In a summer full of reboots and remakes, when movie marquees have the same titles as they did in 1995, The Farewell is a welcome treat.
Lulu Wang’s semiautobiographical film got its start with a 2016 In Defense of Ignorance episode of the This American Life radio program, which recounted the story of a Chinese-American woman and her family. Billi (played in the film by Awkwafina) learns from her parents that her beloved grandmother has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. True to certain Chinese traditions, the family chooses to keep the truth from Nai Nai (Zhao Shuzhen), and plans a final visit to the Chinese city of Changchun — under the guise of a family wedding. The story begins as Billi is forced to go along with her family’s deception and partake in its big, little lie.
If you’re now expecting a heavy, angry family drama, you are incorrect. The Farewell is funny, affectionate and deeply moving. Awkwafina (Ocean’s 8, Crazy Rich Asians) leads an impeccably cast ensemble. She’s a major talent, offering remarkable versatility for this role.
When director Lulu Wang screened this film for the Asian Film Festival of Dallas, she noted that she cast Awkwafina before her recent hit movies, when she was known mostly as the rapper of My Vag. Yet, you can’t imagine this movie without her.
While the film shows China with great affection, it's ultimately a universal story. And its one of the best films of the year.
In a nutshell: The characters all try to hide their feelings, but this must-see film goes for the heart.
Award potential: If this film gets noticed, it could land nods for Awkwafina and Zhao Shuzhen at the Golden Globes. I’d argue that a scene with Zhao placing her hand on the family car should earn her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
A summer indie film has an uphill battle being remembered in January, but it should be included in any respected list of the year’s top films.
The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.
