An A24 Picture, Written and Directed by Lulu Wang.
The Farewell is one of the most emotionally devastating and yet cathartic films I have seen in a long time, made even more remarkable as this is based on the real life of its writer/director Lulu Wang.
The moral debate of whether someone should be spared knowing a terminal diagnosis is one I had never considered and is very fascinating. However, the real story here is the love of families.
In particular, the relationship between Billi and Nai Nai is truly heartwarming, and yet tinged with sadness as we know something one of the characters does not.
It felt very personal and made me think of loved ones I have lost, and also of loved ones I still have, and it reminds you how much you need to cherish them.
Lulu Wang is a huge talent and I absolutely cannot wait for the next project she takes on, as it’s sure to be impressive.
Both Awkwafina and Zhao Shuzhen are outstanding here, bringing heart, humour, sadness, and realism to their roles, and absolutely carrying the film.
Rating = 4.5/5
Howe's World of Film and TV 