With the rapid rate films seem to be pouring into our cinemas, there is no doubt that there are always films that we can’t wait to watch. However, there is a film that has caught my eye that I certainly think will be worth waiting for: “Crazy Rich Asians.”
The title does perhaps appear a little crude but it is based on the bestselling 2013 book by Kevin Kwan. The film premiered on the 7th August at the TCL Chinese Theatre in LA, and was released in the US on the 15th August. So far, it has received a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes – which is no mean feat – with The Guardian calling it “a vital crowd-pleaser” and “a watershed moment for representation in Hollywood.” Although deftly keeping to the classic rom-com formula, it has been praised for its comedy, emotion and stunning setting.
The film is centred on an American with Chinese heritage called Rachel Chu who has been in a long term relationship with her boyfriend Nick. She happily joins him on a trip to Singapore for his best friend’s wedding when Rachel discovers Nick is part of one of the wealthiest families in Singapore… and one of its most eligible bachelors. Rachel now has to deal with the pressures and battles that come with the elevated society she has been thrust into and Nick’s disapproving mother.
This film is quite a landmark in its genre since only last year, only four out of the top 100 grossing films featured an Asian protagonist. For that reason, this film should be worth watching for its cinematic significance alongside the reassurance that it is an entertaining film, not just created for the sake of creating an Asian centric film to please criticisms. Perhaps, from the impression of some reviews, it isn’t ground-breaking in the field of the romcom, but it certainly is in many other aspects.
I must admit that romcoms are not usually my first choice when it comes to picking a film to watch and in this case – wait for. Despite its release in the US being the 15th August, here in the UK we will have to wait until the 2nd November. However, from the successful release, high audience satisfaction and general positivity from reviews, “Crazy Rich Asians” will be the film that is worth waiting for.
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