Script Analysis: “Crazy Rich Asians” — Scene By Scene Breakdown

Here is my take on this exercise from a previous series of posts — How To Read A Screenplay:

After a first pass, it’s time to crack open the script for a deeper analysis and you can do that by creating a scene-by-scene breakdown. It is precisely what it sounds like: A list of all the scenes in the script accompanied by a brief description of the events that transpire.

For purposes of this exercise, I have a slightly different take on scene. Here I am looking not just for individual scenes per se, but a scene or set of scenes that comprise one event or a continuous piece of action. Admittedly this is subjective and there is no right or wrong, the point is simply to break down the script into a series of parts which you then can use dig into the script’s structure and themes.

The value of this exercise:

• We pare down the story to its most constituent parts: Scenes.
• By doing this, we consciously explore the structure of the narrative.
• A scene-by-scene breakdown creates a foundation for even deeper analysis of the story.

Today: Crazy Rich Asians (2018). You can download a PDF of the script here.

Screenplay by Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim, novel by Kevin Kwan.

IMDb plot summary: This contemporary romantic comedy, based on a global bestseller, follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family.

Crazy Rich Asians
Scene by Scene Breakdown
By Denise Garcia
GoIntoTheStory.com

P 1–4: London, 1995. It’s late night and pouring rain. Two Chinese women (Eleanor and Felicity Young) and two young children (Nick and Astrid) enter lobby of Calthorpe hotel dripping wet to check in. The hotel clerk claims they don’t have a reservation and summons Ormsby, the hotel manager. Ormsby states they’re fully booked and suggests they try Chinatown.

The children stand in the rain as Eleanor calls from a phone booth. She’s not happy. Moments later the Young family bursts into the lobby again. Ormsby threatens to call the police but Eleanor stands up to him, “go right ahead”. Elevator door opens, revealing an elderly Lord Calthorpe, the hotel owner. Calthorpe kisses Eleanor on the cheek then snaps at staff. Eleanor is the “new lady of the house” as he just sold the hotel to the Young family.

P4–6: Auditorium Classroom, 2017. A confidant Rachel Chu (Chinese American) plays draw poker with teaching assistant Curtis. She bluffs, “I’m all in.” Curtis folds and discovers Rachel had nothing! Rachel faces her undergrad students, with “Game Theory 290” appearing on large flatscreens. She lectures, “Our brains so hate the idea of losing something valuable to us, that we abandon all rational thought…Curtis wasn’t playing to win. He was playing not to lose.”

P6–9: New York, 2018. Cake shop. Nick and Rachel share a toffee pudding like an old married couple. Nick suggests they attend their friend Colin’s wedding in Singapore. It’s time the ‘whole island’ meets his brilliant girlfriend. A woman (Radio1Asia) walks past them and snaps a photo. She sends a text announcing to ‘world’ that Nick is bringing Rachel to wedding. Incoming text: “Does his Mother know?”

P10–11: Singapore, Eleanor’s House. It’s been twenty years since we’ve seen Eleanor. She leads a Bible study for her upper-crust Chinese friends. Gives a disapproving look as ALIX and Jacqueline check incoming texts about Nick. They ask Eleanor if Nick is bringing a girl named Rachel Chu to Colin’s wedding. Although caught off guard, Eleanor smoothly downplays the news.

P11–13: Intercuts between Cake shop and Eleanor’s House. Eleanor calls Nick, directly asks if he’s bringing Rachel to the wedding. Nick realizes the news has broken through Radio One Asia. Eleanor lies saying the guest room is being redone so Rachel will have to stay elsewhere. After the call Rachel asks if everything is okay? Nick responds, “couldn’t be better.”

P14–15: Clothing Boutique. Kerry helps her daughter find a dress for meeting Nick’s family. Rachel confides that she doesn’t know anything about Nick’s family. Kerry warns her that overseas Chinese families are different from American ones.

P15–18: Flight to Singapore. Rachel is confused why JFK porters recognize Nick; check them into first class. Nick tells her, “Just go with it.” On the plane, Rachel is blown away by the accommodations, says they can’t afford this. Nick replies that his family has business with the airline. “So your family is rich? “ Nick responds, “We’re comfortable…my family is like anybody else’s. ”

P18–20: Nick’s V.O — Taiwan Movie Set. “My cousin Alistair works in movies…He’s dating Kitty Pong, an actress.” What we see — actor complains about Kitty’s terrible acting as she and Alistair make out in front of the crew. The Director says there’s nothing they can; Alistair is financing the movie.

P20–21: Nick’s V.O- Hong Kong Penthouse. “Cousin Eddie is a big finance guy. A real family man.” What we see — Eddie, wife Fiona, and their three young sons unnaturally pose for family portrait. After photographer departs, Eddie and Fiona fight over the dress she wore while their sons chase their beleaguered Nannies.

P21–23: Nick’s V.O.- Shanghai Jewelry Boutique. “Then there’s Astrid…She’s probably the only one I’m close with…really grounded, Oxford graduate, fashion icon.” What we see — a striking Astrid (30s) bends down to talk with a customer’s little girl. The jeweler escorts Astrid to a private room for elite clientele where she buys an understated pair of pearl earrings for 1.2 million.

P24: Nick and Rachel’s plane suite now converted into a bedroom. Rachel asks why they won’t be staying with family. Nick replies, “I just want you to myself.”

P24–27: Singapore Changi Airport. The bride Araminta and groom Colin rush through the crowd to welcome Rachel and Nick with bear hugs and balloons.

P27–33: Montage of food vendors. Rachel stares in wonderment at dizzying array of food stalls. Nick tells her each hawker sells one dish, perfected over generations. Their table overflows with various dishes. Colin toasts to his best man Nick “who can’t fight for nuts, but will always have your back.” While Nick and Colin joke around, Araminta invites Rachel to her bachelorette party. Rachel is surprised, happy to be embraced by Nick’s pals.

P33: The foursome drive through Singapore in an open-top SUV. Nicks points out landmarks with glee. “It’s good to be home.”

P33–36: Astrid’s Apartment. Astrid enters with shopping bags. Two maids swing into action, hiding the expensive items. Husband Michael arrives to find Astrid reading to their half-asleep son. Michael apologizes for late meeting. Astrid reminds him that wedding festivities are starting, so no work emergencies. He’s sarcastic, ‘wouldn’t dream of missing a second with your family.” Tells her he caught maids hiding her Jimmy Choos behind the dryer. “You can buy whatever you want…everyone knows you wear the money pants in this family.” Astrid kisses his shoulder, gives him a gift- — expensive watch. “To celebrate the launch of your startup.” He stammers, “I love it.”

P36–37: Raffles Hotel: Rachel and Nick wake up in luxurious suite. Nick reminds her he’s got groomsman duties today. Plus there’s dinner at Ah Ma’s (his grandmother) tonight. “I can’t wait to show you off.”

P37–44: Goh Family Home. Rachel arrives at a showy mansion. Peik Lin, Rachel’s college roommate, rushes to greet her. Neenah Goh, Peik Lin’s mom, escorts Rachel into a cavernous room covered with gold and mirrors. Seven family members sit at a long dining table as maids serve. It’s a free-for-all as everyone grabs food. They’re a colorful bunch and enjoy messing with Rachel. When she tells the Goh family that she’s here with boyfriend Nick Young, the whole table stops eating, jaws drop. Peik Lin explains to Rachel that the Youngs are like royalty. Colin’s wedding is Singapore’s event of the century! Rachel stammers she didn’t know, she’s meeting them tonight at Nick’s grandma’s house. They all laugh at what Rachel’s wearing.

P44–45: Peik Lin throws open the doors to her massive walk-in closet. Tells Rachel that Nick’s family is crazy rich…old money rich. “They are landlords of the most expensive city in the world. These people are so posh and snobby, they’re snoshy.” Peik Lin begins pulling out designer clothing for Rachel.

P45–50: Peik Lin’s Audi turns down private road. She pulls over, questions Rachel about the address. Suddenly Sikh guards with rifles surround their car. Rachel states her name. It’s repeated on a walkie –talkie as a massive gate swings open. Lanterns illuminate driveway as they wind up through a hilly rainforest. A vast colonial mansion of Tyersall Park comes into view. It’s a palace.

Nick awaits them, looking like a prince. Peik Lin is awestruck. “He’s like the Asian ‘Bachelor.” Nick looks at Rachel’s elegant cocktail dress, impressed. He thanks Peik Lin for delivering Rachel, invites her to stay for dinner. Peik Lin quickly pops the trunk and pulls out a cocktail dress! As they head toward the house, Nick asks Rachel, “You ready for this?” Servants open doors to —

P51–55: Tyersall Park. It’s a grand party. Jazz music drifts as Nick steers Rachel into a bustling kitchen. Eleanor presides over it, inspecting dishes, dispatching orders with calm authority. She’s delighted to see Nick and smiles at Rachel, subtly evaluating her. As Rachel talks, Eleanor repeatedly interrupts conversation to give cooks directions in Cantonese. Nick shifts, uncomfortable. He’s relieved to hear the dinner gong. Rachel: “She hates me.” Nick: “She takes a minute to warm up, but we’ll get there.”

P56–60: They enter a glamorous room. Dozens of bejeweled guests cluster in seating areas. Astrid and husband Michael greet them. Astrid takes Nick aside, “Have you prepped Rachel to face the wolves?” Eddie barrels in, “The golden boy’s back!” He peppers Rachel with questions, can’t believe she’s not from a wealthy business family. Nick continues introducing family to Rachel, one group at a time. Smirks, insensitive comments are made.

P60–61: Tyersall Library. Michael’s on a work call. Astrid enters with a plate of food for him but forgot the fork. Michael winks at her, jumps up to get one. While he’s gone, she reads an incoming text: “The bed feels empty without you.” Astrid drops the phone, her world caving in.

P62–64: Rachel spills her drink on Nick. Oliver swoops in, offers to keep Rachel company while Nick changes shirts. Peik Lin and Oliver have instant fashion chemistry. Oliver introduces himself as the rainbow sheep of the family. Whatever the Youngs want, he procures.

P65–67: Nick’s Old Room. Everything is exactly as he left it. Eleanor appears, selects a clean shirt for him. She tells him that his father looks forward to Nick taking over the business. Nick tells her he’s not ready yet. She fishes for his commitment level to Rachel. Nick says he’s still figuring things out.

P67–70: Tyersall Park Conservatory. Guests stream in to admire the rare blooming tan hua plant. Rachel is distracted as women sneak cold glances at her. Oliver tells her that they’re jealous for nabbing Ah Ma’s favorite, in line to inherit everything. Rachel feels out of place as Nick leads her to his frail, regal grandmother. Ah Ma lights up to see Nick. Looks pleased with Rachel’s responses in Mandarin. Eleanor watches Nick and Rachel laugh, kiss. “When children are away from home, they forget who they are.”

P70–74: Airport Hangar. Ultra luxury cars drop off Singapore’s jet-set crowd. This is the staging area for the two bachelor parties. Araminta introduces Rachel to her ‘posse’ — all being served by shirtless waiters as they admire each other’s clothing and gossip. Rachel doesn’t fit in. Rachel is befriended by Amanda, who doesn’t look or act like a high maintenance model. Amanda is the family’s lawyer, grew up with Nick. A golf cart whisks them away to a waiting jet.

P74–77: Nick is surprised that Colin allowed asshole Bernard Tai to organize his party. Colin says he wanted a rugby weekend but instead we see Colin’s pals flying over open sea in three helicopters. Bernard brags “assholes plan normal stag parties but to organize a party this massive takes a mastermind.” They hover over a large cargo ship transformed into Disneyland for adults.

Cargo containers have been converted into a pool and dance floor. Bikini-clad beauty queens surround the guys. Bernard brandishes a bazooka flare gun, laughing manically. Eddie questions Nick about his choice in Rachel. “What’s Rachel bringing to the table?” Alistair pipes in “small tits” and almost gets clocked by Nick. Colin stops him. “We have to get off this ship.”

P77–79: Samsara Island. Araminta tells her gals “this weekend is about sisterhood”, starting with a free shopping spree at resort boutique. It’s chaos as the women fight over clothes. Amanda tells Rachel, “No one loves free stuff more than rich people.” She selects a necklace for Rachel. “Isn’t Nick a lucky guy.”

P79–80: Rawa Island, Malaysia. Nick and Colin sip beers on a deserted beach. Nick shows Colin a beautiful engagement ring. Colin is really happy for him.

P80–83. Samsara Island- Resort Spa. Amanda tells Rachel that it’s ancient history, but she and Nick used to be a couple. She admires Rachel for having guts to face Nick’s family since Eleanor isn’t in her corner.

P82–83. Rawa Island. Colin asks Nick if he’s walking away from family business. Nick wants it all, including Rachel. Colin asks to him to consider Rachel. As Mrs. Nicholas Young, every day will be a struggle.

P83–85: Samsara Island. Rachel overhears girls mock her. Feeling sick, she flees. Amanda texts: “She’s on the move.” Rachel collides with Astrid, who’s just arrived. Together they enter Rachel’s suite. Rachel screams seeing a large, gutted fish on her white sheets. Scrawled in red, “Catch this, you gold-digging bitch!” Astrid wants to call security but Rachel pulls herself together. “I’m not gonna give them the satisfaction.”

P85–86: Samsara Island- Beach. Rachel rants to Astrid as they bury fish in the sand. “Why would Araminta have mean friends like them?” Astrid explains that when you grow up together you make excuses for morons. Astrid wants to reassure Rachel that it gets better but she can’t. Rachel asks what’s wrong? Astrid confides that Michael is having an affair. They comfort each other, watching waves crash upon the shore. In the distance, we see drunk bachelorettes dancing to DJ music.

P86–89: Raffles Hotel. Nick finds Rachel reading in a quiet area. She tells him what happened, that she feels “like a villain who’s plotting to steal your family fortune.” Nick apologizes for not warning her. Tells her that “whatever happens, we’ll get through it together. Dead fish and all.”

P89–95: Tyersall Park- Dining Room. Eleanor and family members cluster around large table. They’re busy folding dumplings while conducting multiple conversations. Nick teaches Rachel how to fold a dumpling. A family tradition. Eleanor inspects the trays, nods her approval.

Rachel admires Eleanor’s emerald ring, asks how she met Nick’s father. An awkward silence falls over table when Eleanor explains that it was a privilege to drop out of college to raise a family and help run the family business. “We know to put family first, instead of chasing one’s passion.” Ah Ma enters room, oblivious to the tension. She is pleased to see Rachel then criticizes Eleanor. “You made those dumplings? You lost your touch.”

P95–97: Tyersall- Hallway. Eleanor finds Rachel lost in the big house. She confides that Nick’s father made her wedding ring because Ah Ma wouldn’t give him the family ring- -Eleanor wasn’t good enough. Rachel is shocked how open Eleanor is with her. Then Eleanor pauses, looks at Rachel. “You will never be enough.”

P97: Nick drives as Rachel sits silently. Nick defends his mother, says that she let Ah Ma raise him so Nick could be the favorite.” It’s hard to understand from the outside.” Rachel hears the tiny reminder of her otherness.

P98–101: Coffee Shop. Rachel recounts to Peik Lin what Eleanor said about her not being good enough for Nick. Rachel doesn’t know what to do, maybe not attend Colin’s wedding. Peik Lin tells her that it’s important to gain Eleanor’s respect. “Show her the ‘smart professor of freaking game theory’ side of you.” This hits home with Rachel. “She’s trying to play a game of chicken with me.” Peik Lin warns, “but you can’t swerve.”

P101: Goh Living Room. Rachel stands in front of tall tri-fold mirror as Peik Lin and Oliver scrutinize her appearance, make a transformation game plan. Oliver states “it’s about time someone stood up to Aunty Eleanor…but she can’t know I was ever here!”

P102–104: Intercuts- Goh House and First Methodist Church. Throngs gather to catch sight of arriving celebrities- foreign dignitaries, government leaders, Asia’s brightest stars. A reporter interviews invited guests, Nick’s family.

Back at Goh house, Rachel models different dresses to running commentary from Oliver and Peik Lin.

P105–106: First Methodist Church. A gold Bentley drives up with Peik Lin at the wheel. Door opens to reveal Rachel in a glittering gown. She’s a vision. Rachel is overwhelmed by the explosion of camera flashes. Oliver navigates her through crowd, telling paparazzi this is “Rachel Chu of New York. Real Estate heiress.” All paparazzi attention is now on Rachel.

P106–108: In another Bentley… Michael chatters about another business trip as Astrid listens in silence. Finally she confronts Michael. “I know you’re having an affair. Let’s get through the wedding and we’ll deal with it later.” Michael looks at her, incredulous. Can’t believe she’s not showing more emotion. Tells her that he’s tired of being the lucky bastard who will never measure up. Michael gets out car and disappears. Astrid starts to break down then quickly pulls herself together.

P108–114: First Methodist Church. The interior has been transformed into an abstract forest. Eleanor, the Aunties hold court with other society wives in front pews. When Princess Intan arrives, they smile at her but she ignores them. One Auntie says, “Vicious woman. Heard she demanded a whole row to herself.” Then Rachel arrives, looking confident, turning heads. Eleanor tells her that their pew is full so Rachel takes a seat next to the Princess. The Aunties expect Rachel to be taken down a peg but instead Rachel and the Princess strike up a conversation.

In back alcove, Colin tells Nick that Rachel isn’t sitting with family but with the Princess. Colin: “I think you’ve got a fighter.” The crowd hushes as Colin, Nick and groomsmen enter with the pastor. The wedding procession continues as water begins flowing down the aisle. Music swells as a luminous Araminta walks aisle with audience waving glittery lights. All eyes are on the bride and groom — except for Eleanor, who watches Nick and Rachel mouth “I love you” to each other.

P114–118: Botanical gardens have been transformed into a magical reception. Eleanor watches Nick and Rachel dance. Reacts in disgust to Kitty Pong twerking with Alistair, tells Oliver to “take care of that.” Oliver does as told and tells Alistair that his father is looking for him about an overdrawn account. Then Oliver tells Kitty that Alistair’s family is penny pinching. If she wants a wedding like this she needs to fall in love with — Bernard who’s drunk, surrounded by women. Kitty swallows the bait and seductively approaches Bernard.

P118–120: Private Alcove. Thai servant takes Rachel and Nick to where Ah Ma and Eleanor are seated. In Mandarin, Ah Ma tells Rachel that she will ‘not permit her to ruin her grandson with her ambition”. Nick and Rachel are shocked! Eleanor says Rachel has been lying about her family. That Rachel’s mother cheated on her husband and ran away to America to birth Rachel. She opens a dossier with proof. Eleanor: “We cannot be linked to this sort of family.” Rachel backs away, reeling: “I don’t want any part of your family.” Rachel takes off. Ah Ma to Nick: “If you go with her, you can’t come back!” Nick pulls away, runs after Rachel. Ah Ma is furious. Eleanor stands there submissive.

P120- 122: Rachel is upset, disoriented as she makes her way through crowd. A half-naked Bernard paws at Kitty behind bushes as the crowd laughs. It’s sickens Rachel. Nick frantically looks for Rachel.

P122–125: Goh House. Rachel bursts into tears, collapses into Peik Lin’s arms. Days go by as Rachel lies in Peik Lin’s bed, staring into space. She won’t eat, shower, answer phone calls from Nick. Finally, the person Rachel needs the most arrives- her mom. Kerry fusses over her daughter, telling her she will get through this. Kerry tells the truth about Rachel’s father. “He wasn’t a good man…I was afraid he would kill us both, so I took you and ran to America”. They both flop on the bed, thinking. Rachel wants to go home. Kerry states that it was Nick who called and brought her here. Rachel should talk to Nick before they go home.

P126: Riverfront. Nick meets Rachel and apologizes. Says he is done making excuses for his family. Then pulls out a ring and proposes, saying “We’ll start our new life in New York…I’ll leave all of this behind.”

P126–129: Mahjong Hall. Eleanor joins Rachel playing mahjong with two women. Eleanor is surprised how adept Rachel is at the game. Rachel asks Eleanor why she doesn’t like her. Eleanor says it’s because she’s an American, “not our own kind.” Rachel states that Nick proposed and would walk away from his family. However, she loves him so much she turned him down so he wouldn’t resent Eleanor all his life. Rachel then shows her winning hand but folds so no one can win. Walks away to join her mother.

P129–130: Astrid’s Apartment. Astrid tells Michael to stop packing his bags. The apartment is his and she’s the one who’s leaving with their son. Michael: “It’s not just my fault that things didn’t work out.” Astrid: “The problem with our marriage isn’t my family’s money. You’re a coward…gave up on us.” Astrid reaches for hidden box containing expensive earrings. Puts them on and exits.

P130–132: Goh House. Peik Lin hugs Rachel good-bye as she climbs into waiting taxi. “You have no net worth, but you have integrity. That’s why I respect you.”

P131: Raffles Hotel. Nick and his mother stand on the balcony, staring at nothing.

P132–135: Airplane. Rachel and Kerry are jostled by passengers, carry-ons as they find their coach seats. Suddenly Nick appears, calling after Rachel. He’s flying back with them and begins describing his imagined marriage proposal (at sunset on lake) while helping passenger with their carry-ons. Amid boarding chaos, he gets down on one knee and proposes. “Wherever you are in the world, that’s where I belong.” Nick opens a ring box, revealing Eleanor’s emerald ring! Teary-eyed, Rachel says “yes.” The cabin erupts in hoots and clapping! Nick: “I was thinking about staying one more night.”

P135: Marina Bay Sands Sky Deck — Singapore. Nick leads Rachel into middle of crowd, covering her eyes. She opens them to discovery it’s an engagement party perched high above the city. Rachel spots Eleanor in the distance. There’s a look of understanding, respect between them. The happy couple kiss as fireworks explode in the b.g.

Writing Exercise: I encourage you to read the script, but short of that, if you’ve seen the movie, go through this scene-by-scene breakdown. What stands out to you about it from a structural standpoint?

To download a PDF of the breakdown for Crazy Rich Asians, go here.

Major kudos to Denise Garcia for doing this scene-by-scene breakdown.

For more movie scene-by-scene breakdowns, go here.