Writer/director LuLu Wang’s film ‘The Farewell’ was a breakout hit at Sundance this year. It opens with the words, “Based on an actual lie.” Over the course of the story, we discover the meaning behind that statement. It is about death. Before you exit-stage-left, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not seeing this touching film. The story is simple but packs an emotionally powerful message. Death is an unavoidable part of life. We try to distract ourselves with social media, vacations and material objects but death always lurks around the corner. ‘The Farewell’ explores the cultural differences between East and West and delicately handles the taboo of death.
Billi (Awkwafina) is a struggling 20-something in New York City. She has been in America since her family left China at the age of 5. She lives on her own but is behind in rent and gets a rejection letter for a Guggenheim Fellowship. Her parents love her dearly but want to see her on a more successful career path. She talks to her grandmother Nai Nai (Shuzhen Zhao) on the phone. You can tell that they are close from their conversation. Her mom (Diana Lin) and Dad (Tzi Ma) have some terrible news. Nai Nai has terminal cancer and only a few months to live. This is where the story gets interesting. In China, it is common to hide the diagnosis from a dying relative. Instead, they tell her she is suffering from ‘benign shadows.’
You might think this is wrong but as we spend more time with the family, it seems like a well-intentioned deception. The reason the film works is due to the strong female performances. Awkwafina is best known in her supporting roles in ‘Ocean’s 8’ and ‘Crazy Rich Asians.’ She delivers a stellar performance. She gets to tap into her dramatic abilities in the lead role. This is not a mawkish portrayal by any stretch of the imagination. The other stand-out performance goes to Shuzhen Zhao as the grandmother. She is the matriarch. The family travels to China under the ruse for a wedding celebration for Nai Nai’s grandson Haohao (Han Chen). They hope this will be a better way to say their goodbyes.
Once we arrive in China, the movie propels us into a foreign land. As we spend more time with Billi’s relatives, the characters feel like real people. Wang skillfully balances the laughs and the tearful undertones. At the center of it all, is how Billi handles the lie. Remember, she was raised in the United States so her cultural influences reflect the West. Deep down she feels Nai Nai deserves to know her fate. When Billi attempts to reminisce about her childhood, she is jolted by high-rise housing and China’s rapid progress. During the banquet celebration, Billi’s uncle delivers a heartbreaking wedding toast. That’s when it hits you. This could be you saying goodbye to your grandma or parents. After spending time with Billi’s family, I felt like this was a beautiful way to celebrate the grandmother’s life.
The top reason to see ‘The Farewell’ is Awkwafina’s outstanding performance. We see things through her point of view. Besides the topic of grief, the film explores how immigrants deal with severed ties and family reunions. There is no question that the family loves Nai Nai. She is the matriarch, the rock. Although you may walk out of the theater questioning the choice to deceive her, you will not question the love they have for her. ‘The Farewell’ is the breakout indie film of the summer.
