Written and directed by Lulu Wang (not to be confused with Lulu Lemon), this film has a lot going for it. The movie is anchored by two terrific performances, one by rapper/comedic actress Awkwafina (as Billi) and the other by Zhao Zhuzen (as grandmother Nai Nai). The movie is based on a true story about Lulu Wang and her grandmother. (It is about 50% English and 50% Chinese with English subtitles.)
Billi is living in NYC, struggling to be a writer and barely making ends meet. Her father, Haiyan (Tzi Mai), informs Billi that her beloved Nai Nai is dying. Billi’s father and mother, Jian (Daina Lin), are going to China to see her for the last time. As is the Chinese custom, Nai Nai has not been told that she has advanced stage cancer. The family has lied to her and told her that despite her chronic cough and fatigue, that she is fine. Her family has decided that it is best that Nai Nai not be burdened with sadness and anxiety about dying during the last few months of her life. The large family will reunite one last time to say goodbye to her under the guise of a large wedding. Billi’s parents don’t want her travel to China with them because Billi wears her heart on her sleeve and has tremendous love for Nai Nai, so Billi will be sad and crying when she arrives – Nai Nai is very perceptive, so she would soon figure out what is actually going on. Billi strongly disagrees with the family’s decision and thinks Nai Nai should be told the truth. (In the US, in the age of informed consent, the family’s approach would be illegal.) The idea of the lie, however, reveals much truth about family, cross-cultural issues, and the human condition.
Although dying and saying goodbye is a serious subject, the film is often very funny. At times, the film was a bit slow and there were many long close-ups which I thought were excessive (which is why I gave the film an 8.0 instead of an 8.5). If you enjoy family dramas, you should definitely catch this one before the theaters say “farewell” to it.
Written and directed by Lulu Wang (not to be confused with Lulu Lemon), this film has a lot going for it. The movie is anchored by two terrific performances, one by rapper/comedic actress Awkwafina (as Billi) and the other by Zhao Zhuzen (as grandmother Nai Nai). The movie is based on a true story about Lulu Wang and her grandmother. (It is about 50% English and 50% Chinese with English subtitles.) Billi is living in NYC, struggling to be a writer and barely making ends meet. Her father, Haiyan (Tzi Mai), informs Billi that her beloved Nai Nai is dying. Billi's father and mother, Jian (Daina Lin), are going to China to see her for the last time. As is the Chinese custom, Nai Nai has not been told that she has advanced stage cancer. The family has lied to her and told her that despite her chronic cough and fatigue, that she is fine. Her family has decided that it is best that Nai Nai not be burdened with sadness and anxiety about dying during the last few months of her life. The large family will reunite one last time to say goodbye to her under the guise of a large wedding. Billi's parents don't want her travel to China with them because Billi wears her heart on her sleeve and has tremendous love for Nai Nai, so Billi will be sad and crying when she arrives – Nai Nai is very perceptive, so she would soon figure out what is actually going on. Billi strongly disagrees with the family's decision and thinks Nai Nai should be told the truth. (In the US, in the age of informed consent, the family's approach would be illegal.) The idea of the lie, however, reveals much truth about family, cross-cultural issues, and the human condition. Although dying and saying goodbye is a serious subject, the film is often very funny. At times, the film was a bit slow and there were many long close-ups which I thought were excessive (which is why I gave the film an 8.0 instead of an 8.5). If you enjoy family dramas, you should definitely catch this one before the theaters say "farewell" to it.
The Farewell: Poignant Family Comedy/Drama!
The Farewell: Poignant Family Comedy/Drama!
2019-08-18
David
80
8
Emotionally-Powerful Film!
Terrific Performance by Awkwafina
User Rating : No Ratings Yet !
8
