women.

Elsewhere, speaking of breakout roles, remember the name Henry Golding, who does superbly in his first big screen role, because he’s again a star. As the down-to-earth member of the Young family, Golding is charming, charismatic and a damn fine looking man (especially in a tux) to the point I should really say “Mr Bond will see you now.”

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Golding, similar to Awkwafina, gives a background to his family history, which is a massive benefit as you get to know their characteristics throughout the film.

Meanwhile, Wu is a someone haven't seen before but she too will be a star. Her charisma shines through, she bounced off Awkwafina wonderfully and their friendship brings a smile and you see Rachel grow throughout the film. Furthermore, she has the wow moment of the film as her beauty will make everyone love her.

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I have nothing but love Chu for making Chris Pang’s Colin a rugby fan and seeing him actually watching a game.

One important element in this genre is music and what a great idea to have Asians artists covering classic songs and was someone who fucking hates Coldplay (not in a cool way, I just don’t like them) but Katherine Ho’s cover of Yellow is beautiful and made me cry.

Verdict

This is the best Romantic Comedy in over a decade. Funny, emotional, beautiful with a stellar cast make sure you see one of the best films of 2018.