Lulu Wang’s The Farewell opens with a title card noting: "Based on an actual lie." This lie centers on Nai Nai (Zhao Shuzhen), who is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer; her family chooses not to inform her of this diagnosis. Instead, they organize a wedding as a pretext for gathering relatives from around the globe to bid farewell without her awareness. Billi (Awkwafina), raised in America, finds herself conflicted…

The filmmakers label this as a comedy-drama, and that's an accurate description. However, I didn’t find myself laughing out loud very often. The film’s humor tends to be subtle; the writers build toward those instances that bring a smile, whether it’s because they remind you of something from your own life or simply because the situation seems unbelievable. As frequently occurs, the narrative is rooted in actual o…

Lulu Wang has created a touching film, drawing from her own experiences to tell a moving story centered around her grandmother. While I found some parts of the middle section less engaging, particularly concerning the wedding events, the movie ultimately succeeds. Awkwafina is excellent in her role, and so are the other actors involved. The music composed by Alex Weston enhances many scenes, and the blend of humor an…

A family in China grapples with a difficult situation when they discover their matriarch has lung cancer. Rooted in Chinese tradition is the idea that a cancer diagnosis signifies impending death; however, it's not the illness itself but rather the fear of dying that ultimately leads to someone’s passing. Consequently, the family devises an elaborate plan—a wedding—to bring everyone together for a farewell gathering …