Some movies are enjoyable because they make us laugh, some because they take us on an emotional journey, and then there are those that make us appreciate a little more of who we are and where we come from. Crazy Rich Asians is one of those movies for me.
I believe this is probably the third time I have watched this movie, but I have to say that this time felt a little different. It was not simply about watching a romantic comedy, enjoying the beautiful locations, the glamour, the humour or the complicated family relationships. This time, it carried a little more meaning because I watched it together with someone who is so dear to my heart. Being able to share a little piece of where I come from, our culture and part of my heritage with them made the experience much more special.
For those who have not watched it, Crazy Rich Asians is a 2018 romantic comedy directed by Jon M. Chu and based on the bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan. The story follows Rachel Chu, an American born Chinese woman who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick Young, for his best friend's wedding. What Rachel does not know is that Nick comes from one of Singapore's wealthiest and most influential families. Suddenly, what should have been a lovely trip to meet his family turns into an eye opening experience involving wealth, family expectations, traditions, social status and, of course, a fair amount of drama.
And trust me, there is plenty of drama!
One of the things I enjoy most about this movie is how Singapore is presented to the world. From the stunning Marina Bay skyline to the familiar streets, beautiful architecture, local food and the unmistakable atmosphere of our little island, there is something quite wonderful about seeing Singapore featured so prominently in an international Hollywood production.
As a Singaporean, I cannot help but feel a little proud watching it. We may be a small country, but we certainly have a lot to offer. Our multicultural society, our food, our traditions and the different communities that make up our identity are all part of what makes Singapore special.
Of course, the movie takes a rather glamorous approach to Singapore. It showcases the extravagant lifestyles of the ultra wealthy, magnificent mansions, designer fashion, private jets and lavish celebrations. Most Singaporeans are certainly not living that kind of life, myself included! But beyond all the glitz and glamour, I think the movie does a lovely job of introducing audiences to some aspects of Asian culture and the importance of family, heritage and tradition.
And that is something I could relate to.
There is a particular beauty in seeing familiar cultural references brought to life on the big screen. The food, the conversations, the family dynamics, the expectations placed on children and the importance of making a good impression when meeting relatives. Some of these things might seem amusing to people who did not grow up in an Asian household, but to many of us, they are not entirely unfamiliar.
Family is a big part of Asian culture. Respect for our elders, maintaining family traditions, protecting the family name and sometimes putting family expectations before our own happiness are things that many of us have grown up understanding. We may not always agree with these expectations, and certainly not everything should be accepted simply because it is tradition, but they are part of the cultural environment that shapes many of us.
This is particularly evident in the relationship between Nick and his mother, Eleanor Young, played brilliantly by Michelle Yeoh. Eleanor is a strong, traditional woman who believes deeply in family responsibility and protecting everything her family has built. She is not necessarily an easy character to like throughout the movie, but I think there is more to her than simply being an overbearing mother who disapproves of her son's girlfriend.
Her character represents a generation that believes sacrifice, duty and family reputation are important. She has her own understanding of what it means to love and protect her family, even when her methods may be difficult to accept. It also raises an interesting question about how much of ourselves we should be willing to sacrifice to meet the expectations of others.
Rachel, on the other hand, represents a different perspective. She is independent, intelligent and comfortable with who she is. She does not come from the same privileged background as Nick, but she has her own achievements, values and sense of self worth. What I particularly appreciate about her character is that she does not allow the wealth and status surrounding Nick's family to define her.
There is a lovely message here. Your worth is not determined by how much money you have, the family you come from, the designer labels you wear or the circles you move in. What matters is who you are as a person.
Another character I absolutely enjoyed was Peik Lin, played by Awkwafina. She brings so much humour and personality to the movie. Her reactions, expressions and hilarious observations provide some much needed comic relief, especially when Rachel finds herself navigating a world she never knew existed. Every good movie needs a character who makes you laugh, and Peik Lin certainly delivers!
Then there is the wedding scene. Honestly, it is one of the most beautiful wedding sequences I have seen in a romantic comedy. The setting, the music, the flowers and the overall atmosphere are simply breathtaking. It is extravagant without losing the emotional warmth of the occasion. It also reminds us that weddings in many Asian cultures are not just about two people getting married. They are often celebrations involving two families, generations of traditions and a whole community of people coming together.
But beyond the romance and comedy, what stayed with me this time was the opportunity to share something personal with people I care about.
Sometimes we forget that the people closest to us may not necessarily know everything about our background, our upbringing or the little things that have shaped our lives. Sharing a movie like this may seem like such a simple thing, but for me, it was a lovely way of opening a little window into my world. It gave me the opportunity to share some of the culture, humour, traditions and familiar experiences that are part of my heritage.
Having lived overseas for ten years before returning to Singapore, I have come to appreciate our little island in ways that perhaps I did not always fully recognize when I was younger. Sometimes it takes stepping away from somewhere to realize just how much it means to you. Singapore is home, and there are so many things about our culture that I am proud of.
Watching this movie with people who are dear to my heart made me appreciate that sharing our backgrounds is also a way of sharing ourselves. It is not just about showing someone where we come from geographically. It is about allowing them to understand a little more about our experiences, our values and the things that have helped shape who we are today.
And perhaps that is why this third viewing felt more meaningful than the previous two.
I also love that the movie explores the idea of belonging. Rachel finds herself in a world where people are quick to judge her because she does not fit their expectations. Yet, throughout the story, she learns that she does not need to become someone else to be accepted. She can appreciate Nick's family and their traditions without losing her own identity.
I think that is an important reminder for all of us. We can embrace where we come from while still being our own person. We can respect traditions without allowing them to dictate every decision we make. And we can love someone without needing to prove that we are worthy of their world.
At the end of the day, Crazy Rich Asians is a romantic comedy, so naturally, there is a happy ending, a little drama, plenty of beautiful people and enough luxury to make most of us wonder whether we have been living on the wrong side of Singapore!
But beneath all that extravagance is a story about love, family, identity, acceptance and knowing your own worth.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely!
Even if you have watched it before, I think it is worth revisiting. Sometimes we watch the same movie at different stages of our lives and walk away with something completely different. Our circumstances change, our relationships evolve and the people we share those moments with can make an ordinary experience feel extraordinary.
For me, this viewing was not just about enjoying a good movie. It was about sharing a little piece of Singapore, celebrating part of my heritage and creating another lovely memory with people who mean so much to me.
And if there is one thing I took away from watching it again, it is this: Never be embarrassed by where you come from, never underestimate the beauty of your own heritage and never feel that you have to be someone else to belong.
We all have a story, and our roots are very much part of that story.
My verdict: A definite recommendation! Beautifully filmed, entertaining, funny, romantic and sprinkled with just the right amount of family drama. But this time, it was the personal meaning behind the movie that made it even more special.
Sometimes, it is not just the movie we remember. It is who we watched it with and what we got to share along the way.
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