Breaking new ground for romantic comedies
"Crazy Rich Asians" Part 2
Translated by Lin Yu
As an Asian American, I found this movie refreshing. The depictions of these Asian characters (that is to say, all the actors) are not limited to a single level of positioning, but touch on a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and cultures among Asians and Asian Americans. It is obvious that Asian Americans and local Asians have different cultural backgrounds and world views. And the fact that the film can highlight this is quite inspiring. After all, many Asian Americans have long been accustomed to being lumped into the Asian basket.
In the film, Elena, who holds a traditional view of marriage, and Rachel, who has a modern view of love, collide and conflict repeatedly, but they also share certain views on Chinese culture. The movie ends with an emotional scene - Elena and Rachel play mahjong together, and Rachel uses this to show her understanding of the game and Elena's cultural wisdom. Some of the characters in the film identify with Asian culture and traditions, some identify with Western ideas, and some embrace or merge the two.
▲Elena, who holds a traditional view on marriage, and Rachel, who has a modern view of love, collide and conflict repeatedly, but they also share certain views on Chinese culture.
For the younger generation of Asian Americans, it is common to shuttle between "Asian" and "American" identities, wandering between Asian supermarkets and American public school cafeterias. It is indeed gratifying to see such a vivid cultural flow demonstrated on the screen.
Interpreting the film through the lens of faith adds an entirely different level of complexity, like the intricate rhythms of Christianity in Asia. It is not difficult to pick up Christian themes in the movie, the most obvious one is Rachel's self-sacrificing love for Nick, which prompts her to transcend her own personal happiness calculations when making decisions, and take Nick's long-term well-being as the decisive consideration.
When it comes to the topic of money, the film is a little unclear in its judgment of the elitism, hypocrisy, and materialism of Singapore's rich and famous. Several scenes lavishly display a dazzling array of wealth, especially a party celebrating the bride-to-be's breakup from her bachelorette life, and a trip to a private island. What else can be done? Shopping! Dazzling luxury cars, mansions, and brand-name boutiques are all dazzling before your eyes, whetting the audience's appetite. This is completely contrary to Jesus’ call to live a frugal life and to help the poor. "Jesus said, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell all you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven...'" (Matthew 19:21)
"Crazy Rich Asians" has successfully reflected the diverse experiences of Asians and Asian Americans. It has indeed set a representative milestone and hopes to inspire more such films. Overall, the film's dreamy depiction of wealth is really pleasing to the eye. For example, in the climax of the wedding scene, there is a rainforest inside the cathedral! I still think it's more important to remember that this movie is just that - a dream.
Grace Pyo, after graduating from the Department of International Relations and Economics at Wheaton College in 2015, taught English and studied Chinese in Kaohsiung, Taiwan for one year. She is currently a senior analyst at Accenture, living in Chicago, meeting at Holy Trinity Church. Likes jogging, reading and traveling.