In this funny, uplifting tale based on an actual lie, the headstrong Billi (Awkwafina) returns to China when her beloved grandmother is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Although the whole family knows their beloved matriarch, Nai-Nai, has been given mere weeks to live, everyone has decided not to tell Nai Nai herself. Billi struggles with her family's decision to keep grandma in the dark about her own illness as they all stage an impromptu wedding to see grandma one last time.
As Billi navigates a minefield of family expectations and proprieties, she finds there’s a lot to celebrate: a chance to rediscover the country she left as a child, her grandmother’s wondrous spirit, and the ties that keep on binding even when so much goes unspoken.
With The Farewell, writer/director Lulu Wang has created a heartfelt celebration of both the way we perform family and the way we live it, masterfully interweaving a gently humorous depiction of the good lie in action with a richly moving story of how family can unite and strengthen us, often in spite of ourselves.
"Both a vehicle for Awkwafina’s formidable talents and an incredibly charming ensemble piece. If there’s any justice, it’ll be remembered when it comes to award-scattering season." - Nick De Semlyen, Empire
"A funny, emotionally intricate and deeply moving tale of severed connections and renewed family ties." - Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal
Director: Lulu Wang / Stars: Awkwafina, Shuzhen Zhao, X Mayo / Country: USA / Language: Mandarin | English | Japanese | Italian / Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins / Rating: PG
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