|
Ideastream Producer Gabriel Kramer
interviewing OCA party attendeesOCAGC at Lobby of Cinemark Valley
ViewOCA Greater Cleveland Watch Party had nearly 60 (not all
present)
The film “Crazy Rich Asians” has been the #1
movie in America for two weeks straight. The film is the first major
American production in 25 years to feature mostly Asians since the
Joy Luck Club, and its success is proving that there is a huge
market for quality movies from diverse filmmakers including Asian
Americans. A #GoldOpen social media movement to support the film
along with excellent movie reviews and word-of-mouth propelled the
film to earn $77 Million in the U.S. during its first 10 days.
Incredibly, the film earned $24.8 Million during its second weekend,
only dropping 6% from its first weekend, which is very unusual since
most films drop on average 40% by its second week. The OCA Greater
Cleveland Asian Pacific American Advocates held a Watch Party
organized by Lisa and Wayne Wong, to support the film and be part of
the #GoldOpen. The event held on August 19 at Cinemark Valley View
was very successful resulting in a nearly sold out theater with
nearly 60 people in the OCA group. Everyone that watched the film
agreed that it was profoundly satisfying and very touching -
especially because it was experienced with family, friends, and
community.
The romantic comedy film based on a novel of the same name features
well-established stars like Constance Wu, Michelle Yeoh, Lisa Lu,
and Ken Jeong, and also has some less established but superb actors
Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, and Awkwafina along with many others. The
film mostly takes place Singapore, showcasing a glimpse into the
life and styles of the ultra-rich. This single film does not attempt
to represent all Asians and all Asian cultures, an impossible task.
Rather, it tells an entertaining very effective, very specific story
with wonderful characters that all audiences will enjoy and relate
to. The Asian settings, people, and some cultural aspects lend
themselves to a slightly richer more relatable appreciation by Asian
Americans or those familiar with Asian customs.
.jpg)
Four local television stations and a radio station reported on the
film’s amazing success and the OCA Cleveland watch party. Ideastream
producer Gabriel Kramer attended the OCA party and did interviews
with attendees including Brunswick Mayor Ron Falconi, OCA VP Wayne
Wong, publisher Ann Pu, and fans Andrew Lau and Christine Yee. Those
interviews were on WCPN 90.3 FM radio and WVIZ Ch.25. Additionally
reporter Shannon Hauser of WOIO Ch.19 and WUAB/CW43 interviewed
Wayne Wong and Reporter Chris Tye from WKYC Ch.3 interviewed OCA
Cleveland president Lisa Wong and Wayne Wong. All segments are
available online and links can be found at the OCAGC.org website.
Personally, I found Crazy Rich Asians to be a moving experience:
for all the effective dramatic elements in any great movie; and for
that extra emotional depth from a relatable Asian perspective; and
also because while watching it, one realizes the milestone the film
represents. I hope one day, films like Crazy Rich Asians are
released in America and we do NOT need to celebrate it and draw
#-attention to it as an Asian-American film because it is such a
rarity, but instead is lauded just for being great. Until then,
gather your family and friends - everyone should go watch Crazy Rich
Asians.
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
