A woman born in China but raised in the U.S. returns for a visit, to find that the beloved matriarch of the family has only a few weeks left to live. Not wanting to upset the elderly woman, the entire family has agreed to keep this a secret from her. To explain why family members are gathering they expedite a wedding. An uplifting and funny story about family bonds, one, as claimed in the credits, that is “based on an actual lie.” USA, 2019, 100 minutes, drama/comedy, rated PG, in English and Mandarin, with English sub-titles
Discussion after the film with J.D. Zeik, member of the filmmaking faculty at SUNY Purchase, and screenwriter.
“In The Farewell, Wang builds a funny, touching and vital film about what makes a family in any culture. It’s simply stunning.” – David Fear, Rolling Stone
“This is a viewing experience to be treasured. It is one of the very best films of 2019.” – Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
“The fact that The Farewell is such a frequently and easily funny film, on top of the heavy stuff it’s dealing with, is what makes it feel so miraculous.” – Emily Yoshida, New York Magazine
“A premise so rich with potential comedy, heartbreak and family weirdness that it can only have come from real life. Which it did. – A. O. Scott, The New York Times
“Wang pirouettes along some tonal hairpins—in one scene, I guffawed in the midst of wracking sobs.” – Inkoo Kang, Slate
“Coolly heartwarming, and gratifyingly uncute.” – Anthony Lane, The New Yorker
“The lovely paradox of The Farewell is that everyone in it tries to hide their feelings as long as they can, yet their story goes straight to your heart.” – Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal
