2019 · 100 min · Drama, Comedy, Family
The Farewell is Lulu Wang's deeply personal film about a Chinese-American woman who returns to China with her family for what appears to be a wedding — but is actually a secret gathering to say goodbye to their grandmother, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer but never told. Starring Awkwafina in a dramatic breakout performance, the film is funny, tender, and heartbreaking.
The Farewell streams on Prime Video and Hulu. Both include it with standard subscriptions.
Yes — The Farewell is based on director Lulu Wang's own experience. The events depicted actually happened to her family, and she originally recounted them in a This American Life episode called 'In Defense of Ignorance.'
The Farewell is bilingual — much of the dialogue is in Mandarin with English subtitles. The contrast between Billie's English and her family's Chinese is central to the film's themes.
Awkwafina won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for The Farewell — the first Asian actress to win the award — despite the film receiving no Academy Award nominations.
The Farewell is a genuinely funny film that is also deeply moving. The sadness creeps in gradually and the final scenes are emotionally devastating despite the gentle tone.