The Farewell
The Farewell

The Farewell

1982Movie90 minSwedish

Set between 1930s and 50s, The Farewell the story of Valerie, who lives in a household totally repressed by her stern father. When Valerie has a brief affair with another woman, her father is extremely angry and tries to end the affair with physical force. However Valerie’s determination, independence and lesbian feelings cannot be crushed.

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Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic89
Google Users94%
Director: Lulu WangGenres: Comedy-Drama

Plot Summary

A Chinese-American woman, Billi, discovers that her beloved grandmother, Nai Nai, has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. While the family plans a reunion in China to say their goodbyes, they decide not to tell Nai Nai about her illness, forcing Billi to grapple with the cultural differences and her own emotions as she navigates the elaborate wedding celebration that serves as a cover for the family's true purpose.

Critical Reception

The Farewell was met with widespread critical acclaim, praised for its heartfelt story, nuanced portrayal of cultural differences, and strong performances, particularly from Awkwafina. It resonated with audiences for its relatable themes of family, identity, and the complexities of tradition versus modernity.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and funny exploration of family, grief, and cultural identity.
  • Awkwafina delivers a breakout performance that is both hilarious and heartbreaking.
  • The film masterfully balances humor and pathos, offering a unique perspective on a universal experience.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly praised 'The Farewell' for its emotional depth, authentic portrayal of family dynamics, and thought-provoking exploration of cultural clashes. Many viewers found the film to be a tearjerker that also managed to be genuinely funny, highlighting Awkwafina's impressive performance and the director's sensitive storytelling.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical (Awkwafina) and won the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Comedy.

Fun Fact

The film is based on director Lulu Wang's own family experiences, specifically an event where her family used a wedding as an excuse to gather and say goodbye to her terminally ill grandmother.

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