Directed by Lulu Wang
Starring: Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin
Rated PG for thematic material, brief language and some smoking
“The Farewell” is the sophomore effort from writer and director Lulu Wang. “The Farewell” centers around Billi (played by Awkwafina), an Asian American who returns home to China after learning that her grandmother has lung cancer and only has months to live. But the grandmother does not know of the diagnosis as the family is keeping the news from her as it is a Chinese custom.
The majority of “The Farewell” takes place in China. Director Lulu Wang does an exceptional job of showcasing China and her beauties. There are multiple moments in the film where we get to see China’s culture and customs. It was refreshing to see another country’s culture by a person who has actually been to that country. For that, the audience gets to feel as if they are taking a field trip to a new country. The foods, the rituals, the interior of a Chinese home are all presented in the film in a beautiful way and I applaud director Lulu Wang for bringing those beauties to American audiences. The music in the film is also presented very well. The score is elevates the film to make the audience feel as if they are actually in China.
The screenplay is written short and sweet and to the point. There is a mixture of comedy and drama and when the scene calls for comedy, there are actually genuine funny moments. The banter and interactions between Billi and her grandmother made me laugh and reminded me of my relationship with my own grandmother. The drama in the film is very compelling as it deals with a very serious question that the film indirectly asks. Would you want to know when and how much time you have left before you pass away? That questions follows the characters throughout the film as the characters grapple by the fact that there is a death in the family coming but that person does not even know it. As the characters think throughout the film as to whether to tell the grandmother, the audiences start to think of what they would do in that situation.
Most audiences will unfortunately think that this film is a slow burn but it’s far from it. This is a film that is meant to make the audience think and look in awe of the Chinese culture. The film’s main star, Awkwafina delivers her strongest performance yet, as the granddaughter who thinks keeping the secret is wrong. She is faced with the moral dilemma of revealing the truth along with her emotions on full display for the audience to see. Credit should be also given to the grandmother, Nai Nai (played by Zhao Shuzhen), as she is a typical grandmother who wants what’s best for her children and grandchildren. The final shot of the grandmother is of course very heart wrenching, and of course Zhao Shuzhen sells the performance.
The best part of “The Farewell” is that this is a family film that all families can relate to. “The Farewell” captures the majestic beauties of China and the emotional feeling of having to say goodbye all while never getting dull and always keeping the audiences engaged. “The Farewell” will of course not win all audiences but this is a delightful little film that will a majority of audiences will love.
3.5/4
Edward's Film Reviews 