Crazy Rich Asians II
9/13/2018
Thank you for the Time magazine article on the movie “ Crazy Rich Asians “. It is indeed a comprehensive review on the film from many angles particularly from the business point of view.
As most critics among Asian viewers agree, it merits greatly the overall perspective change for Asian filmmakers as well as filmworkers including actors. If every wish comes true and the wind blows the favorite direction, this category (Asian cast /Asian film crew) of films shall bring very promising result 情況大好。
A similar endeavor twenty some years ago, a mostly Asian cast movie based on bestseller “Joy Luck Club “, however has not made much of a dent in the promise land after an initial box office success. You may say: time is different now! True, with globalization and technological advancement, the time may be ripe for the Asians in the film industry to shine now more than ever before.
25年前，《喜福會》也曾給亞裔帶來希望，後來呢？ - 紐約時報中文網
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Success in box office of a film does not always guarantee it to last or endure time and other situational changes. Most of the classic films like classical literature possess something endurable through time. It is found in the content, style and innovative feature which set them apart from the rest. What they unveiled through distinct narratives and styles made unforgettable impressions or spoke to the hearts of millions, or reveal truths of matter important to many. This is just a short list of some lasting value of humanity and experience of humankind’s. Without any of these qualities, artistic or otherwise, the film may not sustain against time and tides.
Box office may bring in huge profits for those participating in the process, yet without endurable quality they may fade into thin air in time. Say, similar features parading glitter and glamour may overload the audience and dull their senses. When there are something else worth exploring in the movie, the human elements that speak universal language, such as arts and music, an authentic episode which touches the hearts of many, a poetic or lyric rendition which says more than you see on the screen, the films are thus elevated to the value of lasting quality, some may even become candidates for a future classic.
I am not at all critical to this film. There are plenty of positive things in the movie which has been reiterated by many critics. Such as: it opens eyes particularly of the westerners’ to eradicate the myths of yesterday’s stereotypes, it boosts Asian filmmakers‘ self-confidence and promises promotion of talents in the young and innovative newcomers in the industry.
I give credits to those young filmmakers for a task well done. Yet success often breeds complacency, I hope they continue to elevate their efforts toward providing more than entertainment to their audiences. Not that the current film is deficient, but that their future endeavors could be focused on a wider range of subject matter or style, with more depth in theme development or issue raised.
This is just two cents from a layperson, may not be the cup of tea most people like to sip from.
Grace
