Photo credit: Courtesy of Joy Asico Photos
“Singapore is really the main star of this movie,” said Ashok Kumar Mirpuri, Singapore’s Ambassador to the USA, in opening remarks prior to the private screening of Crazy Rich Asians at The National Archives’ McGowan Theater hosted by Ambassador Charles Rivkin and the Motion Picture Association of America. “Two months ago many of you in Washington and around the world were watching the summit between President Trump and General Kim [Jong-un]. This will be a different image of Singapore. This will be that fun image of Singapore. We’re all not crazy, we’re all not rich, but we all like to have fun. So you will see images of Singapore that if you travel to Singapore, you can actually go to all these places; that crazy, rich Asian castle and especially enjoy the Raffles Hotel, the Singapore Sling, or the food court with the great food because that’s what, in may ways, Singapore showcases in this movie.”
JoAnn Mason, Amb. and Mrs. Mirpuri
“It’s a romantic story. It’s something to take your mind away. It’s a Cinderella story,” Ambassador Mirpuri added. “We have step-sisters and step-mothers all along the way. It also speaks of Singapore’s policy in Hollywood in doing this movie. Singapore is one of the largest movie-going audiences in the world. Hollywood decided to set the movie in Singapore. It came from the book that Kevin Kwan wrote, using Singapore actors, Singapore designers. It’s a way for Singapore to present itself on the world stage. The main star, who lives in Singapore, will probably move to L.A. after this movie but … he’ll keep his relationship with Singapore. All I can say is enjoy the movie and plan you next trip to Singapore very, very [soon].”
Henry Golding and Constance Wu
Synopsis: “Jon M. Chu (“Now You See Me 2”) directed the contemporary romantic comedy “Crazy Rich Asians,” based on the acclaimed worldwide bestseller by Kevin Kwan. The story follows New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) as she accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding), to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Excited about visiting Asia for the first time but nervous about meeting Nick’s family, Rachel is unprepared to learn that Nick has neglected to mention a few key details about his life. Not only is he the scion of one of the country’s wealthiest families, but also one of its most sought-after bachelors. Being on Nick’s arm puts a target on Rachel’s back, with jealous socialites and, worse, Nick’s own disapproving mother (Michelle Yeoh) taking aim. It soon becomes clear that the only thing crazier than love is family, in this funny and romantic story sure to ring true for audiences everywhere. “Crazy Rich Asians” features an international cast of stars and was filmed entirely on location in Singapore and Malaysia. It is set for release on Wednesday, August 15, 2018.” Warner Bros. Pictures.
Prior to heading into the screening guests enjoyed – well, crazy rich Asian culinary treats.
Stuart Holliday, CEO of Meridian International Center
Ambassador Rivkin set the stage for the film: “For those of you who are movie buffs, this movie right now is 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.” (Look it up). “The U.S. premiere is August 15th, so you are seeing this film before literally anybody else. Let me just say a couple of words about the film before we start. This movie, as I think a number of you guys know, is based on a best selling novel by Kevin Kwan which was inspired by his family and his early life in Singapore. It’s directed by Jon M. Chu, whose credits include Step Up 2: The Streets and G.I. Joe Retaliation. It also adds a great, great line up cast that you’re gonna love. What we value though about this movie tonight is that it’s about love, and it’s about the family dynamics which anyone can relate to; it just happens to immerse itself in Asian and Asian-American culture. And that ladies and gentleman is a powerful American idea.”
Ambassador Charles Rivkin, CEO MPAA
“We in this country derive our strength through our diversity,” Rivkin emphasized. “The more diverse Americans that we see on our screens, the more we can appreciate what this country is truly about. And so when we celebrate movies like Crazy Rich Asians we recognize that this is only the starting point. We need diversity, representation and belonging in our films. Let’s see more stories of the entire American spectrum beyond first generation stories – the second, third, and fourth generation stories. Let’s see more people in living rooms and movie theaters in the United States of America looking up at the screen and saying ‘Hey that’s me! That’s my family right there.'”
So how crazy is Crazy Rich Asians: Think The Great Gatsby on steroids!
