Name: Rohmatul Karimah
Reg No: N1D217089
Class: Odd English Literature
Task of Popular Culture
Crazy Rich Asian: The First Asian movie in Hollywood as Popular Culture
1. Synopsis of Crazy Rich Asian movie by John M Chu
Rachel Chu an Chinese-American economic professor in New York. She has relationship with Nick Young, a professor in New York. Although he come from rich family, Nick Never arrogant. One day Nick invites Rachel to accompany him in attending the wedding party of Araminta and Colin, Nick's friends in Singapore. Through this meeting, Nick will introduce Rachel to his family in Singapore. Finally Rachel agree that invitation and go to Singapore. Rachel doesn't know that Nick or her boyfriend is son of conglomerate. She already know when she has been in plane. However, when she arrives in Araminta's party, she is introduced by Nick to his mother, Eleanor Young. Eleanor looks doesn't like Rachel because she thinks that many difference between Rachel and Nick.
2. Analysis Strucural of Crazy Rich Asian movie by John M Chu
a. Intrinsic Elements of Crazy Rich Asian movie by John M Chu
Structuralism literary theory is a theoretical approach to literary texts that emphasizes the overall relationship between various elements of the text. A literary text consists of components such as: ideas, themes, moral value, setting, character, and characterization, plot incident, and language style. (Taum, 1997:38-39). One basic concept that became characteristic of structural theory is the assumption that in itself literary works are an autonomous structure that can be understood as a rounded unity with elements of development that are intertwined (Pradopo, 1985:6). Structural analysis need to do to understand the meaning of literary work. This analysis aims to disassemble, describe as carefully, thoroughly, detailed, and as deep as possible the interrelation and intertwining of all elements and aspects of literary works that together produce a total meaning (Teeuw, 2003:112).
Intrinsic element is an element that builds literary works from within. The intrinsic elements contained in a literary work are themes, moral value, plot, character and characterization, setting and perspective. This is the intrinsic elements of Crazy Rich Asian Movie by Kevin Kwan:
1. Theme
Theme is the main elements of a literary work. In the Crazy Rich Asian movie, contained theme the difference culture. This is because Rachel Chu is a Chinese ladies economics professor who has been long stay in New York . So, she has open minded and doesn't too follow traditional Chinese cultural. While, Nick Young is a Chinese history professor and child of conglomerate in Singapore who his big family still follows the cultural pests that are lowered by their ancestors. This differentiation make Nick’s mother, Eleanor disagree with their relationship and try to destroy their relationship.
Not only about difference culture, the theme of this movie also about family. Because in this movie shows about how the closeness of parents and children, how children stay with their parents before they get married, to the habit of taking care of parents when they reach old age. That can be seen through Nick Young's family. His family is harmonious and compact. They always do something together and also they always respect Ah Ma, Nick's grandmother. They take care of their grandmother patiently.
2. Moral value
There are many moral values that contain in this movie. As can be seen in this following:
- The prohibition to do racist
That can be seen in the first scene, when Eleanor Young and her family visits a hotel in London. Some of hotel official has underestimated their appearance. Furthermore, they deliberately say that hotel rooms are full and order Eleanor Young's family to stay in China Town. This is shown that they do discrimination to Eleanor Young's family because they are Chinese that's not suitable to stay in that hotel. Because of this accident, Eleanor call the owner of that hotel and buy that hotel. Finally the official and manager of hotel are surprised, feel ashamed, regret and apologize to Eleanor. This is shown that we prohibit to do racist and underestimate other people because of their appearance.
- Wealth does not always make happy.
That can be seen through the wealth of Nick Young's family who has an house like kingdom, have a variety of luxury cars, vacation on a private island, to get on a first class plane. However, this wealth does not make happy for Astrid, Nick Young's cousin. Her household with Michael Toe is not happy although they rich. It is because the difference status between Astrid and Michael. Astrid come from rich family, while Michael come from not rich family. From the first Michael is not confident about the difference economic status of them. This is made Astrid always hide her glamour life because she doesn't want her husband feel inferior. But that's precisely what makes her husband disappointed until he do affair.
That can be seen when Rachel comes to Singapore and meet with her friend when study in New York, Peik Lin. Peik Lin is an loyal friend and always help Rachel in Singapore. When in Singapore Rachel stay in Peik Lin's house and she always help Rachel to prepare the best costume when Rachel is attending every events and accompanies Nick Young. Furthermore, Peik Lin also listen the story of Rachel when she gets problem with Nick’s mother. Peik Lin always gives support to Rachel so that Rachel always fight and never give up. This is the faithful of Peik Lin to Rachel Chu.
That can be seen when Eleanor tells when she was young. Eleanor becomes example of the good mother. Because when she was young, she willing to doesn't continue her education to higher level and choose to take care of his husband and children until success. That's told by Eleanor when she makes dumpling and compare her life to Rachel. Eleanor thinks that Rachel so ambitious, because Rachel more emphasizes her career and she's not desire daughter-in-law for Eleanor Young.
- Never give up and fight for pride.
Although Eleanor Young said that she disagree with the relationship between Rachel and Nick, furthermore she thinks that Rachel is not suitable for Nick Young, Rachel never give up to get blessing for Nick's mother. She still dare to attend the wedding of Colin and Araminta. Through this, she shows that she's not easy to be dropped. Futhermore, she wears class costume until get praise from Eleanor's friend. Through her intelligence, she able to sit and talk with someone who was well respected by the Young family at the party, Putri Intan.
- Sincerity will produce happiness
That can be seen when Rachel Chu invites Eleanor to play Mahjong. On their conversation, Eleanor thinks that Nick doesn't need Rachel but Rachel disagree about that. She says that Nick propose her and dare to leave his family especially his mom. This made Eleanor feel shocked. Then Rachel continues her words that she refuses Nick. Because Rachel thinks that when Nick choose Rachel, he will lost his family. While, if Nick choose his mom, he may spend the rest of his life resenting his mother. Futhermore she also says that when Nick marries another lucky girl and enjoys his life, it is because of Rachel a poor, raised by a single mother, low class, immigrant nobody. This is doing by her because Rachel love Nick so much. That's made Eleanor begin to realize that the happiness of his son is because of Rachel. And finally Nick and Rachel can be together again. This is shown that when someone try to sincere, happiness will be come.
3. Plot
Plot is combination of events in story that contains cause-effects. Crazy Rich Asian movie by John M Chu contains progressive plot. This is because in this movie tell about how the first time of Rachel Chu comes to attend party in Singapore until meets Nick Young's family and doesn't get bless from Eleanor. The stages of Crazy Rich Asian movie's plot are:
On the first scene begin with arrives of Eleanor Young's family in a hotel at London. When she says that she has a reservation in that hotel, the official hotel and manager doesn't believe and refuses them. Futhermore they assume that the hotel is not suitable for Eleanor's family. However, suddenly the owner of hotel arrives because he is called by Eleanor and order his manager and official to prepare the Lancaster suite for them. Finally the manager and his official apologize to Eleanor.
Rising action of this movie is when Rachel meets Amanda in Samsara island, exactly when in Resort SPA. Rachel and Amanda enjoys various spa treatments and Amanda begin to make conversation. Amanda says that she and Nick ever together, although it's just ancient history, but their families, especially Nick's mother want them to get married and they weren't ready then. Not only because of Amanda's words, but also because of Celine and Francesca talks about Nick. This is made Rachel feels sick. After hearing Celine and Francesca, she exits, fleeing.
Climax of this movie is when Rachel Chu attends the wedding of Araminta and Colin. Rachel is called by Ah Ma in private alcove. Ah Ma accuses Rachel deceive their families. This is made Rachel and Nick was shocked. Because Rachel doesn't know anything. Eleanor continues Ah Ma's words, that Rachel lied about her family and her mother. Eleanor ordered private investigator to look into Rachel's past. The fact is Rachel's father is still alive. During the marriage Rachel's mother cheated on her father and became pregnant with another man’s child, and before his husband found out she ran away to America. That's made Rachel angry because she doesn't know anything and be accused liar. Finally, Rachel says that she doesn't want any part of Nick's family. Then she run off from that party and cry.
The falling action of this movie is when Rachel invites Eleanor to play Mahjong. Through their conversation when playing Mahjong, Eleanor begin to realize that Rachel is a good girl. Because Rachel choose to refuse Nick's proposal. Rachel doesn't want Nick lost his family. Not only because that, but also Eleanor looks how attitudes of Nick when she visits Nick's room. Nick more choose silent and seems disappointed. Through this situation Eleanor begin to realize that Nick also loves Rachel so much.
The resolution of this movie is when Nick and Rachel enganged. Their friends cheer and hug Rachel and Nick. Rachel spots Eleanor in the distance. There’s a look of understanding, respect between them. Not only happy ending for Rachel and Nick, but also for Astrid. Finally Astrid and a handsome man at the party look at each other, then turn away. Then they look back at each other with a sly grin.
4. Character and characterization
There are some characters of Crazy Rich Asian movie:
Rachel is a main character of this movie. She is an Economic professor from New York. She is a single child from single mother. Her life is simple, brave, independent, modern, not able to dressing up, obedient to parents.
He is a professor from same university with Rachel Chu in New York. He is son of Eleanor Young. Her life also simple, not arrogant, never shows his wealth although he came from rich family. He always respect his mother and grandmother.
She is Nick Young's mother. She is overprotective to his son, arrogant, defend her original Chinese culture, underestimate other people and disagree with the relationship between Rachel and Nick. Futhermore she will do anything to destroy their relationship.
She is friend of Rachel. Kind, a loyal person, brave, tomboyish, always helps Rachel face her problem and give support for Rachel so that Rachel never give up for her problems.
She is cousin of Nick Young. Friendly, love her husband, not arrogant, has a biggest heart of any of Nick's cousin, glamour in outdoor and simple when she meets her husband.
- Colin Khoo and Araminta Lee
They are the betrothed couple Nick and Rachel travel to see. Colin and Nick have been best friends since childhood. Colin, like Nick, comes from a lot of money, as does Araminta. They are very low-key and easygoing.
She is ex-girlfriends of Nick and still loves Nick and try to destroy the relationship between Rachel and Nick.
He is Nick's cousin and a stupid rich person who is annoying and arrogant, often taunts people who are inferior to him, including Michael.
5. Setting
There is many places the happening of this movie. Such as London exactly in Calthorpe Hotel, New York, Phillip and Eleanor's House (SINGAPORE), Taiwan, Penthouse Apartment in Hong Kong, Jewelry Boutique in Shanghai of Astrid, house of Peik Lin, Tyersall Park, Resort on Samsara Island, Rawa Island in Malaysia, Mahjong Hall,etc.
The setting of time this movie is on 1995 at night and 2017 at night, morning and evening.
b. The interconnection between intrinsic elements of Crazy Rich Asian movie.
Based on analysis of intrinsic elements, so the Crazy Rich Asian movie by John M Chu that adapted from Crazy Rich Asians novel by Kevin Kwan, has intrinsic elements. Such as theme, moral value, plot, character and characterization and setting. These elements cannot stand alone because these elements have a relationship between one another.
In Crazy Rich Asian movie, using progressive plot or the events narrated are chronological, the first event being followed by events which then correspond to the time of the event. Where in this movie begin from the arrival of Eleanor Young's family in a hotel at London on 1995 and be continued the existence of Rachel and Nick Young in New York on 2017. And the ending of this plot is when Rachel Chu and Nick Young enganged and their friends feel happy. Also the meeting between Astrid and a man in Rachel and Nick's engagement party.
The main character of Crazy Rich Asian movie is Rachel Chu, an economic American professor and Nick's girlfriend. She is smart and independent because she just live with her mother. Besides the woman main character, there are also man main character. He is Nick Young, a professor in same university of Rachel and he is boyfriend of Rachel. He is rich and loves Rachel so much. The next is supporting character. They are Eleanor Young, Peik Lin, Astrid Leong, Amanda Ling, Eddie Cheng, Colin Khoo, Araminta Lee, etc. That supporting character support the main character and affect the plot. Eleanor Young is Nick's mother who disagree the relationship between Rachel and Nick because of differentiation culture both of them. Peik Lin is friend of Rachel who always helps Rachel and give support to solve Rachel's problem. Eddie Cheng and Astrid Leong are cousin of Nick who have different attitudes. Astrid is friendly, while Eddie the opposite of Astrid's character. Amanda Ling is an ex-girlfriend of Nick and try to destroy the relationship between Rachel and Nick. Colin Khoo and Araminta Lee is best friend of Nick.
From the intrinsic elements above, it is plot, character and characterization, setting can be concluded that theme of the Crazy Rich Asian movie by John M Chu that was adapted from Crazy Rich Asian novel by Kevin Kwan is the difference culture. Where Rachel Chu is Chinese but live in New York, so called American-Chinese and she doesn't too follow the culture of Chinese. While Nick Young is a son of conglomerate in Singapore. He is Chinese and his family still hold the Chinese culture and tradition. This differentiation makes Eleanor, Nick's mother disagree about their relationship. Besides about difference culture, this movie also has theme about family. This movie shows about how the closeness of parents and children, take care of parents and how the life of family when they lives in an house and always shows his compact and harmonious.
From the themes above we can get moral values of the Crazy Rich Asian movie by John M Chu that was adapted from Crazy Rich Asian novel by Kevin Kwan. This moral values are the prohibition to do racist for someone who has difference culture, teach us about faithful, don't look at something from the outside like wealth that's not always makes happy, never give up, always become family as priority and try to sincere about something. Through this moral values, the reader and audience understand about life.
Thus the intrinsic elements can not stand alone, because the elements are interrelated between one another and these elements directly contribute to building the story. The intrinsic elements of Crazy Rich Asian movie by John M Chu forming a single unit, the theme of difference culture, tradition and status between Nick Young and Rachel Chu become obstruction for their relationship. In addition the disagreement of Nick’s family especially Eleanor Young, Nick's mother who try to destroy their relationship formed conflict on this movie.
3. Why Crazy Rich Asian movie by John M Chu was liked by many people?
Crazy Rich Asian movie by John M Chu that adapted from Crazy Rich Asians novel by Kevin Kwan is interesting to watch because this is the first movie in 25 years on Hollywood that all characters of this movie are Asian. This is because Asian character in movie is rare enough. Almost 71 percent popular movie shows skinny fair people and 30 percent is black, Hispanic, Asian, etc. Crazy Rich Asian movie also called as black panther in Asian version. This movie many shows how the Asian culture.
This movie shows a newbie in Hollywood, Henry Golding as Nick Young. In earlier Henry is MC of BBC, Discovery, and National Geographic. Through this movie, Henry begin the first career in Hollywood movie world. Beside that, this movie many be liked by critic. On the aggregation site of criticism, Rotten Tomatoes, Crazy Rich Asians get a 97 percent rating, based on 60 reviews. From all the reviews there are only two negative criticisms.
According to CNN Indonesia, based on the latest data, the film has collected revenues of US $ 34 million or just Rp.496 billion with only five days of screenings in more than three thousand theaters. This figure has exceeded the film budget of US $ 30 million or around Rp.437 billion. Meanwhile, for a total of three days on the weekend airing alone, the film directed by Jon M. Chu has already pocketed US25.3 million or Rp368.9 billion. This is shown that this movie become popular in various parts of the world.
Crazy Rich Asian movie gets some appreciation. Such as Art Directors Guild 2019 - Contemporary Film, Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards 2019 - Best Comedy, Costume Designers Guild Awards 2019 - Excellence in Contemporary Film, Golden Trailer Awards 2019 - Best Home Ent Comedy, Hollywood Film Awards 2018 - Breakthrough Ensemble, Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Awards 2019 - Best Contemporary Hair Styling - Feature-Length Motion Picture, International Film Festival & Awards Macao 2018 - Asian Blockbuster Award and National Board of Review, USA 2018 - Best Ensemble.
Crazy Rich Asian movie shows one side that is not widely known by many people. It is about rich people and has anything. This movie is packed in the concept of comedy and uncover some hidden things of rich people life. Such as tradition that still was emphasized by rich people and also there is problems of rich family that doesn't know by many people. Some of people may be thinks that the life of rich family will be happy, however not everything that appears from the outside matches the actual reality. Like the life of rich family.
Source :
http://www.timur-angin.com/2018/09/mengenang-soeharto-seusai-nonton-crazy.html?m=1
https://kumparan.com/cekaja/ini-7-pesan-moral-dalam-film-crazy-rich-asians-1537182565861430651
https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/crazy-rich-asians/themes
https://m.cnnindonesia.com/hiburan/20180820163711-220-323667/box-office-pekan-debut-crazy-rich-asians-melampaui-prediksi
https://www.duniasinema.com/2019/02/crazy-rich-asians-2018-kultur-tradisi.html
https://entertainment.kompas.com/read/2018/09/10/165409010/5-info-menarik-tentang-film-crazy-rich-asians-yang-populer
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