It has been 25 years since a movie featuring a predominantly Asian cast hit theaters. “The Joy Luck Club,” released in 1993, was met with praise for its unique story and diverse characters.

This past summer, “Crazy Rich Asians” arrived in U.S. theatres to overwhelmingly positive reviews and support. The film, directed by Jon Chu, follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu and her wealthy Singaporean boyfriend, Nick Young.

Unbeknownst to Rachel, Nick is the heir to a massive family fortune, currently held by his domineering mother, Eleanor. As the two travel back to Singapore for Nick’s childhood friend’s wedding, Rachel navigates the complex Young family dynamic all in an attempt to win Eleanor’s blessing.

Upon seeing the trailer, I was excited for this movie. But this feeling fell short as I thought that this would be the token Asian movie to give Hollywood an excuse to stop casting Asian actors and actresses.

On the surface, the movie seemed to follow a formulaic storyline. In fact, I was slightly irritated with the flashy and extravagant display of what appeared to be an American caricature of the Asian lifestyle and speaking accents.

But after they reached Singapore, I fell in love with the authentic portrayals of Chinese street culture and the idea that Asians could be more than just the computer science whiz or the nonsensical and oblivious comic relief.

The movie is full of characters with dynamic and different backgrounds and stories, including the funny and charming mom of the equally hilarious best friend, the attractive but deceptively snakey ex and, most importantly, an Asian man and woman who are together based solely on the merit of love.

There are plenty of traditional Asian marriages that are portrayed throughout the film, and even more discussion on how difficult it would be for native born Nick to sustain a relationship with American-born Chinese Rachel.

The commentary on the nature of Asian relationships and potential is what makes this movie so groundbreaking. Being able to see other Asians on the big screen playing not just Asians, but regular characters that I could vicariously live through as an Asian-American myself gave me joy. I was comforted knowing that I can be successful in whatever way I choose to lead my life.

It’s one thing to be told by teachers and friends that I can be whatever I want regardless of my identity, but to see it happen in front of my eyes is so much more empowering.

Finally, getting representation in a largely white -dominated field has had an unexplainably liberating impact on the way I view myself and my identity, and I hope that others feel the same.