The Farewell
The Farewell

Movie spotlight

The Farewell

2020
Movie
65 min
Slovenian

A philosophical meditation on a young Tomaž Pengov, one of the greatest musicians in Slovenian history and the author of many timeless songs, some of which will accompany him on this cinematic journey through his world. Pengov’s legacy features ‘Odpotovanja’, the first singer-songwriter record released in the former Yugoslavia.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic89
Google Users93%
Director: Lulu WangGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A Chinese-American woman, Billi, discovers that her beloved grandmother in China has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. The family, however, decides not to tell the grandmother, instead opting for a celebratory farewell gathering under the guise of a wedding. Billi struggles with the cultural divide and the emotional weight of keeping this secret from her grandmother, while navigating her own grief and complex family dynamics.

Critical Reception

The Farewell was met with widespread critical acclaim, praised for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of cultural differences, family relationships, and grief. Critics lauded Lulu Wang's direction and screenplay, as well as the performances, particularly Awkwafina's.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its emotional depth and authentic exploration of family.

  • Applauded for its masterful blend of humor and heartbreak.

  • Celebrated for Awkwafina's breakout dramatic performance.

Google audience: Audiences highly appreciated the film's touching story about family and tradition, with many resonating with the emotional journey and the cultural nuances presented. The performances, especially Awkwafina's, were frequently highlighted as a major strength.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Awkwafina) and won an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female (Tzi Ma).

Fun Fact

The film is based on director Lulu Wang's own family experience, where her family used a similar fabricated wedding as a reason to gather and say goodbye to her grandmother.

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