Or is it the other way around? Regardless, the timing could not have been better. With the absence of strong competition paired with the dry spell of romantic comedies, Crazy Rich Asians was able to sweep the box office in the past month. The refreshing film is the highest grossing romcom in recent years, ranking 19th at $140 million worldwide (a large majority coming from domestic gross). But the success of the film is of course not limited to its lack of competitors, but also to its content, specifically the all Asian cast which is typically unheard of in Hollywood history. Yes, the film follows the framework of the familiar romcom formula of a girl in love with a "prince" like guy, but what's revolutionary is that the girl is Asian American, and the guy is of Asian decent as well! What was probably argued by many movie executives as being unmarketable has now been proven to be the complete opposite. Jon Chu and his talented cast, which includes Constance Wu and Michelle Yeoh, have now opened future opportunities for increased representation. Moviegoers in America do care about minority lead characters. And we now know that they're willing to pay good money to see Asian Americans represented. Characters don't just have to be white in order for viewers to relate.
And it's not just the characters that viewers are drawn to, but the spectacle of wealth. Old money is visually apparent throughout the various settings, from the extravagant mansions filled with history to the over-the-top parties. The title of the film is surely justified with a $40 million wedding that unfolds halfway through the story. You can't help but marvel at the water gently flowing down the aisle adorned with real-life vegetation.
But what I really like about the film adaptation of Kevin Kwan's book is that it genuinely holds its own as a rich, intelligent, and sweet story. It's not just a film carried by its unheard of casting practice, but a story elevated by its contemporary background and progressive characters. Rachel Chu, the protagonist, combats her lover's mother in unconventional ways that are both delightful and thought-provoking. The movie provides a healthy mix of lighthearted romcom fun and emotionally moving actions filled with cultural significance. It can be seen as surprising to some at how easily interpreted certain moments in the movie can be, despite the expected cultural gap between East and West. While the movie may have initially relied on Asian American moviegoers, it is without a doubt an experience that can be enjoyed by all Americans.