BBC’s ‘breathtaking’ drama based on bestseller is your next weeknight must-watch

Crazy Rich Asians is based on the 2013 bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan and stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding and Michelle Yeoh

ing the alarm! The BBC is airing Crazy Rich Asians on Monday night, and if you’re looking for the ultimate feel-good film packed with glamour, romance and family drama, then this is the perfect weeknight must-watch.

Based on the 2013 bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan, the 2018 film stars Constance Wu and Henry Golding as young couple Rachel and Nick, who travel to Singapore for a family wedding. But upon arriving, Rachel is shocked to discover that Nick comes from one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the country.

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Crazy Rich Asians is directed by Jon M. Chu

Directed by Jon M. Chu, who is also known for his acclaimed work on Wicked, In the Heights and Now You See Me 2, the movie is one of my personal favourites and is well worth a watch if it’s somehow passed you by.

Crazy Rich Asians was the first major Hollywood studio film in 25 years to feature a predominantly Asian cast and centre on an Asian-American story. The hit romcom also went on to earn multiple nominations at the Golden Globe Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

If you’re in the mood for a visually spectacular comedy-drama packed with romance, heart and plenty of jaw-dropping fashion and scenery, then this one should definitely be added to your watch list when it lands on BBC and iPlayer on Monday.

What have viewers said about Crazy Rich Asians?

The film proved a hit when it first premiered in 2018 and earned a 91 per cent critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.

In its four-star review, The Guardian wrote: “Somewhere between My Big Fat Greek Wedding and a Jane Austen novel: meticulous and hilariously alert to social structures, family dynamics and money, with a plucky underdog heroine.”

Meanwhile, The Standard said: “[Jon M Chu’s] cast is gifted and, where three women are concerned, the script proves gripping and moving.”

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Henry Golding and Constance Wu play Nick and Rachel

The Times added: “The director, Jon M Chu, thankfully, knows his rom-coms. There’s Pretty Woman in here. There’s Bridget Jones and Ever After, but he’s made them new.”

The movie also went down a storm with viewers and has a 76 per cent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

One viewer penned: “One of my favourite movies and I just rewatched it for the 10th time! Wonderful to see an all Asian cast of amazingly talented actors. Fun, wonderful dialogue and chemistry between the leads. Loved the soundtrack. The breathtaking cinematography of Singapore and islands makes me want to visit! Watch it now!”

Meanwhile, a second said: “Best binge-watch movie ever, everything about it is perfect. Please make a part two,” while a third added: “Great cast and script, a pure delight to watch – this is a must-see for certain!”

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The film lands on BBC and iPlayer from Monday

What is Crazy Rich Asians about?

The story follows New Yorker and economics professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), who accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding), to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore.

The synopsis reads: “Excited about visiting Asia for the first time but nervous about meeting Nick’s family, Rachel is unprepared to learn that Nick has neglected to mention a few key details about his life. Not only is he the scion of one of the country’s wealthiest families, but also one of its most sought-after bachelors.

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Chris Pang as Colin and Sonoya Mizuno as Araminta

“Being on Nick’s arm puts a target on Rachel’s back, with jealous socialites and, worse, Nick’s own disapproving mother (Michelle Yeoh) taking aim. It soon becomes clear that the only thing crazier than love is family, in this funny and romantic story sure to ring true for audiences everywhere.”

Who stars in Crazy Rich Asians?

Constance Wu leads the movie as Rachel Chu, while Henry Golding plays her onscreen boyfriend, Nicholas “Nick” Young.

They’re joined by Gemma Chan as Astrid Leong-Teo, Lisa Lu as Shang Su Yi, Awkwafina as Goh Peik Lin, Ken Jeong as Goh Wye Mun and Michelle Yeoh as Eleanor Sung-Young.

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Gemma Chan and Pierre Png also star

Other names include Sonoya Mizuno as Araminta Lee, Chris Pang as Colin Khoo, Jimmy O. Yang as Bernard Tai and Ronny Chieng as Edison “Eddie” Cheng.

Rounding out the cast are Remy Hii as Alistair Cheng, Nico Santos as Oliver T’sien and Jing Lusi as Amanda “Mandy” Ling.

Crazy Rich Asians airs on BBC One at 11.10pm on Monday evening and will be available to stream on iPlayer afterwards.