Dating in the Movies: Crazy Rich Asians — A Review

Jennifer Venkat
Sep 6, 2018 · 4 min read

It was a surreal glimpse into a romantic overture whose narrative was mostly set by Chinese culture. A very empowering yet comic insight into the unique world of high standards and the impact these have on dating relations.

**Spoiler Alert!**

So on a lazy Tuesday evening, I decided to catch Crazy Rich Asians with one of my best friends, upon hearing its rave reviews. To provide a little background on the film, it is based upon a book by author Kevin Kwan about his experiences with some of Singapore’s fabulously wealthy and prestigious families. I must say that, upon viewing the trailers for the movie, I was quite fascinated by this unique romantic flick and how it boasted an all-Asian cast and film director. While not a first for Hollywood (I direct you to a movie known as The Joy Luck Club from 1993, also boasting an all-Asian cast and film director) it is indeed a deviation from Hollywood’s typical romcom plot lines which tend to favor an Anglo-centric narrative and the trappings of Western romantic culture. The Hollywood of today embraces diversity more readily than the Hollywood of yesteryear and that is most certainly a step in the right direction.

Before I delve into a more detailed analysis of the interesting thematic elements that comprise this film, I would like to provide my general thoughts on the film. Overall, I felt the movie was quite good. While the action did get a little slow in some parts, I felt the dramatic elements of the film were well-balanced with its comedic elements. The most gregarious parts of the film were when Peik Lin (played by Awkwafina) gave Rachel (played by Constance Wu) fashion and dating advice. The airplane confrontation between Rachel as well as Oliver T’sien’s (Nick Santos) little catchphrases about beauty routines and skincare were quite fun to watch too.

Rachel tries on various dresses for Araminta’s wedding.

Love Across Borders

What made this film truly unique in my opinion was its depiction of love in the 21st-century across-borders, or more specifically, across ethnic enclaves. Let’s face it, love in the eyes of the Chinese American diaspora is entirely different in the eyes of Singaporean Chinese. The etiquette that Rachel considers acceptable is seen as unacceptable and even downright abhorrent by her future Singaporean in-laws, or more specifically her stoic would-be mother-in-law Eleanor Yung (played by Michelle Yeoh). Spreading scandalous gossip through Whatsapp is a reality we know of especially when coming to terms with a romantic couple like Rachel and Nick. I especially liked how traditionally Western songs were translated into Chinese and this soundtrack was played when Rachel was visiting Singapore. It was symbolic of the intermingling of the American-born Chinese woman’s culture with that of the Singaporean Chinese boy’s.

Ever the glamorous fashionista, Astrid makes her first entrance in the movie.

Pain and Heartbreak

Over the course of the movie, the parallels drawn between heartbreak in a new romance, as well as a more established one, were undeniably apparent. She is doubtful of her husband and feels sad when she discovers his affair with another woman. Quite clearly, this is a relationship that has moved past its prime. It’s crucial to remember that the tone of a relationship is not always set in the first couple of dates, as tempting as it may be to think that. Instead, connection and mutual understanding in a relationship are best built over time. They evolve with the experiences that the couple goes through.

Pong! The mahjong scene that got everyone in the cinema buzzing.

Financial Success and Dating

The income divide of the couple also contributed towards much of the animosity between their families. It also did not help that Rachel concealed a painful part of her family’s immigrant story from Michelle and was viewed as a ‘gold-digging whore’ by the rest of the family. Straightforwardness matters greatly when navigating an engagement. The transparency of all parties is key in finding a mutually beneficial place of closure. However, it is crucial to note that Nick does not espouse Michelle’s animosity towards Rachel. He embraces Rachel’s humble background as he is tired of his wealthier, ‘comfortable’ one. Rachel provides something new and adventurous to him, and that is the primary attraction factor. Thus, the opposite personalities theory of dating came into play slowly in the movie.

Crazy Rich Asians is definitely worth a watch. I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel — China Rich Girlfriend. I am confident that the love triangles of Chinese billionaires are undoubtedly prime for comic delight and deep romantic trysts. Can’t wait!

Grouvly provides matchmaking services in Singapore. Our mission is to bring working professionals of all walks of life together in real life, to connect you with fun and interesting people in your city. We’re a 1 button solution that gets you talking to fun people. Sans the online chat or lame public profiles. Together, our team aims to turn dating into an enjoyable lifestyle choice that expands your social circles and network. One person at a time.

Grouvly is a platform where writers share interesting stories and ideas related to dating, love, relationships, psychology. Here is a place where Matches are Made, Life is Lived, Love is Found.

Jennifer Venkat

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