With Asian representation becoming more discussed in the film industry, many people want a film starring Asian-American actors. Even though there have been films with Asian characters, they are often represented as the stereotypical nerd, martial artist, or in the case of women, a docile lover. They also often have thick accents and racist names (Yum-Yum, Po, Ping Ping, etc.). There hasn’t been many movies where Asian-Americans are portrayed as just your average person on the street, until now.
Crazy Rich Asians, set to premiere in August 2018, is the first Hollywood production in 25 years to star an Asian majority cast. Constance Wu, known for her portrayal of Jessica Huang on ABC’s Fresh off the Boat, stars as Rachel Chu, a young economics professor who is thrust into the life of the rich and glamorous by her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young, portrayed by Henry Golding. The two travel to Singapore to attend Nick’s friend’s wedding, and Rachel is shocked by the true nature of her boyfriend’s family. He’s the most desired man in all of Singapore with his good looks and extreme wealth, and his mother and Grandmother rule the family with iron fists. Rachel must learn how to deal with Nick’s strong family dynamic and crazy life before his mother drives him away from her.
Crazy Rich Asians, set to premiere in August 2018, is the first Hollywood production in 25 years to star an Asian majority cast. Constance Wu, known for her portrayal of Jessica Huang on ABC’s Fresh off the Boat, stars as Rachel Chu, a young economics professor who is thrust into the life of the rich and glamorous by her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young, portrayed by Henry Golding. The two travel to Singapore to attend Nick’s friend’s wedding, and Rachel is shocked by the true nature of her boyfriend’s family. He’s the most desired man in all of Singapore with his good looks and extreme wealth, and his mother and Grandmother rule the family with iron fists. Rachel must learn how to deal with Nick’s strong family dynamic and crazy life before his mother drives him away from her.
Based on the novel of the same name by Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians is meant to change the portrayal of Asians in Hollywood. However, it has already met with controversy over the casting of lead male role, Nick Young. Actor Henry Golding is half Australian and half Malaysian (actress Jamie Chung was denied the role of Rachel Chu because she is not ethnically Chinese).
The male lead’s family are the largest developers in all of Singapore, which is known for abusing migrant workers. The film also portrays the narrative of wealthy East Asians who historically have built their massive generational wealth from colonialism, classism, and the displacement of South Asian communities. This portrayal of Asians can be a trigger as there is much intergenerational trauma from how much our older generation value possessions as a marker of success. It also shows the “saving face” trope, a concept that prioritizes how others view you over how you view yourself. This phenomenon often occurs in Asian communities, where your social standing and reputation determine your place in society.
I still believe that this film is still a huge step for Asians in Hollywood. I’m sick of seeing stereotypes like martial artists, nerds, and immigrants with thick accents. Even though stereotypes such as tiger moms, rich heirs, etc. are still portrayed in the film, I like how Rachel Chu is just an average American woman. She’s just like any woman you meet; she has a job, she’s in a normal loving relationship, and she’s focused on her future. There’s nothing that distinctly screams “Asian” about her. There are generational issues that can be addressed, however, the film and book are meant to be satirical.
People have called the film “The Asian Black Panther”, but Black Panther addressed cultural and racial issues that are seen in society. On the other hand, Crazy Rich Asians is meant to get Asians further in the film industry, it does not try to grapple with issues of race and society, it’s meant to show people that Asian characters b do not have to be martial artists or immigrants.
I have high expectations for this movie, but from the trailers, it seems that Constance Wu and Henry Golding are up for the challenge. Crazy Rich Asians is coming out on August 17, 2018 and hopefully it will not be the only Hollywood film with an all Asian cast.
The male lead’s family are the largest developers in all of Singapore, which is known for abusing migrant workers. The film also portrays the narrative of wealthy East Asians who historically have built their massive generational wealth from colonialism, classism, and the displacement of South Asian communities. This portrayal of Asians can be a trigger as there is much intergenerational trauma from how much our older generation value possessions as a marker of success. It also shows the “saving face” trope, a concept that prioritizes how others view you over how you view yourself. This phenomenon often occurs in Asian communities, where your social standing and reputation determine your place in society.
I still believe that this film is still a huge step for Asians in Hollywood. I’m sick of seeing stereotypes like martial artists, nerds, and immigrants with thick accents. Even though stereotypes such as tiger moms, rich heirs, etc. are still portrayed in the film, I like how Rachel Chu is just an average American woman. She’s just like any woman you meet; she has a job, she’s in a normal loving relationship, and she’s focused on her future. There’s nothing that distinctly screams “Asian” about her. There are generational issues that can be addressed, however, the film and book are meant to be satirical.
People have called the film “The Asian Black Panther”, but Black Panther addressed cultural and racial issues that are seen in society. On the other hand, Crazy Rich Asians is meant to get Asians further in the film industry, it does not try to grapple with issues of race and society, it’s meant to show people that Asian characters b do not have to be martial artists or immigrants.
I have high expectations for this movie, but from the trailers, it seems that Constance Wu and Henry Golding are up for the challenge. Crazy Rich Asians is coming out on August 17, 2018 and hopefully it will not be the only Hollywood film with an all Asian cast.