Vertigo

Vertigo
Vertigo

Friday, July 19, 2019

Loving Lies in THE FAREWELL


Written and directed lovingly from her memories, Lulu Wang has brought to the screen a deeply personal story of Chinese culture at odds with modern convention in The Farewell. Featuring a game changing role for comedian actress Awkwafina, it is a significant, early entry to the awards season.


Billi (Awkwafina) is a young, Chinese woman in America who loves her grandmother, Nai Nai, who lives in China.  When the family learns that Nai Nai has terminal cancer, they elect to keep the truth from her and gather for a reunion on the pretense of a family wedding. Billi wrestles with her family’s wishes and the love for her grandmother as the wedding approaches.


Amid a fine ensemble, Awkwafina, in a major change of pace, nails the emotional anguish her character feels  There is not one false note in her performance.  Her Billi is independent, proud, fallible, and wears her emotion on her sleeve.  


Throughout the story, a somber undercurrent runs counter to a supposed happy occasion as the film contrasts Chinese tradition with modern thinking where East meets West.  It realistically portrays the Chinese, familial experience and what we pass along to our children.  It also explores the levels of deception or half-truths among family members and reassessing revelations from the past.   

The film is methodically paced, balancing the delicate drama with fleeting moments of humor and really hits the spot with three, final shots that are memorable. Its portrayal of an Asian family may be old school, but its themes are universal.  The film is partly in English and primarily Mandarin Chinese with subtitles. Stay with it, and it will make a lasting impression. It’s a thoughtful, important film by a director and actress just beginning to make their mark.

**** of **** stars

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