Watch The Farewell

The Farewell is a heartfelt and emotional film directed by Lulu Wang that explores the themes of family, culture, and identity. The movie follows the story of a Chinese-American woman named Billi, played by Awkwafina, who discovers that her grandmother, known as Nai Nai, played by Shuzhen Zhao, has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. However, Nai Nai is unaware of her condition due to her family's decision to keep the illness a secret from her, a practice known as "the farewell."

The film is based on the director's own experiences with her family and showcases the difficulties and complexities of being caught between two vastly different cultures. Even though Billi is an American, she is still deeply connected to her Chinese heritage, and this connection is tested as she navigates the cultural differences between the way she sees things and the way her family does. The film provides a candid look into the struggles of biculturalism and the different ways in which cultures express emotions and deal with grief.

The movie is beautifully shot, with stunning visuals that showcase the unique beauty of China, its food, and its people. The cinematography captures the essence of the country and the intimate moments shared between family members, making the audience feel like they are part of the story. The movie is also expertly edited, with seamless transitions between different scenes and flashbacks that provide context to the story.

Despite the heavy themes of mortality, the film has a lightness and humor that makes it a joy to watch. Awkwafina brings her signature wit and humor to the role of Billi, providing a relatable and endearing protagonist. Shuzhen Zhao is a standout as Nai Nai, bringing a warmth and tenderness to her character that makes the audience fall in love with her. The supporting cast is also excellent, with X Mayo providing a strong performance as Billi's cousin, Hao Hao.

Throughout the film, the audience is presented with a thought-provoking look at how different cultures approach death and the ways in which people come to terms with their own mortality. The theme of cultural identity is also explored, as Billi struggles with her own sense of identity as someone who is both Chinese and American. The movie encourages the audience to reflect on their own experiences and contemplate what it means to belong to a community and be part of a family.

Overall, The Farewell is a beautiful and poignant film that offers a unique perspective on the experience of being caught between two cultures. The movie showcases outstanding performances, breathtaking cinematography, and a powerful and emotional story that will leave the audience with a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of family, culture, and identity.

The Farewell is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 89.