Kevin Kwan is the author of the global bestselling novel, Crazy Rich Asians. Published in 2013, the book shot up the charts very quickly and remained a title that fans couldn’t get enough of. Due to its massive success, two more titles were published, China Rich Girlfriend (2015) and Rich People Problems (2017), to complete the affluent Asian trilogy. Now that the printed versions have run their course, it’s time to literally see how the other half lives.

Rachel (Constance Wu), an economics professor, and her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding), have a simple life enjoying each other’s company in their no-frills lives in NYC. Nick pops the question…to ask Rachel to accompany him back to Singapore for his best friend’s wedding. Hesitant at first, Rachel agrees to go because she’s going to finally get to meet Nick’s friends and family, an aspect of his life that he rarely discusses. She discovers that he is way more than he lets on to be. It turns out that Nick is part of one wealthiest families in Singapore. Shocked, angered and speechless, Rachel collects herself and vows to make the best of bombshell revelation.

Nick and Rachel’s relationship will be tested by friends, family and nosy naysayers as classes clash in this love story that pits true love against family loyalty and tradition. Crazy Rich Asians will take audiences on a wild ride of love, loathing and lavish living as tired traditions are tested to see if love can overcome all else.

Kudos to Warner Bros. for bringing Crazy Rich Asians into the spotlight. The studio seems to be banking heavily of the success of the ethnic comedy as they’ve dumped a TON of money into promoting it. While it’s pretty commonplace for studios to double-down, if you will, on their movies, this particular film stands out. Why? For some wild reason, Asian-led movies are a rarity by major Hollywood studios. In fact, it’s been twenty-five years it last happened with another novel-turned-movie, Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club (1993). If the early buzz (including mine) are any indication of what’s in store, Warner Bros. will be rewarded for their broad foresight as it seems as though the cultural comedy will appeal to the masses…and it should.

Director Jon M. Chu got started in the music and dance arena by directing such titles as Step Up 2: The Streets (2008), Step Up 3D (2010) and smash hit documentary Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (2011). From there he jumped to a big-budget action sequel in G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) before returning to his roots, sort of, with Jem and the Holograms (2015). His last film was another sequel, Now You See Me 2 (2016), which he’s also been attached to the third movie in the magic mystery franchise. None of his previous projects even hinted towards someday doing a romantic comedy. That said, Crazy Rich Asians is easily his best effort to-date.

Jon M. Chu had the privilege of working with a varied cast of Asian actors. Constance Wu (ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat) landed the title role which is impressive given that the majority of her success has been on the small screen. She shines throughout. And making his acting debut, yes you read that correctly…DEBUT, Henry Golding gives a veteran performance as the male lead. Two actors that give Crazy Rich Asians the best comedic moments are Awkwafina (most recently seen in Ocean’s Eight (2018)) and Ken Jeong. Some of the other talented main actors to round out the cast are Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan and Jimmy O. Yang. There are many names not mentioned, but you can find the full list here if you so choose. Collectively speaking, these individuals put their best acting foot forward and help make this a true treat to experience.

Crazy Rich Asians is a wonderful film that will surely having everyone buzzing. Regardless of your ethnic background or social status, there are so many pleasant takeaways from this romantic comedy that I never saw coming. This is one of the reasons that I’m pleased that I don’t make a habit of reading novels. Everything presented in this vivid representation of a class truly unknown to many, is simply fascinating and I do not believe that my imagination would have done this one justice. This title is a definite must-see and hopefully the other two books in the trilogy will receive proper film adaptations. In theaters now.