Directed by Lulu Wang, the Farewell film is based on an “actual lie” from Wang’s own life, a fact that lends it an authenticity and depth that resonates throughout its narrative. The story revolves around a Chinese-American woman named Billi, played by Awkwafina, who returns to China with her family under the guise of attending a wedding. The real reason for their gathering, however, is to bid farewell to the family’s beloved matriarch, Nai Nai, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer—a diagnosis kept secret from her under the pretext of protecting her from the sorrow of her impending death.
The film is a masterful exploration of the cultural and generational divides that often exist within immigrant families. It delves into the complexities of identity, belonging, and the differing ways that cultures handle life’s most profound experiences, such as death and family obligations. Through its richly developed characters, poignant narrative, and nuanced direction, “The Farewell” transcends its specific cultural context to deliver a universal story that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
Central Themes
Familial Relationships and Cultural Expectations
At the heart of “The Farewell” is the exploration of familial relationships and the weight of cultural expectations that bind them. The film portrays the family as a unit where individual desires and beliefs are often subsumed by the collective will. This dynamic is most evident in the family’s decision to withhold the truth about Nai Nai’s terminal illness. In many Eastern cultures, particularly in China, the family is seen as a single entity where the happiness or sorrow of one member is shared and often managed by the group. This belief is encapsulated in the family’s choice to bear the burden of Nai Nai’s illness themselves, protecting her from the emotional toll of knowing her condition.
This decision, however, is not without its challenges, especially for Billi, who has been raised in the West and embodies a more individualistic worldview. The film poignantly illustrates the tension between Billi’s desire to be honest with her grandmother and her understanding of the cultural norm that prioritizes the collective well-being over individual autonomy. This clash of values creates a rich tapestry of emotional conflict, highlighting the ways in which cultural expectations shape family dynamics, and how these expectations can differ so profoundly between generations and cultural backgrounds.
The Concept of “Actual Lies”
The concept of “actual lies” is central to the moral and emotional core of “The Farewell.” The lie that the family perpetuates—telling Nai Nai that she is in good health when in reality she is dying—serves as a catalyst for the film’s exploration of truth, deception, and the ethical grey areas that often arise in close-knit families. This lie is not born out of malice, but out of a deep love and a cultural belief that it is the family’s duty to protect its most vulnerable members from unnecessary pain.
The film delves into the moral implications of this lie, questioning whether it is truly a kindness to withhold the truth from someone in order to protect them. In Western cultures, where individual rights and autonomy are highly valued, this deception might be seen as a violation of Nai Nai’s right to know the truth about her own life. However, in the context of the family’s cultural background, the lie is seen as an act of love, a way to ensure that Nai Nai can live her remaining days in peace and happiness, free from the burden of her diagnosis.
This theme is further complicated by Billi’s own internal struggle. Having been raised in the United States, Billi is torn between her American sensibilities, which tell her that lying is inherently wrong, and her Chinese heritage, which places a higher value on familial duty and collective well-being. This conflict is at the heart of Billi’s character arc, as she grapples with the ethical dilemma of whether to respect her family’s decision or to follow her own instincts.
Cultural Clashes: East vs. West
“The Farewell” is a film that is deeply rooted in the cultural tensions between East and West, particularly as they play out in immigrant families. Billi, as a Chinese-American, stands at the intersection of these two worlds, embodying the clash of values, traditions, and expectations that often arises when different cultures meet. This cultural divide is most evident in the differing attitudes toward death and truth that the film explores.
In Chinese culture, as portrayed in the film, there is a strong emphasis on the collective well-being of the family. This often means that difficult truths are softened or even hidden to protect loved ones from unnecessary pain. The idea is that by shouldering the burden of sorrow themselves, the family can shield the individual from the emotional weight of their circumstances. In contrast, Western cultures tend to prioritize individual autonomy and the right to know the truth, even if that truth is painful. This difference in cultural values creates a significant tension within Billi, who must navigate the expectations of her Chinese heritage while reconciling them with her American upbringing.
The film does not present one culture as superior to the other, but rather explores the complexities and nuances of both. Billi’s journey is emblematic of the broader immigrant experience, where individuals must constantly negotiate their identity between the cultural norms of their heritage and those of the society in which they live. This cultural clash is not portrayed as a simple dichotomy, but as a spectrum of experiences that are shaped by personal history, family dynamics, and the challenges of living in a multicultural world.
Character Analysis
Awkwafina as Billi
Awkwafina’s portrayal of Billi is nothing short of a revelation. Known for her comedic roles in films like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Ocean’s 8,” Awkwafina takes on a more subdued and dramatic role in “The Farewell,” showcasing her versatility as an actress. Billi is a character defined by her internal struggle, and Awkwafina captures this with a performance that is both restrained and deeply emotional. Her portrayal of Billi is marked by a quiet intensity, as she navigates the conflicting emotions of love, guilt, and cultural dissonance.
Billi’s character serves as the emotional core of the film, and through her, the audience is able to experience the full weight of the family’s situation. Awkwafina’s ability to convey complex emotions with just a glance or a subtle shift in expression adds a layer of depth to the film that elevates it beyond a simple family drama. Her performance is understated yet powerful, allowing the audience to see the world through Billi’s eyes and feel the full impact of the cultural and familial pressures she faces.
One of the most striking aspects of Awkwafina’s performance is the way she embodies Billi’s sense of displacement. As a first-generation immigrant, Billi feels caught between two worlds—her American life, where individualism and honesty are prized, and her Chinese roots, where family and duty take precedence. This sense of being “in-between” is something that Awkwafina captures with remarkable subtlety, making Billi a relatable and sympathetic character for anyone who has ever felt torn between conflicting cultural identities.
Nai Nai: The Heart of the Family
Zhao Shuzhen’s portrayal of Nai Nai is nothing short of remarkable, bringing to life a character that is both vibrant and full of life despite her terminal diagnosis. Nai Nai is the emotional anchor of the family, embodying the strength, resilience, and unconditional love that holds them together. Her character is a paradox in many ways—she is the one who is sick, yet she is also the one who exudes the most vitality and joy for life. This juxtaposition adds a layer of poignancy to the film, as the audience is constantly reminded of the fragility of life through Nai Nai’s unwavering spirit.
Nai Nai’s relationship with Billi is one of the most touching aspects of the film. The bond between grandmother and granddaughter transcends the generational and cultural divides that exist within the family. Their interactions are filled with warmth, humor, and a deep sense of mutual understanding. Zhao Shuzhen’s performance is both charming and heart-wrenching, as she brings to life a character who is full of wisdom, humor, and an unshakeable love for her family.
Nai Nai’s character is also central to the film’s exploration of cultural expectations and familial duty. Despite being unaware of her own illness, Nai Nai is deeply concerned with the well-being of her family, constantly offering advice and support. Her role as the family’s matriarch underscores the film’s theme of collective responsibility, as she embodies the idea that the family is a single unit, with each member playing a vital role in supporting the others.
Supporting Characters and Their Roles
The supporting characters in “The Farewell” play crucial roles in reinforcing the film’s central themes and adding depth to the narrative. Each member of the family represents a different aspect of the cultural and generational divide that is at the heart of the story. Billi’s parents, Haiyan (Tzi Ma) and Jian (Diana Lin), are particularly significant in this regard. As first-generation immigrants who left China to build a life in America, they are caught between their loyalty to their cultural heritage and their desire to assimilate into Western society.
Haiyan, Billi’s father, embodies the quiet stoicism that is often associated with traditional Chinese masculinity. He is a man of few words, but his internal struggle is palpable as he grapples with the decision to deceive his mother for her own good. His relationship with Billi is complex, marked by a deep love that is often expressed through silence rather than words. Jian, Billi’s mother, on the other hand, is more pragmatic and matter-of-fact. She represents the more Westernized approach to life, emphasizing the importance of independence and self-reliance. Her relationship with Billi is strained at times, reflecting the generational gap between them, but it is also clear that she wants what is best for her daughter, even if she struggles to express it.
The extended family members, including Billi’s uncle Haibin (Jiang Yongbo) and his wife Aiko (Aoi Mizuhara), further highlight the cultural complexities at play. Haibin, who stayed in China while his brother moved to America, represents the traditional values that the family still holds dear. His relationship with Billi is more formal and distant, reflecting the differences in their upbringings. Aiko, who is Japanese, adds another layer of cultural diversity to the family dynamic, emphasizing the ways in which different Asian cultures intersect and influence each other.
Narrative Structure
Story Development and Plot Points
“The Farewell” unfolds in a manner that is both intimate and expansive, drawing the audience into the personal lives of its characters while also exploring broader cultural themes. The film begins in New York, where Billi is struggling to find her place in the world. She is a young woman at a crossroads, caught between her aspirations and the reality of her situation. This sense of uncertainty is compounded by the news of her grandmother’s illness, which serves as the inciting incident that propels the narrative forward.
The story then shifts to China, where the majority of the film takes place. The family’s arrival in Changchun is marked by a palpable tension, as they struggle to maintain the facade of the wedding while grappling with the knowledge of Nai Nai’s illness. The wedding itself serves as a central motif, symbolizing the clash between appearance and reality, as well as the ways in which different cultures navigate the complexities of life and death.
The narrative is punctuated by moments of quiet reflection, as Billi contemplates her role within the family and her relationship with her cultural heritage. These moments of introspection are contrasted with scenes of humor and warmth, particularly in the interactions between Billi and Nai Nai. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the emotional and cultural landscape of the story.
The climax of the film comes with the wedding, a moment that is both joyous and bittersweet. It is a celebration of life, love, and family, but it is also a reminder of the sorrow that lies just beneath the surface. The wedding serves as a turning point for Billi, as she comes to a deeper understanding of her family’s values and the reasons behind their decision to keep Nai Nai’s illness a secret.
Impact of the Wedding as a Central Motif
The wedding in “The Farewell” is more than just a plot device; it is a powerful symbol that encapsulates the film’s exploration of truth, deception, and cultural identity. The decision to stage a wedding as a cover for the family’s farewell to Nai Nai reflects the tension between the appearance of happiness and the underlying reality of sorrow. The wedding is a joyous occasion, filled with laughter, music, and celebration, but it is also tinged with a sense of melancholy, as the family knows that this may be the last time they are all together.
The wedding also serves as a metaphor for the ways in which different cultures navigate the complexities of life and death. In Chinese culture, as depicted in the film, there is a strong emphasis on maintaining harmony and protecting loved ones from unnecessary pain. The wedding, with its emphasis on joy and celebration, becomes a way for the family to shield Nai Nai from the truth, allowing her to enjoy her remaining days without the burden of her diagnosis.
For Billi, the wedding is a moment of profound realization. It is during the wedding that she begins to understand the depth of her family’s love for Nai Nai and the reasons behind their decision to deceive her. The wedding becomes a catalyst for Billi’s emotional growth, as she learns to reconcile her own beliefs with the cultural values of her family. The motif of the wedding is woven throughout the film, serving as a constant reminder of the complex interplay between truth and deception, joy and sorrow, and the ways in which different cultures navigate these dualities.
Cinematic Techniques
Direction by Lulu Wang
Lulu Wang’s direction in “The Farewell” is a masterclass in subtlety and nuance. Wang brings a deeply personal touch to the film, drawing on her own experiences to create a story that feels both authentic and universal. Her direction is marked by a careful attention to detail, as she captures the quiet moments of life that often go unnoticed but are full of meaning.
Wang’s ability to balance humor and drama is one of the film’s greatest strengths. She deftly navigates the film’s tonal shifts, moving seamlessly from moments of lightheartedness to scenes of deep emotional resonance. This balance is particularly evident in the way she handles the film’s central theme of deception. Rather than presenting the family’s lie as a simple moral dilemma, Wang explores it from multiple perspectives, allowing the audience to see the complexity of the situation and the deep love that motivates the family’s decision.
The film’s pacing is another testament to Wang’s skill as a director. She allows the story to unfold at its own pace, giving the characters room to breathe and the audience time to reflect. This deliberate pacing creates a sense of intimacy, drawing the audience into the world of the film and allowing them to fully engage with the emotional and cultural complexities of the story.
Use of Humor in Serious Contexts
One of the most striking aspects of “The Farewell” is its use of humor in the context of serious and often painful situations. Wang’s ability to find moments of levity in the midst of sorrow is one of the film’s defining features. The humor in “The Farewell” is not forced or out of place; rather, it arises naturally from the characters and their interactions, providing a necessary counterbalance to the film’s heavier themes.
The humor in the film often comes from the characters’ attempts to navigate the awkwardness and discomfort of their situation. For example, the family’s efforts to maintain the facade of the wedding while dealing with the knowledge of Nai Nai’s illness lead to a number of humorous moments, as they try to reconcile their conflicting emotions. These moments of humor serve to humanize the characters, making them more relatable and sympathetic.
At the same time, the humor in “The Farewell” is tinged with a sense of melancholy. The audience is always aware of the underlying sorrow that permeates the film, even in its lightest moments. This juxtaposition of humor and sadness creates a rich emotional texture, allowing the film to explore complex themes without becoming overly heavy or didactic. Wang’s use of humor in “The Farewell” is a testament to her understanding of the human experience, and her ability to capture the full range of emotions that define it.
Visual Storytelling and Cinematography
The visual storytelling in “The Farewell” is as integral to the film’s impact as its narrative and performances. The cinematography, by Anna Franquesa Solano, is marked by a delicate, almost poetic, quality that enhances the film’s themes and emotions. Solano’s use of framing, color, and composition contributes to the film’s overall sense of intimacy and authenticity, drawing the audience into the world of the characters.
One of the most striking aspects of the film’s visual style is its use of framing to convey the characters’ emotional states. The film often employs wide shots that place the characters in the context of their surroundings, emphasizing their sense of isolation or connection to their environment. For example, Billi is frequently framed in ways that highlight her sense of displacement, such as shots that position her on the periphery of family gatherings or in solitary moments of reflection. This visual approach underscores the theme of cultural and generational divide, as Billi navigates her place within both her family and her heritage.
The film’s color palette is another important element of its visual storytelling. The muted tones and soft lighting create a sense of warmth and nostalgia, reflecting the film’s exploration of memory, family, and the passage of time. The use of color is also symbolic, with certain hues—such as red, which is associated with luck and happiness in Chinese culture—playing a significant role in the film’s visual language.
The cinematography in “The Farewell” also makes effective use of contrasts to highlight the film’s central themes. The juxtaposition of the bustling streets of Changchun with the quiet, intimate moments within the family home serves to underscore the tension between the external and internal worlds of the characters. The visual contrasts in the film mirror the cultural and emotional contrasts that define the story, adding another layer of meaning to the film’s narrative.
Audience Reception
Critical Acclaim and Awards
“The Farewell” was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its poignant storytelling, nuanced performances, and cultural relevance. The film received numerous accolades, including nominations for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globe Awards and the BAFTA Awards, as well as winning the Independent Spirit Award for Best Feature.
Critics lauded Lulu Wang for her direction, with many highlighting her ability to blend humor and drama in a way that felt both authentic and emotionally resonant. The film was also praised for its representation of the Chinese-American experience, with reviewers noting that it offered a rare and valuable perspective in Hollywood cinema. Awkwafina’s performance was particularly singled out, earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, making her the first woman of Asian descent to win the award in that category.
The film’s success at the box office further underscored its impact, as it resonated with audiences from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. “The Farewell” was celebrated not only for its artistic achievements but also for its contribution to the ongoing conversation about diversity and representation in film. Its critical and commercial success paved the way for more stories that reflect the diverse experiences of the Asian diaspora, making it a landmark film in the history of modern cinema.
Viewer Reactions and Cultural Impact
In addition to its critical acclaim, “The Farewell” also had a profound impact on audiences, particularly those who could relate to its exploration of cultural identity and family dynamics. Many viewers praised the film for its honest and empathetic portrayal of the immigrant experience, noting that it resonated with their own struggles to balance the expectations of their heritage with the realities of their lives in a different culture.
The film’s depiction of intergenerational relationships and the complexities of family bonds struck a chord with audiences around the world. Viewers from diverse backgrounds found common ground in the film’s exploration of universal themes, such as love, loss, and the search for belonging. “The Farewell” sparked conversations about the ways in which different cultures deal with illness and mortality, as well as the importance of preserving family traditions in a rapidly changing world.
The film also had a significant cultural impact, contributing to the broader movement for greater representation of Asian voices in Hollywood. “The Farewell” was part of a wave of films that challenged the industry’s historical underrepresentation of Asian characters and stories, paving the way for more diverse and inclusive narratives. The success of “The Farewell” demonstrated the demand for stories that reflect the experiences of underrepresented communities and highlighted the importance of cultural authenticity in filmmaking.
In conclusion, “The Farewell” is a film that transcends cultural boundaries to tell a deeply personal and universally resonant story. Through its exploration of family, identity, and the complexities of cultural heritage, the film offers a poignant reflection on the ways in which we navigate the challenges of life and death, love and loss. Lulu Wang’s masterful direction, combined with powerful performances and evocative cinematography, makes “The Farewell” a film that will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come. Its impact on both the film industry and the broader cultural landscape is a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge the gaps between different cultures and bring us closer to understanding the shared humanity that unites us all.
