Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Based on a novel by the same name.
Streaming on Netflix.
It’s a simple premise, an age-old story, about how a couple has to convince either one or both of their families to get married. But it’s very well written and executed, with quite some layers and nuance. They take quite some time to establish the whole setting and the world, but it works because they do it with comedy, and a lot of visual grandeur. So it’s fun to watch. The conflict of the individual vs community, between Asia and America is always interesting to explore. It’s done beautifully in The Farewell (2019) as well. I loved how Eleanor says that Rachel is American, and all Americans care about is their own happiness – and after that Rachel says that she said no to Nick, because she didn’t want to be the reason he is separated from his family. She becomes exactly what Eleanor was saying she can’t be – someone who’s ready to sacrifice their own happiness. And she gracefully walks away. Although I wish I could see more of the turmoil and angst Rachel would go through while making such a choice. It felt like an effortless choice, but I’m sure she herself has to evolve to a place to be able to make that choice.
I loved the subplot of Astrid and Michael too – because this conflict is a nice branch within the tree of the setting of a crazy rich family. About how people don’t seem enough. Michael never feels enough. And he feels that Astrid is indifferent to him, and in a desperate moment of trying to not be a person whose actions don’t matter, he cheats on her. Time and again it’s proven that, lack of communication and pent up resentment is the main reason for relationships to break apart. When they get to a point where there’s no recovery. Though this story has been told so many times, I don’t remember watching the effect extreme wealth has on its own people and their relationships so well.
No comments:
Post a Comment