Kate Semilla

A Glimpse on the Lives of the Asian Moguls: a Critical Analysis on the movie Crazy Rich Asians through Marxism Approach INTRODUCTION Long before, Asian artists portraying protagonist roles were rarely seen in American films and theatre due to ethnocentric perceptions. Not until 2018, Hollywood has finally embraced Asian artists to portray major roles in movies, step-by-step. Consequently, “Crazy Rich Asian became the first film by a major Hollywood studio to feature a majority cast of Asian decent in modern times since The Joy Luck Club in 1993”, according to Wikipedia. For those who do not know, Crazy Rich Asian, a satirical romantic comedy is written by Kevin Kwan on 2013. Following this novel was its two sequels, namely China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems on 2015 and 2017 respectively. Moreover, a box-office movie adaptation was directed by Jon M. Chu (of with the same title) and was later on released on August 2018. Though it may sound obscure but there are some scenes from the book which can't be seen in the movie. Nonetheless, the movie depicts a cliché plot of two worlds apart love story featuring of course, a grandiose Asian lifestyle. Hence, this paper seeks to analyze whether the Asians was able to portray their culture and influence (in the movie) into greater and wider perspective of audience. Furthermore, this will also examine the effects of the dominating economic and social conditions of the characters in this film. SUMMARY The story started with both Rachel and Nick were in New York, building their each careers. Nick suggested to bring Rachel to Singapore to meet his family and attend his best friend, Coin's wedding. Unbeknownst to Rachel his true identity–being one of the most sought-after bachelor magnate, his family's royal-like fortune, and the grandiose wedding dubbed as the wedding of the century in Singapore. She was only enlightened by then when she visited her old friend Peik Lin. She was laughed at, at first due to her ignorance of his boyfriend's and his family's background, resulting to her first make over in the movie. She was then introduced to the family during Nick's welcome party like she set on a battle without a weapon held as she was silently ridiculed and fed with sarcasm. This is because before she was able set her foot on the island, her information was vastly spread like a germ. The next time she knew, she was patiently restraining herself not to make scene against the barbaric doings of his friends. Fortunately, Astrid was just by her side all along those incident as they share a common downfall moment. Although, Nick's grandmother was amused at her on their first meeting, Eleanor emphasized her rejection towards Rachel when she was invited to make traditional dumplings. Leading to her second make over, for the wedding, where she showed to them what her worth and abilities as she was able to speak to the elusive Princess Intan. However, during the after wedding party, the truth behind her identity was revealed making her unsure of everything she believed in life. It was a disaster as it seems since Nick is now in the place between choosing his mother/family and Rachel. Fortunately, they ended up together, sealing it with the emerald ring Rachel once admired after she confronted Eleanor emphasizing that she will left Nick not because she was threatened but because she has integrity and self-worth. CRITICAL EVALUATION The Asians were able to express/share their culture, tradition and practices greatly than in any other films because the story is about an Asian, majority of the casts are Asian and it was marketed in way for people to think that it is a big win for diversity, a great Asian hope, as stated by Sangeetha Thanapal on The New York Times. However, it has been also criticized elsewhere for having biracial and non-Chinese actors in ethnically Chinese roles, as stated in Wikipedia. In addition, the set is mostly and is actually featuring a Chinese–Singaporean root. Unfortunately, Singaporean elements are poorly visualized. For instance, the characters used British and American English instead of Singaporean English when speaking. Hence, there is confusion. Although, as stated by an article in the The New York Times, The female protagonist, Constance Wu has indirectly addressed the criticism by acknowledging that the film ‘won’t represent every Asian American.’ through a Twitter post. Moreover, Director Jon M. Chu, has had also his fair share of opinion by acknowledging the controversy, saying “I realized that I was only getting angry at the people who felt that they had been burned. They were people like me who had watched Hollywood whitewash things, and watched roles go away because someone said an Asian man can't be the lead of this or that”. This is again noted by an article in the The New York Times. On the brighter side, despite the biracial discrimination that happened, the ultimate goal of the movie which is to feature an Asian lifestyle was fulfilled. The movie was able to show a common Asian culture, traditions and practices such as close family ties and the opinion of the mother is always considered whatever and whenever a decision is made. On the other hand, each of the characters portrays different kinds of personalities despite their socioeconomic status. That despite being rich (in this movie) who could live comfortably and has spent all their money extravagantly, still they were not exempted from the different problems in life. Although, they may use their resources, but with too much of this, one can worsen a situation. These were clearly shown as each of them go along with challenges or the so called character development. Thus, the effects of which were very much evident as how the story ended. A discussion of the major character's character development stages will begin with: Rachel Chu, an economics professor in NYC, describes herself as “poor” in comparison to Eleanor, is a tough and a dignified woman. She was unaware at first with Nick's wealth as she sees him being himself, nothing more and because she loves him sincerely. Later on, when his true identity was revealed, she has accepted him and the people around him with utmost respect and integrity despite the scrutinizing and elitist behavior of his family and friends. However, upon knowing the truth behind his father and the abhorrent resistance of his mother to her as Nick's lover, she has stood with a head up high deciding to leave Nick and chose not be threatened nor belittled by his mother. “I’m not leaving because I'm scared or because I think I’m not enough, maybe because for the first time in my life, I know I am. I just love Nick so much, I don’t want him to lose his mom, again. So, I just wanted you to know that, one day, when he marries another lucky girl, who is enough for you, and you’re playing with your grandkids while the flowers are blooming and the birds are chirping–that it was because of me. A poor, raised by a single mother, low class, emigrant, nobody.”–Rachel Chu, 2018 Fortunately, Nick fought for her even if it will cost his fortune, and proposed to her which she accepted in the end. Rachel's dignified behavior win through despite the revolting resistance of Nick's rich family and friends. “…You have no one, no net worth, but you have integrity. That's why I respect you.”–Peik Lin, 2018 Nicholas Young, also known as Nick, referred as the shinning heir of the Young Corporation, is a humble and loving man who only wants to live life freely. He often disregards the family's fortune for he believes that it is theirs and not his. “We're comfortable…” “…and yes, my family has money. But I always thought it is theirs, not mine.”–Nick, 2018 Especially when Eleanor, his mother disapproves of Rachel. He stood up with his decision although it would exchange his family. He was not blinded by the money, fame and power he had and has chose the love of his life. Eleanor Young, Nick's mother, a rich yet a typical daughter-in-law which was often unwanted by a mother-in-law is striving to be traditionalist by shaping the life of his son and to impress her mother-in-law. As a result, she is somehow viewed as elitist as she only wants what's best for his son. “…Pursuing one's passion, how American. Well your mother is very open-minded not like here where parents are obsessed shaping the life of their children.”–Eleanor, 2018 She was against Rachel for his son that she hired a private investigator to investigate Rachel's background behind their back. Thus, when Nick confronted her and has decided to leave her and the rest of his family for Rachel, she was seen standing alongside with Nick, probably talking with her son, giving the emerald ring which Rachel once admired and was later on used to propose to Rachel. She was visualized as a person, a mother who will use all her resources (money, fame and power) to protect her child. Consequently, too much of this behavior of hers makes her (look like) the villain of the story. Astrid Leong–Teo, Nick's cousin and Michael's wife, is known as the Princess of the family, another heir to the Young Corporations, admired by many. “Astrid is awesome, and she’s probably the only one I am close with. She's really grounded to earth, once you get to know her….Not only she graduated top of their class at Oxford, start multiple charities and is a fashion icon, Astrid has the biggest heart of any of my cousins.”–Nick, 2018 But Astrid is also a problematic wife. She has married a commoner which was seen to be a big deal to her family (although Eddie, their cousin is the only one seen to make a fuss about it) and to their marriage. She strived hard and careful not to let her husband feel belittle about it by keeping and hiding all the expensive items she shopped. Unfortunately, she ended up separating with her husband after knowing his affair. She emphasized after being blamed by her husband for their failed marriage, that its not her job to make him a man—man enough to fight for their marriage. “You are right, I shouldn't have kept things from you, hidden my shoes, turn down jobs, charity works, worrying that I might make you feel lesser than. But let's be clear, the problem with our marriage is not my family's money, is that you are coward. You gave up on us. I just realize, it's not my job to make you feel like a man, I cannot make you something you're not.”–Astrid, 2018 Hence, in this movie, the effects of the dominant socioeconomic status, which is being rich, helped the characters in the story to become well-molded person–creating a strong and stable personality. CONCLUSION To wrap up, with everything discussed, Marxism is evident in this film wherein the dominant groups exploit the subordinate groups. Furthermore, a form of racism was evident although this film seeks to be considered as a gradual step for cultural relativity in American films. Also, the storyline itself, shows that the effect of the dominant economic and social conditions created a positive outcome to benefit the characters of the story. That money, fame and power can never buy love and happiness. REFERENCE “Crazy Rich Asians Film”, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8, Aug. 2018, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Rich_Asians_(film). 12 Oct. 2020. Ives, Mike. “ Is 'Crazy Rich Asians' A Great 'Asian Hope' ? Doubters in Singapore. The New York Times Aug. 17, 2018: Section A, page 6. The New York Times. Web. 12 Oct. 2020.