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The Farewell
2019 100 min China, United States of America PG 16+
★8.0
Comedy, Drama
Director: Lulu Wang
Trailers
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Description
A headstrong Chinese-American woman returns to China when her beloved grandmother is given a terminal diagnosis. Billi struggles with her family's decision to keep grandma in the dark about her own illness as they all stage an impromptu wedding to see grandma one last time.
Budget:
$250,300
US Gross:
$17.7M
Worldwide:
$23.08M
Starring
Shuzhen Zhao
Actor
Awkwafina
Actor
X Mayo
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 2020
— Best Actress (Comedy or Musical)
Sundance Film Festival 2019
— Grand Jury Prize (Drama)
BAFTA 2020
— Best International Feature Film
Golden Globe 2020
— Best International Feature Film
Key opinion
The Farewell is a deeply personal and emotionally resonant drama that navigates the complexities of cultural differences regarding terminal illness and family duty. While some viewers feel the film lacks a traditional plot or climax, most praise its ability to balance humor, melancholy, and genuine insight into the immigrant experience.
| Acting | Zhao Shuzhen delivers a standout, authoritative performance that anchors the film's emotional core. | |
| Theme | The film effectively captures the nuanced intersection of comedy and drama, maintaining a tone that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. | |
| Direction | Lulu Wang’s direction succeeds in portraying the clash between Western individualism and Eastern familial traditions through sincere, semi-autobiographical storytelling. | |
| Score | Weston’s score and the overall musical choices successfully enhance the film’s emotional impact during key moments. | |
| Acting | Opinions on Awkwafina's performance are divided; some find her portrayal of cultural limbo and internal grief profound, while others feel her visible sadness undermines the premise of the family's deception. | |
| Pacing | The slow, meditative pacing divides viewers; those who value the character-driven journey appreciate its restraint, while others find the lack of a traditional crisis or climax unsatisfying. |