The Complicated Discussion Surrounding Crazy Rich Asians

Get a whole month of great cinema FREE at https://mubi.com/qualityculture

In this video, I dive into the discussion around Crazy Rich Asians and its role in Asian representation. While it was initially widely praised for its all-Asian cast, it seems like there’s been a souring sentiment regarding the film and what it could’ve been. I try to break down why that is, while also exploring the themes that made people gravitate to the movie in the first place.

Support the channel, if you like ✨: https://www.patreon.com/qualityculture

0:00 Intro
2:11 #StarringAsians (Representation)
7:47 Across Borders (Cultural Divide)
15:33 Never Enough (Generational Trauma)
21:24 Final thoughts

Sources mentioned:
Aaron Sorkin, reportedly unaware of Hollywood's diversity problem, had many chances to become aware | Chicago Tribune
https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/tv/ct-aaron-sorkin-diversity-problem-0170327-story.html

Simu Liu on Playing Marvel's First Asian Superhero Shang-Chi | Men’s Health
https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a36343557/simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-superhero/

Money (That's What We Want): 'Crazy Rich Asians,' 'Black Panther,' and the Difficulties of Hollywood Representation | The Ringer
https://www.theringer.com/movies/2018/8/15/17692934/crazy-rich-asians-review-black-panther-hollywood-representation

One Way That Crazy Rich Asians Is a Step Backward | The Atlantic
https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/08/asian-americas-great-gatsby-moment/568213/

Crazy Rich Asians is no racial triumph. It's a soulless salute to the 1% | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/sep/12/crazy-rich-asians-racial-triumph

For Some Viewers, 'Crazy Rich Asians' Is Not Asian Enough | The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/16/world/asia/crazy-rich-asians-cast-singapore.html

Next episode

S01E31 - The Mummy: The Anatomy of an Adventure Movie