"Crazy Rich Asians" the first Asian-led movie in 25 years is here

Who in their right mind would ever say no thanks to a mega-million-dollar offer from Netflix and gamble instead on taking their project to the big screen?

A couple of crazy soon-to-be-richer Asians, that's who, namely, director Jon M. Chu and writer Kevin Kwan. Back in October 2016, the duo turned down a very lucrative Netflix deal because they wanted more creative control, and they were determined to see their project on the big screen rather than a small one. At first, they were jittery over their decision. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Chu and Kwan were literally in tears.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the movie's release in the United States on August 15

However, as release dates around the world are fast approaching, here's betting Chu and Kwan will soon be smiling all the way to the bank. The movie will be released on August 15 in the United States and Canada, followed by releases in Asia Pacific, including Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines, by the end of the month.

The odds are in the film-makers favor that the movie will be a box-office success because: the movie is based on Kwan's best-selling novel, the cast has recognizable stars, including Constance Wu from the television show "Fresh Off the Boat", the mainstream media is all abuzz about the film, producer Nina Jacobson, of "Hunger Games" fame, knows what she's doing, a lot of movie-goers love romantic comedies, and it's been about 25 years since a major Hollywood film was made with Asians in the leading roles, namely "The Joy Luck Club".

As Kwan told reporter Scarlet Fu, in an interview for Bloomberg Markets, "The time is right."

The movie offers universal themes, plus an Asian perspective

Kwan's 2013 novel "Crazy Rich Asians", which is part of a trilogy, tells the story of American professor Rachel Chu, who travels to Singapore to meet the family of her boyfriend Nicholas Young. What a surprise when she learns that his family is one of the richest in Singapore and that he is one desirable bachelor.

With its universal themes, such as the complexities of love and problems with in-laws, the film will have universal appeal. Yet beyond these obvious criteria, something else may prove to be just as powerful in attracting audiences, that being, Chu's unique directorial perspective and his desire to show Asians as "contemporary, stylish, emotional, funny, sarcastic and unapologetic. Confident."

This movie is dedicated to diversity

The son of successful Chinese immigrants (Chu's father Lawrence C.C. Chu is the owner of the restaurant Chef Chu's in Los Altos, California), Chu the younger has experienced both ups and downs in Hollywood. A USC School of Cinema-Television alum, he has worked on a variety of projects: "Never Say Never", a documentary about Justin Bieber, the web series "The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers", and feature films including, "Step Up: Revolution" and "G.I. Joe: Retaliation", which generated worldwide revenues of $376 million. But Chu's resume also includes the feature film "Jem and the Holograms", which bombed at the box-office, even after Chu and producer Jason Blum took ten long years developing it.

Yet if we are to believe what author C.S. Lewis once said, that "Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement", then armed with personal experience and chutzpah, one can push forward, break boundaries, open doors, instill hope and smash stereotypes.

There are 76 speaking parts in this Asian-led film; nearly all of the actors are of Asian heritage. As well, while shooting in Malaysia and Singapore, there were ample opportunities to hire a diverse production crew.

But in big business, it's the bottom line that speaks the loudest; so, if audiences are seeking more diversity, in front of the camera and behind it, buying a ticket and going to see "Crazy Rich Asians" just might be the best bet.

Photo: Director Jon M. Chu at the 2013 screening of "G.I Joe: Retaliation" in Sidney Australia

Photo credit: Eva Rinaldi via Wikimedia Commons.