Crazy Rich Asians: the perfect, ubiquitous in-flight film

What makes a film so perfect to watch while flying? It struck me recently as I relaxed in my flight seat to the sounds of Chinese jazz singer Jasmine Chen’s version of “Waiting for Your Return” during the opening credits Crazy rich Asians Again, this film has been featured on pretty much every in-flight entertainment system I’ve scrolled through over the past few years. But why?

What is it about Crazy rich Asians That’s what makes it such a draw for airlines – not since In the air Does it feel like a film is already on so many IFE screens – and why do so many passengers, myself included, continue to watch it as a favorite film?

In part, it’s an inherently travel film that many of us can relate to: the protagonist, Rachel Chu, lands in Singapore, a country she’s never been to, and the experience feels like being a fish in the water Water, and it feels all too real as you zip through the sky in a metal tube at nearly the speed of sound.

Some of the important scenes are even shot in aircraft cabins, with the fictional Pacific Asean Airlines stepping in as a sort of CGI-ed Singapore Airlines with serial numbers dropped – at least in the ultra-suite version like SQ it feels even more luxurious than Singapore’s first class at the time .

The economy class experience has a certain poignancy to the plot – clearly filmed in a cabin with AirAsia – then-fiancé Nick Young’s lavish first-class lifestyle in Singapore.

Part of the appeal lies in that, in a way Sell ​​Sunset, Below deck or Real Housewives By the way, the opulence in which the Youngs’ circles move, as I discussed with a Singaporean who knows their films: Jasmin Lim, Asia Content Acquisition Manager at the content service provider Spafax.

“There’s something about the sky that makes people long for a little opulence. Maybe it’s the altitude, the endless blue or the fleeting feeling of freedom,” suggests Lim. “Whatever the reason, Crazy rich Asians has become the cinematic equivalent of a first-class upgrade. With its dazzling jewels, extravagant parties and a plot as twisted as a pretzel, this film is the perfect antidote to the cramped economy seats and boring meals on board. It’s like a private jet for your eyes, transporting you to a world where everyone is a millionaire and the only thing more impressive than their bank account is their couture.”

In fact, the film is beautifully shot, a kind of visual love letter to Singapore, one of the most picturesque cities anywhere. The iconic wedding scene at the historic former monastery CHIJMES, the montage of Nick and his friends showing off Singapore to Rachel, the showdown at Gardens by the Bay, the meeting on Queen Elizabeth Walk with the Fullerton Hotel in the background… there’s certainly an argument to be made about cultural focuses and crude pastiches, but the film portrays the city of Merlion so lovingly that many sins can be forgiven.

The wonderful soundtrack, full of classic standards and modern Mandarin covers, from Jasmine Chen to Grace Chant to Sally Yeh, helps set the scene, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that the costumes are beautiful and the entire cast is very gentle Eyes. The excellent acting brings its characters to life, be it the masterful performance of Michelle Yeoh’s matriarch Eleanor Young or the comic timing of the Goh family, played by Awkwafina, Ken Jeong and Chieng Mun Koh.

But it’s also the case that many viewers will immediately recognize the film’s challenges. Your friend’s mother doesn’t like you? You don’t have to be a Singaporean billionaire to put yourself in Rachel’s shoes. Although the plot is sometimes tight and twisty, the struggle with family approval is also a universal story in which relatively little is at stake and in which the worst thing that can happen to our heroes is a broken heart is. With the strangely heightened emotions that flying brings, there’s something reassuringly comforting about it, like a comfy sweater we can slip into. What could be better for a feel-good film on board?

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