Intercultural Conflict- Crazy Rich Asians

1. Please share the title and release date of the movie. In your own words, what is the general summary of the plot and main characters of the film?

For this assignment, I selected the film Crazy Rich Asians which was released on 15^th of August, 2018, a romantic comedy that tells the story of Rachael Chu, an economics professor living in New York, and her boyfriend Nick Young whose lineage is an exceedingly affluent family in Singapore. However, Rachael does not know just how rich Nick’s family is until he invites her to accompany him to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. As she immerses herself in the lavish and ruthless society of Singapore’s elite, Rachael encounters some obstacles such as Nick’s mother's disapproval of her and envious socialites who see her as an outsider. Besides Rachael and Nick, there are various vibrant characters including Nick’s powerful mother, Eleanor, and his eccentric cousin, Astrid who act to add to the depth of the narrative and help show the contrast between Rachael’s world and her boyfriend’s opulent family.

1. Using the definition of conflict in Chapter 8, share how this film fits the requirement of a film that features intercultural communication.

Chapter 8 defines conflict as a situation where two or more parties, who depend on each other, are engaged in a struggle due to their differing goals, limited resources, and interference from outside sources that keep them from reaching their goals. Intercultural communication is one of the main themes that are highlighted in Rachael and Nick’s relationship. One aspect of conflict that is clear throughout the film is expressed conflict. It is not hidden that Rachael and Nick’s intercultural relationship is the main cause of conflict. This struggle is mainly highlighted when Rachael travels to Singapore with Nick and faces disapproval from his social circle and family who view her as an outsider.

However, one of the things that helps their relationship stay afloat is interdependence. Nick and Rachael depend on each other for emotional comprehension and support, especially in the face of societal expectations and opposition from the family. The main cause of conflict in the two main characters’ relationship is the variant perceptions of the two’s values, backgrounds, and societal norms (Grothe & College, 2023). According to Rachael, her relationship with Nick is a real connection founded on mutual respect and love. On the other hand, the Singaporean Elite, perceive Nick and Rachael as incompatible because Rachael is from a lower class.

If Rachael and Nick had not gone to Singapore, there would not be any conflict as the reason they noticed their intercultural differences was because of interference from outside parties. Nick’s mother, Eleanor, and other members of the elite heighten the conflict. Rachael and Nick’s happiness is hindered by Eleanor’s disapproval and manipulation tactics. Crazy Rich Asians fully portrays how complex intercultural communication is when facing conflict.

1. Using the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory, share how the characters in the film approach conflict. Specifically, name and define one or more of the styles and give specific examples.

Characters in Crazy Rich Asians demonstrate various conflict approaches which can be studied using Mitchell Hammers Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory. However, one style is particularly dominant throughout the film, the accommodating style. The style puts together both emotionally restrained and indirect approaches. It involves putting others’ needs above one’s needs, often seen by avoiding or yielding to the opposing party’s needs to keep the peace (Grothe & College, 2023). For instance, Rachael, despite facing instant opposition from Nick’s family, attempts to fit in with his social circle and win over his family. She does this by suppressing her feelings of inadequacy and discomfort. She hopes, that by doing this, she can maintain her relationship and avoid conflict.

1. According to Ting Toomey’s Conflict Face Negotiation Theory, there are 3 different concepts of face. Explore the areas of intercultural conflict in your film and share how the conflict face negotiation theory plays a role in how the conflict is perceived and/or perceived in the film.

Toomey’s face theory studies the level to which face is perceived within society and the value patterns that mold members’ preferences for the negotiating face process in conflict resolution. According to Toomey, there are three concepts of face; self-face, other-face, and mutual-face (Grothe & College, 2023). Rachael Chu’s character in Crazy Rich Asians wears struggles to maintain her self-face despite the judgment and cultural pressures she faces in Singapore. Her self-image is constantly challenged by the discrimination and scrutiny by Nick’s friends and family.

On the other hand, Nick is torn between honoring his mother’s expectations and protecting Rachael’s other face. Nick tries to protect Rachael from other’s disapproval and struggles to keep Rachael’s dignity and autonomy in the presence of opposition. The conflicts in Crazy Rich Asians affect the mutual face of relationships, mainly Rachael’s and Nick’s. The peace in their relationship is threatened by tension and conflict. At the end of the film, the conflict is resolved by restoring the mutual face through open communication, compromise, and comprehension. In conclusion, the film, Crazy Rich Asians fully explores intercultural communication and conflict and shows how peace can be achieved despite cultural differences.