Crazy Rich Asians film has turned out to be a phenomenon: a frothy, fun, formulaic romance, and an all-Asian cast that doesn’t make a big song-and-dance in the storyline about it being an all-Asian cast. It gets on with the task at hand: telling a classic, high-spirited, Cinderella-inspired story.
But one of the the things that I really loved about the movie is how it is a love letter Singaporean and Chinese culture, with absolutely gorgeous locations.
It does for Singapore and Malaysia, where key scenes were filmed, what Woody Allen does for New York City and Richard Curtis does for London. I also liked that the version of Asian culture it showcases includes tradition and mah-jong but also the high-powered, wealthy, sophisticated and occasionally vapid side of modern life there.
Its nonchalant “Oh yeah we made a mainstream Hollywood-style romance with an all-Asian cast but we’re just going to let you enjoy the film” shifts this idea of wealth, friendship, romance, and beauty to the East with ease and grace. Normally I’d expect a big-deal film that looks this good to be set in New York City (skyscrapers and soaring lofts), Connecticut (big white colonials and sweater sets) or L.A. (swimming pools overlooking the lights of Hollywood). Here, it’s historic buildings, iconic statues and skyscrapers, classic jewels and Christian Dior (the dress in which character Astrid first appears shows a lot about chic Singaporean wealth).
About the Crazy Rich Asians Story
The “evil stepmother” is her boyfriend’s wealthy and imperious mother (played by Michelle Yeoh who, because she is the wonderful Yeoh, must turn out good in the end) and the impoverished Cinders (named Rachel Chu) was brought up by a single mother and lives the lowly life of a kickass NYU game theory professor (the poor dear). The Cinders is at times at bit on the nose: Rachel returns from a disastrous “ball” in her gown literally barefoot, and the prince is cast in the Disney mold: handsome, charming…and a little one-dimensional in his cluelessness about the machinations and inner motivations of the women around him. Never mind.
There is mah-jong, there are dumplings that glow like pearls, there are busy urban streets alive with colour, and there’s the kind of street food that makes Michelin inspectors swoon.
The locations are a combination of Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang, in Malaysia, and Singapore. The film opens up an area of the world that many people won’t be familiar with, and it does it not with a storyline about an American discovering this exotic new world but with people who live in it and know it. We are invited to be part of their world.
It all makes you want to book a seat tomorrow.
Crazy Rich Asians travel: The best locations from the film
Here’s an absolutely awesome list of other places to go that because CRA will undoubtedly be on everyone’s list next year. Do yourself a favour and plan your trip now.
- Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia – I mean really, do you ever need an excuse to visit a Four Seasons? This one has been on my list for ages. It’s the location of Araminta’s hen party but is great for families, couples, and me as soon as possible…
- The Changi Airport in Singapore – named the best airport in the world 6 years in a row. For an airport fetishist like myself, this is reason enough to visit
- The Newton Food Centre, Singapore – Hawker centres are places in Singapore with collections of vendors and it’s true, as Nick says in the movie, that street vendors win Michelin stars in Singapore. Apparently, this is actually one of the most touristy. In the book, the meal is at Lau Pa Sat. http://www.singapore-guide.com/food-dining/lau-pa-sat.htm Check out this video with great advice on visiting hawker centres in Singapore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zanoK-z3d9o
- Gardens by the Bay, Singapore – Location of Collin and Araminta’s wedding. A collection of stunning buildings that look like lit-up megaflora of the Mesozoic era.
- Sentosa Island, Singapore – Where Collin and Nick share a beer after fleeing Collin’s nightmarish party-barge bachelor party (and really, when did anything good happen on a party barge?)
- The Marina Bay Sands, Singapore – It’s iconic and where Rachel and Nick party with friends at the end. Luxury hotel, casino, shopping mall and home to the city’s highest swimming pool. Stunning and a striking showcase of the money and style of modern Singapore
- Cheong Fatt Zhe Mansion,Penang – This is cast as a mah-jong club in the film but it’s actually a hotel in real life so go ahead and book it! https://www.cheongfatttzemansion.com/
- * The airline in the film – Pacific Asean Airlines isn’t real. However, one observer has dissected the experience, comparing it with some of the First Class perks and accommodation on Emirates, Singapore, Airlines and Etihad. While it’s likely the only place you can get the kind of comparable legroom is on an expansive stage set, check out this article to find out where you can find something similar in the air. (An in-air bonus: No key grips and focus-pullers around while you adjust your eye mask.)
And because I’m an airline geek, here’s more about how the team created that airline and the airline in the film.
And more because I’m an airline geek: Apparently Singapore Airlines turned down the opportunity to be featured in the film. As Julia Roberts says in a similar Cinderella-themed movie: “Big mistake. Big. Huge.” But since Singapore is still one of the best and most delicious airlines around, we can move past it.
I’ve heard a lot about this film!