It is wonderful to see another successful film with an all Asian cast after the success of Crazy Rich Asians. The true story of a Chinese family keeping the truth of her cancer from their matriarch is heart-warming, beautiful and funny. It centres around the main character of Billi, played by Awkwafina, who learns that her family are keeping a secret from her grandmother.
It looks at the way in which the East deals with life and death and the struggle between what is good for yourself and what is good for all. There is a lot of wisdom about living life without fear and has a strong message about family and community. The dialogue is very natural and appropriate to the family dynamic and the beautiful shots of China really tie the whole thing together.
The struggle of the immigrant’s identity between their family’s home country and culture in contrast to the country and culture where they grow up in is also a big part of the film and one that Awkwafina plays very well. In particular, the duality of the Chinese-American character is reflected from the very beginning with the titles being both in Mandarin Chinese and English. Zhao Shu-zhen is fantastic as Nai Nai, the witty grandmother who brings tragic comedy to this collaborative and understated film from Lulu Wang.
‘The Farewell’ is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
Pep Reviews 