Free Republic

With its bold claims of Asian representation, the Hollywood film extravaganza Crazy Rich Asians was destined for intense scrutiny, coming as it does after bitter debates about whitewashing and "yellowface" casting - where white actors attempt to make themselves look Asian. But like the proverbial "tiger mum", many Asians have huge expectations for the film - might the weight of it all prove too much?

You've probably already read about how "Crazy Rich Asians" is the first major studio release to feature an all-Asian cast in 25 years -- since The Joy Luck Club accomplished that feat in 1993. And yes, this movie is a singularly special and important event for those in the Asian-American community, who are finally beginning to sense a change in an industry that has, over the past quarter century, seemed afraid of putting more than one of us onscreen at once for fear of somehow freaking out or turning off non-Asian viewers. (Don't look now, but "Crazy Rich Asians" serves...

Kevin Kwan is a Singaporean novelist best known for his book “Crazy Rich Asians”, a fictional story inspired by his childhood growing up with the rich elite in Asia. Since its release in 2013, “Crazy Rich Asians” has become both a national and international best seller while being translated into 12 languages. Its success has spawned two sequels, “China Rich Girlfriend”, which was released in 2014, and “Rich People Problems”, which he’s currently working on. While Kwan doesn’t consider himself a crazy rich Asian, he did grow up in a privileged upbringing. His great grandfather was one of the founders...