The Farewell
A24 | Release Date: July 12, 2019
8.2
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 249 Ratings
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Positive:
214
Mixed:
26
Negative:
9
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
6
KeithDowAug 9, 2019
The original title for this post was "'The Farewell' Review: An Angsty Awkwafina Headlines This One Note Song." That was before we noticed that the film currently maintains a 99% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

After seeing that, we had toThe original title for this post was "'The Farewell' Review: An Angsty Awkwafina Headlines This One Note Song." That was before we noticed that the film currently maintains a 99% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

After seeing that, we had to take stock of the situation by contemplating whose opinion is closer to being "correct" with regard to judging the overall quality of the movie: ours or mainstream critics.

For comparison, last year's breakout foreign film 'Shoplifters' also maintains a 99% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It won the Palm d'Or at Cannes in addition to 43 other awards around the world. The plot to 'Shoplifters' is wonderfully deep and complex. The acting is superb and the camerawork is among the best of the year.

Alternatively, 'The Farewell' exhibits almost none of those attributes. The plot is rather mundane, we're never given much of a reason to care about any of the characters, and the dialogue is pedestrian, at best.

So we'll leave it to you, film fans, to tell us who you agree with more: us or them. Go see the film, form an opinion, and let us know on social media.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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5
otto1494Jul 14, 2019
This movie was a disappointment, with little of the charm and humor of Crazy Rich Asians.
2 of 10 users found this helpful28
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6
Compi24Sep 3, 2019
Writer/director Lulu Wang relates the semi-autobiographical story of a family grappling with the ethical trappings behind hiding the news of a terminal cancer diagnosis from the woman with the illness -- the family matriarch. For manyWriter/director Lulu Wang relates the semi-autobiographical story of a family grappling with the ethical trappings behind hiding the news of a terminal cancer diagnosis from the woman with the illness -- the family matriarch. For many reasons, "The Farewell" could've been an absolute barn burner of an emotional journey, but instead we're given the more low-key approach; something that may or may not align with your taste preferences. For my money, I've always preferred films of the more "heart on one's sleeve" persuasion, and while things do broach upon that territory towards the very end, it almost seems like a bit too little given too late. You're also met with an admittedly intriguing moral dilemma that's teased and prodded at throughout the film's running time, but it's one that's almost completely done away with in the film's final moments (which is a moral conundrum in and of itself, considering that it involves one of the more remarkable facts from the actual story behind the film). Overall, "The Farewell" left a bit to be desired for me, but it's not necessarily a watch I want to take back.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
gracjanskiFeb 12, 2020
Boring plot with few interestings dialogues. "You have only x months to live"...this story element is so old and stupid. No true doctor is saying that since many years. But for movies...
Very unsympathic main character, only the grandmotherBoring plot with few interestings dialogues. "You have only x months to live"...this story element is so old and stupid. No true doctor is saying that since many years. But for movies...
Very unsympathic main character, only the grandmother was funny.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
everettAug 11, 2019
I can't understand why this movie received such high critical reviews. The characters aren't well-drawn (some of them are downright stereotypical), so I didn't especially care about any of them. Not sure what the takeaway was, either. ItI can't understand why this movie received such high critical reviews. The characters aren't well-drawn (some of them are downright stereotypical), so I didn't especially care about any of them. Not sure what the takeaway was, either. It seemed to encourage something that's essentially disrespectful, even - as the film points out - illegal in some countries/cultures. I went to see it hoping for some wisdom re: a situation playing out in real life. Alas. Bottom line: This film is facile at best. I barely managed to make it through.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
BulgarianCriticJul 24, 2022
A decent watch where there is a bit more sadness and melancholy than comedy (trailer kinda lied but not by much). It had some ups and downs but its a pretty decent movie with a positive outlook on life.There were a bunch of awkward scenesA decent watch where there is a bit more sadness and melancholy than comedy (trailer kinda lied but not by much). It had some ups and downs but its a pretty decent movie with a positive outlook on life.There were a bunch of awkward scenes which felt like they weren't intentionally made to be awkward which resulted in some funny parts.It's a bit on the weird side but I would suggest checking it out.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
MarkHReviewsSep 4, 2019
The true story behind “The Farewell” is nothing short of inspirational. In 2013, writer/director Lulu Wang received the news that her grandmother (“Nai Nai”) had terminal lung cancer and only a few months to live. Her family made theThe true story behind “The Farewell” is nothing short of inspirational. In 2013, writer/director Lulu Wang received the news that her grandmother (“Nai Nai”) had terminal lung cancer and only a few months to live. Her family made the decision not to tell Nai Nai, to save her from the mental anguish of a terminal diagnosis. Instead, the family decided to create an excuse for gathering to say goodbye. They determined that everyone would gather to celebrate the hastily-announced marriage of Wang’s cousin.

For a considerable period of time, Wang pitched her story to producers in both China and the US. All wanted major compromises (Wang’s character should be the bride to add to the drama; unsettling images of “My Big Fat Chinese Wedding” come to mind) that would only distract from Wang’s main story. Eventually, Wang found funding and made the movie she’d wanted to make.

Most of the film was shot over twenty-four days in Changchun, China, in the actual neighborhood of Wang’s grandmother. To add authenticity, these scenes were filmed in Chinese; as a result, 75% of this film is in Mandarin, with English subtitles.

Awkwafina (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “Oceans Eight,” or, for YouTube enthusiasts “My Vag”) is the only actor in the film potentially well-known to American audiences. At every point, Wang chose authenticity over star power. She even cast her own great-aunt to play her grandmother’s sister.

It would be gratifying to report that Wang’s perseverance, thoughtfulness and creative integrity have resulted in an exciting, memorable movie experience. In my opinion that just isn’t the case, although this film was one of the darlings of this year’s Sundance festival. While there is the clear opportunity to confront a major existential question – “Do I want to know if I’m about to die?” – Wang’s script gives the topic scant attention. She focuses instead on the issue of lying to someone you deeply love, but seems equally conflicted and ambivalent on this topic.

Most of all, this film offers little or no real character development. While we’re told that Wang’s character spent several years of her childhood in Nai Nai’s care, there’s no deep exploration of the nature or depth of their relationship. At the end of “The Farewell,” we know very little more about these characters and what animates them than we did when the story began. That said, the restraint, insightfulness and fundamental kindness that animate the film announce Wang as a writer/director worth following. Unfortunately, “The Farewell” is an opportunity missed.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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