There’s a new romantic comedy coming to town this Wednesday, August 15.
And the number one reason you should head to theaters is not solely because of the amazing plot line, but because of what the film represents. The story is based upon Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) preparing to meet her boyfriend, Nick Young’s (Henry Golding) family, more specifically his mom. What Rachel doesn’t know, is just how influential and important his family really is. Think Gatsby, except where his Achilles heel was his imminent branding of being “new money”, Nick’s family is old money, really old money. And with his family comes a sense of royalty and elegance, that has been in place for years.
As we step back from just the story. It’s important to note that this is the first film with an almost all Asian case in 25 years. And the cast is well aware of their platform.
The Knockturnal: There’s a quote from the director Jon M. Chu that really stuck out to me saying that this is “more than a movie…it’s a movement”. Can you speak as to the movement that has been launched with this film?
Constance Lau: It’s just amazing how after 25 years we finally have a full Asian cast in a Hollywood film. This means a lot to me because I feel that Singapore, you know we in Singapore feel it the most because we’re just one little red dot on the globe! We feel that Asians are not represented enough and I believe so much more is coming!
Carmen Soo: I think that we believe that anyone of any color has talents. And we have beautiful stories to tell and we are able to pull it off. Of course, Asians need representation because a lot of people say “I’m watching this film, they’re all white people and I don’t connect with that.” So it is true on that part but more importantly, I think that this film has to succeed in order for others, it opens up many more doors for people to believe that other Asian films can be THAT good too because we are, we just need to be given the opportunity. So that’s why I believe that everybody should come together and make this film a success so people can sit up and pay attention and say, “Oh you know I’m white, for example, and I love this story. It doesn’t matter how people look and the actors pull it off, it’s a beautiful film and I cried and I laughed.” It’s a long time coming and a great time coming.
Fiona Xie: I mean definitely! All of us are just so proud. It’s Asians coming together from all around the world, coming together to make sure our stories are told in a way that is respected and so that it paves the way for more Asian centric stories to be told. This is definitely important and I really hope that everyone goes out and supports it!
Selena Tan: When I first started filming it, just getting into the character and being in the movie was magical enough. That’s what I was concentrated [on] while filming. And afterwards, understanding the importance of it all it just dawned on me now. I have nieces and friends from all over the world writing to me and telling me how wonderful it is to have Asian representation. I grew up on a lot of American television and movies and we don’t see enough Asian faces on the big screen so I’m very happy.
The Knockturnal: Were you aware from the start just how influential and important this film would prove to be?
Constance Lau: It slowly started. I realized that it was going to be so big slowly. Because when you’re filming it you’re like “I’m just here to do that job, I’ll do it well and whatever happens next-whatever happens in post-production we’ll deal with it then.” And now that it’s done, we’ve seen the movie. It’s just slowly sinking in that this is going to be the next big thing!
Carmen Soo: Yes definitely. I think that the book is so successful despite it being about Asians and it was a great sign. It’s probably why it got turned into a movie. As we were shooting we realized how amazing this is that we have people from all around the world. Even Nico Santos who is based here but is from the Philippines originally. We have cast and crew from different parts of the world. So I think that with that alone we knew it was a very very special project. And as the story unfolds when we’re shooting, Jon, he cut a little bit of the trailers for us and we got to see it without music and it was just so special.
Fiona Xie: Yes definitely! Even before we were like wow this is the first time WB [Warner Brothers] has picked up an all Asian cast. We are very proud to be a part of history. It’s different when you have a cinematic experience and it’s special.
Selena Tan: It’s beginning to sink in now. When I was on set and trying to fit into costumes and the big wigs it didn’t really sink in at the time! Now that we’re here I keep asking somebody to pinch me!
