Rachel (Constance Wu), an economics professor at NYU, has been dating Nick (Henry Golding) for a year. Having been invited to the wedding of a friend in Singapore, Nick wants Rachel to go with him; she can meet his family. Upon arrival, Rachel discovers that Nick has wealth beyond her wildest dreams. All Nick's local relations immediately view Rachel as a gold digger. Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh), Nick's mother, is clearly not pleased with her son's choice in girlfriends. Nick wants to marry Rachel, even though that will likely result in excommunication from his family. Can Rachel and Nick stay together without a break from his family?
There are additional subplots, the most noteworthy being Nick's cousin Astrid (Gemma Chan). She is a combination supermodel-philanthropist who is much beloved. She married a soldier who is having trouble being the comparatively poor husband.
Peik Lin Goh (Awkwafina) is Rachel's former college roommate and native to Singapore. She sports blonde hair and crazy outfits. She is Rachel's constant ally and a source of considerable humor. She does a terrific job. Her father is played by Ken Jeong, probably best remembered as Mr. Chow from the Hangover trilogy.
The weakest part of the movie was the opening. It is 1995 and Eleanor arrives at a posh hotel on a rainy night with a young Nick and Astrid. Despite having made reservations, the manager suggests she find other accommodations, perhaps Chinatown. Ah, racism. Maybe that's the way things were in London in 1995 but it struck a negative and unnecessary tone. It has no bearing on the rest of the film. With all the pre-film hype of this being the first American film with a majority Asian cast since the Joy Luck Club (1993), this came across as an attack.
All in all, this is an excellent romantic comedy. Thumbs up.
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