Filmchat
《 Crazy Rich Asians 》
8/27/2018
After reading some positive movie reviews penned by a few of my friends, I went to a theatre to watch this current talk of town movie “Crazy Rich Asians. “
One common thread of their comments seems to point in the direction that Asian films, particularly those with a majority Asian cast, are finally positioning themselves to go mainstream. We do not know whether this is overly optimistic, yet the first week’s box office gross shows encouraging signs.
To be fair, this is a well made film filled to the rim with beautiful sights and colorful people. Although the overall acting is not it’s strong suit, the leading female performance (Constance Wu) and those of a few supporting roles are promising. The film is technically sound with fluid use of high-tech applications. The narrative reflects refreshing perspectives of young Asian Americans of nowadays. Music is generally upbeat and fitting to the style and pace of the film.
Abundant attractions fill up the film including the opulent lifestyle of the super rich, its glitter, the romps
and hilarious plots which come one right after another
with no end. These episodes offered throughout the fast-paced film seem to dazzle and charm audiences young and old alike looking for entertainment.
and hilarious plots which come one right after another
with no end. These episodes offered throughout the fast-paced film seem to dazzle and charm audiences young and old alike looking for entertainment.
Simply said this is yet another modern Cinderella story in Asian style. Romantic comedies never cease to please audiences among the population of 普羅大眾。Box office hits generally hold certain elements among them entertainment value. Absent from all these dazzling scenes, ask yourself : Do you find yourself stepping out of the movie unable to stop thinking about the movie ? Or do you forget about it instantly?
Although the film has a lot to offer, sometimes it tries too hard and put too much on the screen. At one or more occasions I mean they literally fill the screen with the entire Singapore’s rich and famous.
Secondary characters except a few are not exactly memorable. This includes the many cousins as they were introduced in the film, some in cameo roles. The
sheer number of these characters only adds to the confusion in an already crowded ensemble.
sheer number of these characters only adds to the confusion in an already crowded ensemble.
Background music were oftentimes amplified in the foreground causing noises which overwhelm the
subtle conversations and minute details.
subtle conversations and minute details.
The intensity of sights and sounds and pace leaves little room for audience to reflect on other less
developed themes. For instance, what connected all these rich family members and what are their values and aspirations ? Another theme lightly touched on but didn’t go further is about the female roles amidst the rich environment and its culture.
developed themes. For instance, what connected all these rich family members and what are their values and aspirations ? Another theme lightly touched on but didn’t go further is about the female roles amidst the rich environment and its culture.
Case in point : Is our heroine satisfied with her choice of marrying into a super rich family even though she gets to keep the man she loves? How about Astrid (the pretty cousin played by Gemma Chan) who managed to get her husband back but is this the best she can do?
The film seems to contend itself with entertaining yet reluctant to explore other issues laying around to be picked. This includes the mentality of the rich and the females’ role in its midst mentioned above.
I understand this is a comedy and a fun movie to see and there’s no need to over-philosophize its characters or backgrounds. The young filmmakers who worked on this project are certainly admirable in their persistent pursuit to move Asian movies to the
forefront for all to see. I sincerely hope the best for them to succeed.
forefront for all to see. I sincerely hope the best for them to succeed.
However, success of a film means different things to different people. I think when a film leaves in viewers a lasting impression, or when it touches hearts with passion or artistic inspirations or provokes thoughtful reflections on things important to our lives and experiences, that’s when I find it totally satisfying.
I am neither an expert nor a film student yet I hope to see more work coming out of these young filmmakers. They have equipped themselves with talents, skills and a variety of tools to further their craft. Now it seems to be an auspicious time to reach even higher ground in their pursuit of excellence.
Grace
