After I failed to catch this film in its limited theatrical run, I finally got around to seeing "The Farewell" this weekend on DVD, and I was happy to know that the wait was truly worth it.
"The Farewell" tells the story of Billi (Awkwafina, "Ocean's 8", "Crazy Rich Asians"), an aspiring writer from New York City who finds out from her family that her grandmother Nai Nai (Zhao Shuzhen) has terminal lung cancer and has mere months to live. However, Nai Nai does not know these results or her condition, and in order to prevent her from worry, Billi and her family decide to plan a wedding in China as a disguise in order to plan one final visit to the dying patriarch.
This is a remarkable story with beautiful cinematography and wonderful performances, especially from its leading star Awkwafina. The entire ensemble cast is just so effortlessly talented, and their performances feel so natural and convincing that it feels like we, as the audience, are right there with these bonded characters in their journey. Produced by A24, this acclaimed film is helmed by writer/director Lulu Wang, who I hope receives attention when the awards season comes around.
"The Farewell" is a beautiful, somber and heartbreaking story of life and death, of culture and of family. It is a reminder for all of us to appreciate our families and the blessings in our lives, as well as the very blessings of our lives.
Rating: 5/5
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