Since I’ve now seen it six times, I figured I might as well post about it. 😉
https://youtu.be/ZQ-YX-5bAs0
I absolutely LOVE this film. I didn’t go see it in the theater because I mistakenly thought it was just another romantic comedy. It was marketed that way and I get it. It’s a very popular genre. It is certainly romantic and for the most part it’s a comedy. However, it so much more than that.
The story and characters are much deeper than a regular romantic comedy. The more serious underlying theme is the vast cultural differences between Asians and American-Asians. Some of that is played for comedy, but a great deal of it is the more serious story acting as a vehicle for the lighter moments.
Hats off to Chu for not explaining every detail of Asian culture and pandering to an American audience. There are parts of the Asians’ culture, language, lifestyle, and traditions that are part of scenes and dialogue which are not unnecessarily explained by some sort of awkward audience surrogate. The film, while humorous, is too deep for that.
Every character is three dimensional, even the two dimensional characters (in story). There have been no shortage of Asians and American-Asians who have confirmed that the film is right on the mark. Way too many amazing performances and amazing actors/actresses to name here. Top notch performances from everyone involved.
I will admit to finally giving it a look only after I found out Awkwafina was in it. I have a bit of a crush on her and man, she is one of the better characters in the story. Gemma Chan (as breathtaking as she is accomplished), Henry Golding (could easily be the next 007), Constance Wu (outstanding), Michelle Yeoh, Ken Jeong, Ronny Chieng, the list goes on. Perfectly cast, every character.
I’ve been watching it on-demand and twice on HBO. I suspect it’s just a matter of days before I purchase. I’ll most likely have my seventh viewing in the books before the weekend. May even be not long after I post this review.
I give this an absolute five out of five Mahjong tiles.