What happens when you combine Asian royalty, with a girl from downtown New York?
'Crazy Rich Asians' follows the story of Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) and her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding), as they venture from their safe and happy lifestyle in Manhattan to Singapore, where Nick is to be the best man at his best friend's wedding, and where he will also introduce Rachel to his family.
Featuring an outstanding cast, 'Crazy Rich Asians' pulls all the heart strings as well as gives a great glimpse of the Gatsby-like lifestyles of the [crazy] rich and famous in Asia.
The romantic comedy, which is based on the novel of the same name by Kevin Kwan, follows the couple as they are entangled in the excitement of the biggest Chinese wedding of the year, and it soon becomes apparent that the event, and everything that comes with it, is something that Rachel was not quite ready for.
'Crazy Rich Asians' has climbed its way to the top of the Box Office charts around the world since its release last week (released tomorrow, 30 August, in Australia), which has exceeded industry and director Jon Chu's expectations.
Paving the way for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood, it is the first major Hollywood studio film since 1993's 'The Joy Luck Club' to feature a predominantly Asian cast.
Flipping the classic romantic comedy mould upside-down, 'Crazy Rich Asians' features classic and cliche roles – such as the 'evil mother-in-law' – in a different light, making them a little more human than ever.
There is even a subtle power-shift in lead roles, with Rachel being forced to make the final decision, and Eleanor (mother-in-law, played by Lisa Lu) representing the way in which women uphold cultural and family values within Chinese families.
Filled with humour, humility and sets bigger than Marina Bay Sands, 'Crazy Rich Asians' is an innovative rom-com that will make you laugh, cry and relate to the characters in more ways than one, as well as educate viewers on the values of the Chinese culture.
It should be at the top of your 'must-watch' list.
