🎬 The Farewell (2019)

A poignant and heartfelt exploration of family, culture, and the complexities of saying goodbye.

Written and directed by Lulu Wang, The Farewell is a semi-autobiographical drama inspired by a “true lie” from Wang’s own life. This deeply emotional yet humorous film beautifully captures the contrasts between Eastern and Western perspectives on family and mortality, all while telling a universal story about love, connection, and identity.

The film follows Billi (Awkwafina), a struggling Chinese-American writer, who discovers that her beloved grandmother, Nai Nai (Zhao Shuzhen), has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. In a twist reflective of Chinese cultural traditions, the family decides not to tell Nai Nai about her illness, instead staging a wedding as an excuse to gather everyone for one final reunion.

Billi, torn between her American upbringing and her family’s values, struggles to reconcile the emotional burden of keeping the secret. Through the wedding preparations and heartfelt family interactions, the film delves into the tension between honesty and compassion, individualism and collectivism, and the ways families navigate love and loss.

Awkwafina delivers a stunning performance, showcasing her dramatic range with vulnerability and restraint. Zhao Shuzhen is unforgettable as Nai Nai, bringing warmth and humor to the role, making her character the emotional anchor of the story. The film’s cinematography captures the quiet beauty of everyday life, emphasizing the intimacy of the family dynamic, while Alex Weston’s delicate score enhances its emotional resonance.

Why watch it?
The Farewell is a tender, thought-provoking masterpiece that highlights the universal struggles of balancing cultural identity, family obligations, and personal truth. It will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the meaning of love and family.

“Based on an actual lie.”