8 things about ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ we need to talk about

The film adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s best-selling novel “Crazy Rich Asians” is the first all-Asian ensemble film to get a Hollywood release in 25 years, and allow us to tell you: it definitely did not disappoint.

Our rich cuisine, accent, language and music are all represented well and genuinely, with film director Jon M. Chu choosing the right people to make it so.

The story follows NYU Economics professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) as she accompanies boyfriend Nicholas Young (Hendry Golding) to attend his best friend's wedding in Singapore.

There, Rachel finds out she is dating not only one of Asia’s most sought-after bachelors but a scion of one of the wealthiest families in the country, as well.

What started as a romantic holiday with the man she loves becomes a battle against jealous socialites and Nick's disapproving mother Eleanor Young who has put their relationship to test.

Here are 8 things worth talking about in "Crazy Rich Asians."

1. Getting the Asian traditions in marriage and relationships down pat

As someone who grew up in a Filipino-Chinese community, it's safe to say the complicated love story of Rachel and Nick not only depicted the the strict Asian tradition of parents having a big say on who their children date and marry.

It also showcased how the younger generation of this culture is slowly letting go of yet another Asian tradition: having to marry someone from the same race and social status “to protect the family’s identity” — though the popular Chinese tradition of setting up their sons or daughters on dates aka "kai siao" and arranged marriages may still be low-key happening somewhere.

Michelle Yeoh’s portrayal of the nosy Eleanor is a standout. You will hate her and simultaneously love her, just like every powerful Asian tiger mom that we are familiar with — she who can kill with intimidation and terror but at the same time, one who’s timeless poise and fashion sense deserve anybody and everybody’s admiration.

“Romantic comedies often focus on the tension between a couple, but I think we all know that the real tension leading up to a partnership is often with your potential in-laws. In the book, and in the film, Nick is faced with an impossible situation: should he choose his love or his family?  There was never any question that the Rachel-Nick-Eleanor triangle would be the focus of the story," Producer Brad Simpson noted.

While Eleanor is the face of the clan, their Ah Ma (Chinese term for grandmother), Nick's grandmother, Shang Su Yi, played by Lisa Lu still has the immense power as the real matriarch of the family. In some scenes, it was subtly shown how Eleanor almost has the same relationship with her own mother-in-law as she has with Rachel.

READ: 'Crazy Rich Asians' breaks drought of all-Asian cast Hollywood film

2. Asian bachelors are damn hot

This movie introduces the world to the hotness of Asian men, caramel skin, toned abs, almond eyes, and all.

It also presents almost every type of guy in an Asian circle, and actors Henry Golding as Nick, Chris Pang as Nick's best friend Colin Khoo, Jimmy Yang as Bernard Tai Nick and Colin's friend, Ronny Chieng as Eddie Cheng, Pierre Png as Michael Teo the husband of Nick's cousin Astrid, Harry Shum Jr. as Charlie Wu, Astrid's ex-fiance, and Remy Hii as Alistair Cheng, Nick's cousin did the representation very well.

Pang said as he was studying for his role, he spoke with the book's author Kwan and he was told that most of the characters are inspired by actual personas including his character Colin.

“A lot of these characters are inspired by real people he’s come across in his life, so I got to hear about the ‘real’ Colin.  I still don’t know who he is, because Kevin was careful not to divulge enough, but one thing I learned was that I sort of look like him," Pang shared.

3. Kris Aquino's scene as Princess Intan

The whole Philippines has been waiting for this scene for months and while there have been rumors both good and bad, one thing is for sure: Kevin Kwan wasn’t lying when he said Kris is one of the highlights of the film.

She really is.

Without giving away too much, Kris did her classic acting in the film as Indonesian Princess Intan. She may not have a lead role but her scene with Rachel is an essential one and it will make you feel proud it was her who did the part.

RELATED: Kris Aquino tries on five different gowns for the 'Crazy Rich' premiere

4. The humor and the fashion 

Several scenes will have you laughing out loud, thanks to characters Peik Lin, Rachel's college best friend played by rapper and writer Awkwafina and Nick's cousin Oliver T'sien played Filipino-American actor Nico Santos. They set the serious tone of traditions and culture aside with their character's wit.

Rom-coms wouldn't be complete without the "make-over" scenes and these two are a match made in heaven. With their wide knowledge in fashion they helped Rachel dress up when she has to look the part as Nick's girlfriend in occasions where they know all eyes will be on her.

Watching these two support Rachel will make you wish you have friends like them.

5. The wedding scene

The film portrays perfectly the Asian behavior, talent, and penchant for spending lavishly and creatively for parties.

The $40-million wedding of Araminta and Colin it was breathtaking and surreal.

We still can’t get over the scene where the bride walks barefoot down the aisle as everyone holds lit flowers over her, water gently flowing toward the altar.

“This had to be a wedding like you’ve never seen before,” Director of the film Jon M. Chu said.

READ: 'Crazy Rich' director Kevin Kwan calls Heart 'the darling of the Philippines'

6. Coldplay's song "Yellow" sang in Chinese will make you feel all sorts of things

The media recently discovered and reported on the letter Jon personally wrote to Coldplay, requesting to have the song "Yellow" played towards the end of the movie.

Jon said he wanted to have it in the film because when he and his friends first heard it, they felt a "new sense of pride"; people call Chinese yellow because of their skin color.

"It immediately became an anthem for me and my friends and gave us a new sense of pride we never felt before," Jon wrote in his letter to Coldplay, which he revealed to Hollywood Reporter.

“The color … always had a negative connotation in my life, until I heard your song."

The song was sang in Mandarin by Katherine Ho, who previously competed on Season 10 of the U.S. version of The Voice. 

7. Just how rich Asian culture

The art of making perfect dumplings, intense conversations over Mahjong, the hidden mansions, calling your friends' parents Aunties and Uncles instead of Mr. and Mrs, the thrill of meeting your partner's family for the first time and the challenges the come along with it — not to mention the colorful parties — it's all Asian.

Many will say it’s a narrow kind of representation as it focuses mostly on the traditions and cultures of the Chinese, but we think it's a good gateway for Hollywood to make more films representing more cultures of Asia.

8. The you-and-me-against-the-world kind of romance

Even though it's more than just a typical rom-com movie, the romance in the film is also something to admire and gush about. Watching the kind of relationship Rachel and Nick have, a picture-perfect "us against the world" kind of relationship is one of the most relatable aspects of the film. — LA, GMA News

Crazy Rich Asians opens in cinemas today, August 22.