Crazy Rich Asians 2018

     This film is based on the first book of a three-book trilogy titled, China Rich Girlfriend written by Kevin Kwan.  Rachel Chu is an American-born Chinese New York University economics professor.  She has been dating Nick Young.  They have been invited to Nick’s best friend’s wedding and it will be held in Singapore.  Nick has not mentioned to Rachel that his family is VERY wealthy.   He may be the most eligible bachelor in Asia.  Every single woman in his ultra-rarefied social class is terribly jealous of Rachel.  Their goal is to bring her down!!

     One good item about this film is that is shows Asian people as more than one-dimensional.  But, the film is more of a soap opera and very over the top in every way.  Once you realize this, you can go along for the ride!!  It doesn’t focus on the Asian stereotypes of being good in math, dress awkwardly, subservient woman, men who don’t act masculine and men with shortcomings.  The second item about this film is that it’s too long.  Over time, I was worn out by the gushing over wealth and more wealth!!  I didn’t know what Singapore was like and I didn’t know that the economy has been ranked as the most open, seventh least corrupt, most pro-business, low tax rates (14.2% of Gross Domestic Product) and the third highest per-capita GDP in the world in terms of purchasing parity.  In 2018, Global Wealth Report stated that there are 183,737 millionaires and that there has been a growth of 11.2 per cent from mid-2017 to mid-2018.  The richest country in the world is Qatar with a total GDP of $124,930 per person as of 2017.

     

120 min, Comedy directed by Jon M. Chu with Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan, Lisa Lu, Awkwafina, Harry Shum Jr., Ken Jeong, Sonoya Mizuno, Chris Pang, Jimmy O.Yang, Ronny Chieng.

Note:  Imdb 7 out of 10, Roger Ebert 3 ½*, 91% audience 77% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic 74 out of 100 with 50 critics 6.9 out of 10 with 216 reviews, Vox.com 4* out of 5*, Amazon 4.1* out of 5* with 1531 reviews.

Special Note:  Filmed in Langkawi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia.  Newton, Central Singapore, Chinatown and Sentosa Island, Singapore.  A second Crazy Rich Asians film has already been confirmed and will be based on the second book of the trilogy.  Michelle Yeoh told Director Jon M. Chu that she was dissatisfied with the mock-up ring her character is going to wear?  Instead, an emerald and diamond ring belonging to Michelle is used.  Singaporeans gave this film a tepid reception.  It was criticized for lack of diversity, authenticity, missing the involvement with Southeast Asians and other minorities.