Writing and Filmmaking Lessons from CRAZY RICH ASIANS (2018)

CRAZY RICH ASIANS Video Essay

CRAZY RICH ASIANS is the smash hit that proves that, contrary to recent reports, the rom-com isn’t dead.

Rachel (Constance Wu) is an economics professor in New York. When her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding) asks her to join him in Singapore for his friend’s wedding, she doesn’t know that his family is rich… crazy rich.

Trials and tribulations ensue, but chief among them is the stern disapproval of Nick’s mother Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh). Rachel could never win Eleanor over, but perhaps she can out-manoeuvre her.

Based on a novel by Kevin Kwan, Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim wrote the screenplay. Jon M. Chu directed.

In many ways, CRAZY RICH ASIANS is an archetypal rom-com. It features so many of the story beats and character types of the genre. On the other hand, it finds ways of making these fresh and relevant for a modern audience. While very culturally specific, it explores universal themes.

As star Henry Golding said:

It represents so many people, not just Asians. It represents those who struggle bringing their partner home, or vice versa. Those who struggle with love. Struggle with overbearing parents or mothers-in-laws or crazy uncles and cousins.

And director of CRAZY RICH ASIANS Jon M. Chu concurs:

There’s people you can tell who are deeply moved by it. It shows we’re all trying to find our place. We’re all trying to figure out how to fit in. And we’re not alone in our struggle.

What lessons can writers and filmmakers draw from its success?

Check out the video on CRAZY RICH ASIANS below.

 

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