(copypasting from Twitter)

So I finally watched Crazy Rich Asians and I actually really enjoyed it + recommend everyone else go watch it too. I think the heart of the movie is really Michelle Yeoh’s portrayal of Eleanor Young, which is unlike anything you typically see in a Hollywood film

I felt a surge of pride and vicarious happiness for all the Singaporean actors in the show – people I’ve seen on the little screen for decades, finally getting a big break on an international stage. Was really cool to see Kina Grannis too

It *was* frustrating and upsetting that there was a scene literally devoted to “OMG scary Indian guards”. That was so unnecessary. And of course the only other scene with dudes that look like me has them opening car doors. I’d rather not be represented at all than like this

But despite that, it was lovely to see my city on the big screen. Wife and I were irrationally happy to see Singaporean trees! Not the big fake supertrees, the literal trees alongside the expressways

I also thought Awkwafina and Ken Jeong didn’t really fit, as characters. But it doesn’t break the show. I suppose it’s like how Narcos must be jarring to Colombians for the incorrect accents, etc. But these are somewhat forgivable I think. Funnily I thought Jimmy Yang was spot on as a rich Chinese wanker

CRA raises some interesting questions about diaspora, immigrants, tradition vs modernity. In a way Nick Young is almost a MacGuffin – meant entirely to facilitate Rachel’s experience of the clash of civilizations. Which she handles masterfully, and I love her for that

CRA also has a wealth of women’s perspective, which is pretty rare. Young Sr = MIA. Nick’s privileged ignorance fails to prepare Rachel for the conflicts. Astrid has to clean up after the mess of Michael’s insecurities. Rachel’s mum had it rough, as did Eleanor

The nuance in Eleanor telling Rachel “you will never be good enough” in a way that’s simultaneously a general statement about life for asian women (motherly advice, in a way) AND a plausibly deniable dismissal – that was *so* skillfully executed

And you see that Eleanor isn’t being a jerk because she enjoys it, but because she has values and standards, and is subject to those forces too (when Ah Ma tells her that her dumplings aren’t good, and that she’s responsible for Nick)- I’m so glad all of this nuance was reflected

It’s a shame then that such incredible nuance is reserved for a Chinese matriarch but literally none whatsoever for the brown folks meant to open doors and scare girls

But anyway it’s a good film, refreshingly different, and y’all should go see it. It’s a good time.