yellow

I have spent my entire life denying my heritage (full circle (part 4)). Although I was 'banana', I craved to be 'vanilla' for so long. While not my initial plans, my adventure to Vietnam pivoted my life in the most unexpected course.

My friend had me read the Crazy Rich Asian series, and while I was not so excited about the storylines, it seemed to be the latest hype since Joy Luck Club. Another friend had invited me to a pre-screening, and the significance seemed so lost on me. Yet, I would watch on Facebook how numerous pre-screenings were sold out with many waitlisted. Many were buying out theaters to host events, and others were offering to purchase free tickets to those who could not afford the luxury just to support #GoldOpen. 

With an all Asian cast and $30 million budget, it opened with 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with a $34 million with a limited opening in the U.S. and Canada, far exceeding the expectations of $18 million. For the first time, I enjoyed the movie much more than the book. One of my favorite scenes which was inserted because of Michelle Yeoh's refusal to portray a villainous tiger mom resonated with me for the symbolism of two strong, independent women who recognized and respected the other for each other's vulnerabilities and sacrifices, and the power that comes from enabling rather than competing with each other. 

Of course, two of my favorite songs were covered in two of my favorite scenes. The movie serves as a reminder of my time in Vietnam and subsequent travels that not all Asians look alike, and there is more diversity in who we are as ethnicities as well as individual persons. We all have our stories but in the end, we are more powerful in supporting each other and being role models for the children who see that all things are possible. Parallel to my discovery during my sexplorations over the last few years, vanilla is boring, and we are all more rich for the different flavors that satisfy our cravings.

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Update August 21, 2018:

Dear Chris, Guy, Jonny and Will, 

I know it's a bit strange, but my whole life I've had a complicated relationship with the color yellow. From being called the word in a derogatory way throughout grade school, to watching movies where they called cowardly people yellow, it's always had a negative connotation in my life. That is, until I heard your song. 

For the first time in my life, it described the color in the most beautiful, magical ways I had ever heard: the color of the stars, her skin, the love. It was an incredible image of attraction and aspiration that it made me rethink my own self image. 

I remember seeing the music video in college for the first time on TRL. That oner shot with the sun rising was breathtaking for both my filmmaker and music-loving side. It immediately became an anthem for me and my friends and gave us a new sense of pride we never felt before...(even though it probably wasn't ever your intention). We could reclaim the color for ourselves and it has stuck with me for the majority of my life. 

So the reason I am writing this now, is because I am directing a film for Warner Bros. called CRAZY RICH ASIANS (based on the best selling novel) and it is the first ALL-ASIAN cast for a Hollywood studio film in 25 years. Crazy. We were recently featured on the cover of Entertainment Weekly to commemorate the fact. 

The story is a romantic comedy about a young Asian-American women (played by Constance Wu) from New York coming to terms with her cultural identity while she's visiting her boyfriend's mother (played by Michelle Yeoh) in Singapore. It's a lavish, fun, romantic romp but underneath it all, there's an intimate story of a girl becoming a woman. Learning that she's good enough and deserves the world, no matter what she's been taught or how she's been treated, and ultimately that she can be proud of her mixed heritage. 

The last scene of the movie shows this realization as she heads to the airport to return home a different woman. It's an empowering, emotional march and needs an anthem that lives up and beyond her inner triumph, which is where Yellow comes in. 

It would be such an honor to use your song that gave me so much strength throughout the years, to underscore this final part of our film. And for me personally, it would complete a journey that I've been going through, fighting to make it in the movie business. 

I know as an artist it's always difficult to decide when it's ok to attach your art to someone else's - and I am sure in most instances you are inclined to say no. However, I do believe this project is special. I do believe this is a unique situation in which the first Hollywood studio film, with an All-Asian cast is not playing stereotypes or side-players, but romantic and comedic leads. It will give a whole generation of Asian-Americans, and others, the same sense of pride I got when I heard your song. I know it's recontextualized but I think that's what makes it powerful. I want all of them to have an anthem that makes them feel as beautiful as your words and melody made me feel when I needed it most. 

Your consideration would mean so much to me and our project. 

I can show you the movie if you want to see the context, or talk to you if you have any questions. Thank you for taking the time to listen. 

Much love, 

Jon M. Chu

Source: This Letter the Director of 'Crazy Rich Asians' Wrote to Coldplay Is a Masterpiece of Emotional Intelligence