Crazy Rich Asians star explains why representation matters
The buzz around Crazy Rich Asians has been mounting ahead of its cinematic release, with the movie being the first US studio film in 25 years to have an all-Asian cast.
Lead star Constance Wu acknowledges the significance of the film’s casting, and reveals many audiences who have previewed the movie have strongly resonated with it because of its representation of Asians.
“People were crying just because they had never felt seen,” the 36-year-old Taiwanese-American actress, who has also starred on Fresh Off The Boat, told BUILD during an interview in New York this week.
“Still there are some people who don’t feel seen with shows like Fresh Off The Boat obviously because we can’t represent everyone,” she continued. “And same with Crazy Rich Asians.
“We can’t represent everyone but what it taught me is that if you do one and you do it very well, they will make more.”
The actress, who plays Rachel Chu in the movie, says this project was definitely a great learning experience.
“I’ve learnt why representation matters so much,” she said.
“I learned how it makes people feel when not just their faces are reflected on screen, but their stories, and how that affects confidence, character.”
Crazy Rich Asians sees Constance’s character Rachel fall in love with Nicholas (Nick) Young, played by British-Malaysian Henry Golding.
But their love story takes a dramatic turn when Nicholas takes Rachel to Singapore to meet his family, with his mother being less than impressed with her son’s girlfriend.
Also starring the likes of Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, Ken Jeong, and Michelle Yeoh, Crazy Rich Asians releases in Australian cinemas on August 30.
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