The Farewell
Starring: Awkwafina,
Directed by: Lulu Wang
Rated: PG
The loss of a beloved family member to cancer is one of the most brutally difficult things that can happen to a family. The diagnosis can be the most shocking part. What if the diagnosis was kept a secret? What if only the family knew their loved one was dying and kept the news a secret from the person inflicted with cancer? The Farewell, based on a true story, explores this scenario as a Chinese family discovers the matriarch has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Instead of telling her about her diagnosis, they keep it a secret from her and hold a family wedding in China to have one big family event together before she dies.
The Farewell is directed and written by Lulu Wang. She brings heartache, tension, and humor to the screen. Lulu Wang excels at looking at the underlying moral complexity at the core of The Farewell: should the family tell or not tell Nai Nai she has cancer? To many, it may seem obvious; of course, they should tell her the diagnosis. The issue stems from differences in the East and Western cultures. Some of the family resides in America, some in China, and some in Japan. The differences in culture affect how they feel about telling Nai Nai. While I think that everyone should have a right to know about their health, the film does a great job explaining how the cultural differences significantly affect opinions on the issue.
Lulu Wang has an eye for impressive direction. She films China with exquisite detail, making sure we pay attention to the sights, sounds, and cuisine of the country. Most of the film is in another language, so expect to read subtitles when you go see it.
Awkwafina is the star of The Farewell as Billi, and this is quite a turn from her usual comedic roles. She shows a dynamic range throughout the film. Billi is attempting to get into art school and feels lost as she tries to find her way in New York. She talks to her Nai Nai every day on the phone, so learning the news about the diagnosis is a devastating blow. As Billi, Awkwafina portrays the stages of grief on screen quite well. One minute, she’s enjoying time with her beloved grandmother, and the next, she’s crushed by the realization that she’s keeping a life-altering secret from her. Her grandmother is dying, and there’s nothing she can do. Awkwafina and Zhao Shuzen share great on-screen chemistry that makes you feel closer to the grandmother/granddaughter bond at the center of The Farewell.
Zhao Shuzen is the standout of the film. Her role as Nai Nai casts bright light in a cloud of anxiety and uncertainty. As all of her family struggles over the despair of her diagnosis, she lives her life as if nothing has changed. She beams with pride as they visit for her grandson’s wedding, unaware that the real reason for the celebration is her diagnosis. Shuzen shines in every scene showcasing phenomenal acting skills. Could she be a future Best Supporting Actress winner? It certainly seems like it after such a strong performance.
The ending of this film does bother seem a bit rushed. The majority of the runtime takes the viewer on an emotional journey, then it comes to a very abrupt ending. I feel like there could have been a few more scenes added to explore one particular aspect of the family’s life. There is a title card added to the credits that actually comes as a shock considering everything the audience just saw. It’s difficult to describe without giving away spoilers, but it makes the ending feel tonally uneven.
The Farewell asks thought provoking questions about life and humanity. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that focuses on the importance of familial relationships.
My Rating: 8/10
*All images belong to A24