THE BOOK
RATING : 3.7/5
Crazy Rich Asians is the first book of the trilogy and it was a very fun read. But as an asian who grew up in K-Drama, C-Drama and J-Drama (korean, chinese and japanese tv shows LOL) the storyline is redundant to me. I’ve seen that storyline of a rich random boy who falls for an ordinary girl for at least 80% of time while growing up so I was not very impressed with the overall plot.
However, I loved how Kevin Kwan was very informed about Singapore, its historical aspect and how the elite class came to be. Singapore itself is a both a mystery, a myth and a wonder to all of us asians. You have to understand that in less than 50 years, it became one of the strongest nations economically and environmentally. Having visited the nation myself, I can simply agree with everything people has said so far: it’s grandiose and a bit intimidating as the technology and the culture is so advanced I thought I was in a science fiction town.
THE MOVIE
The movie was HILARIOUS.
With the help with some very talented guests, the movie has become not only funny but a revolutionary act for Hollywood. Having asian-only cast from famous actors/actresses drama series to funny-laugh-my-ass-off natural comedians really change the feeling of the story.
The screen stealer and my absolute favourite character is Peik Lin (the blonde girl in the clip below) played by Awkwafina. She has such a unique voice that everytime she talks it’s just funny LOL
However, the most important part of the movie, besides showing off the Singapore lifestyle, is the values of traditional families vs American Born family. As you can witness in the movie, even though we are all asian, a lot of us are discriminated for our independence and our willing to achieve goals beyond the traditional values. I find that very interesting because as a girl who grew up and born in Vietnam, I went to live in France and finally in Canada. My values have changed a lot since and people keep commenting how I became so rude or I am always so straightforward. Yes, for the Vietnamese people it views as insolence while all I ever do is speaking my mind and express myself.
Overall yes, it’s all about a chick-flick romance movie but if you look closer, a whole asian dynamic is formed and analyzed in this story. From the beginning with the introduction and the racism to the moment where Rachel (the main character) meets the family and confronts her boyfriend’s Mom who is still holding to the traditional principles and ethics.
RATING : 4.3/5
I have not read the book yet but looking forward to the movie. The trailer is exciting x
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THE MOVIE WAS SO FUN TO WATCH ❤ Hope you get the chance to see it Susan 😀
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I have seen this movie pop up pretty much everywhere and everyone is really praising this one so much. As you know I love Asian culture and movie, so this one is currently sitting pretty high on top of my to watch list. Even though it’s a genre of movie that I usually would not pick, I’m intered enough to go check it out. Wonderful post as always! 😊😊
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OHH YES MICHEL. You should definitely watch it ! Especially if you like the Asian culture and reviewing movies 😉 It’s so fun and I laughed so much LOL It surprised me how many boys and men love this movie because they tend to not watch chick-flicks or romance. Crazy Rich Asians convinced them otherwise 😉
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Haha, well I’m pretty much convinced that I am going to enjoy this one as well 😊😊
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I’m sure that the difference between traditional and American-born Asian families is more prominent but I’d say that I also feel a difference between traditional (older) and younger people in my country (Slovenia). Their values are quite more conservative and sometimes if you want something different than that you are the odd one. Don’t want to marry? Don’t want kids? Want a different job after a few years? Don’t want to build your own house? You should be institutionalized. 🙂 I’m excited to see the movie and/or read the book to see the culture.
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LOOL I think you perfectly described that. Besides all of the differences, I think the struggles of the conservative way vs the future generations still remain the same. It’s still see as wrong to not marry or to choose a path that is not in Health Sciences or not buying a house after your thirties. Society has changed so much that they cannot have the same expectations anymore. The book and the movie are a very interesting take on the Asian culture, especially Chinese and Singaporean. Being Vietnamese, I have to say there are specific things I can’t relate but the overall theme is pretty much the same: family always comes first no matter what. I, however, am curious to learn more about the Slovenian culture! 😀 How is it like?
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I think it’s still quite conservative and it’s somehow believed that if you’re religious you’re also automatically a good person, which isn’t the case. But I think that’s the same in many countries. Like you said, some people put the expectations they have or that might’ve been true in the past but aren’t anymore realistic. In my opinion the Slovenian culture is in the middle of change: we’re stuck between the past and the present. I hope it really changes in the past.
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I’m quite new to the Asian culture and to be honest, I’m also a little bit intimidated but this movie looks like a good way to start exploring it. I’ve read a few articles about it and they were mostly positive so I can’t wait to see it!
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I really want to see the movie now! I love Awkwafina and Constance Wu!
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I dragged my husband to the movie. We were both surprised by how much we liked it. I hope the powers that be now realize that big movies featuring different ethnicities can make it big.
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Ahh I love the book! I think we’ve seen the story lines soo many times, but what I enjoyed (and not enjoyed) is how Rachel actually doesn’t know how rich Nick is so she loves him for who he is + without the pressure of the family. They were engaged first before Rachel had to deal with Nick’s family and it’s interesting to see that. I still haven’t watched the movie yet (uni is really sucking my time and soul 😭) but I will… eventually! 😀
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So movie 1 point book 0? Now I just NEED to watch it!
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I love this post ❤ I haven't read the book, or watched the movie just yet (It releases in October where I live), but I can't wait to do both, they both sound amazing 😀 ❤
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I read the book in about a week because I wanted to see the movie in theaters, and I wanted to finish the book before I saw the movie. I adored the book! The rich boy falls for poor girl story isn’t new for me, even though I have no experience with K-, J-, or C- Dramas! LOL But I LOVED every bit of the story, and I especially enjoyed the insight into aspects of Asian culture I got from the book. The movie was absolutely beautiful, and it moved visiting Singapore to the top of my Bucket List! It has been way too long since I’ve experienced a good romantic comedy, and I’m glad Crazy Rich Asians gave that to me.
I’m currently reading the second book in the series, while looking forward to the sequel for the Crazy Rich Asians movie, especially since the end in the movie is so different from the end of the Crazy Rich Asians book.
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I loved the book and movie! I’m definitely more of the “I preferred the book person”, but I loved seeing this brought to life on screen with an all Asian cast. They made some changes I wasn’t expecting, but the movie brought it to life in such a unique (and hilarious) way that I didn’t mind at all.
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Great post! I never read the book, but I LOVED the movie. It was so much fun. I can’t wait for the sequel 🙂
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Great review, Trang! I haven’t read the book but I’m definitely going to watch the movie. I’m glad you loved it! 😊
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I have not read the book yet, But I am watching the movie tomorrow. And I love your new layout. It is very clean and minimal
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Great review ! I was actually planning to watch the movie, I didn’t know it was a book before that! 😊 It sounds really fun and interesting as well!
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I’m glad the book was a fun read- I’ve been really looking forward to checking it out 😀 I’m so glad the movie was hilarious and had hidden depths. Awesome review!
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