The Difficulty of Adapting a Novel into a Film

By: Addyson Rogers

The Crazy Rich Asians franchise began in 2013 as a novel that was later adapted into film in 2018. Like any book-to-film adaptation, some elements were lost or gained along the way. The movie was enjoyable overall, with stunning visuals and standout costumes. It’s a great choice when you’re in the mood for a lighthearted romantic comedy. The book itself was also fun because you get to see how accepting Rachel is compared to Nick’s mother, cousins, and others in their circle. You get to see how growing up with wealth affected Nick and his family, and how Rachel is out of her depth when thrust into their world.

The book, however, offers a deeper look into the characters. Readers see how accepting Rachel is compared to Nick’s mother, cousins and others in their circle. The novel explores how growing up wealthy shaped Nick and his family, and it highlights just how out of her depth Rachel feels when she enters their world.

After reading the book first, it was clear that some parts of the movie were rushed to streamline the story. The side characters’ arcs, Rachel’s relationship with her boyfriend and her relationship with her mother developed differently on screen. The film also makes it harder to fully grasp the contrast between Rachel and Nick’s worlds. While the movie emphasizes glamour and spectacle, it leaves out much of the gossip, classism and infidelity that give the book additional depth.

The novel’s use of multiple perspectives was another surprise. The film, by contrast, primarily follows Rachel, offering only brief glimpses into other characters’ lives. This shift is understandable given the time constraints of a two-hour movie.

Both the book and the film bring their own charm. While the movie succeeds as an entertaining romantic comedy, the novel provides richer context and character development. I would rate the adaptation 8 out of 10 for its engaging storyline.