Advertisement

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.

Crazy Rich Asians star Constance Wu has spoken about why representation matters in cinema. Source: BUILD
Crazy Rich Asians star Constance Wu has spoken about why representation matters in cinema. Source: BUILD

“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.

Constance was joined at the BUILD studio in New York by Crazy Rich Asian co-stars Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding, Ken Jeong and Awkwafina. Source: Getty
Constance was joined at the BUILD studio in New York by Crazy Rich Asian co-stars Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding, Ken Jeong and Awkwafina. Source: Getty

“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.

Crazy Rich Asians follows a modern-day love story between Constance Wu’s character Rachel Chu and Henry Golding’s character Nicholas Young. Source: Roadshow Films
Crazy Rich Asians follows a modern-day love story between Constance Wu’s character Rachel Chu and Henry Golding’s character Nicholas Young. Source: Roadshow Films

Got a story tip? Send it to tips@yahoo7.com.au

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram.