THE FAREWELL by Lulu Wang
- Reviewed by Mahima Rawat
Sometimes you encounter things that render you speechless and fling you down a contemplative mode. Recently, a film composed of sweet and tender interactions between a woman and her grandmother evoked in me a sense of nostalgia for the experiences I haven’t even had growing up. The afterthought that at times one must maintain a resilient smile even in the face of adversity for the sake of the person you cherish the most is firmly ingrained in my memory- courtesy of the director Lulu Wang.
‘The Farewell’ first showcased at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, was subsequently acquired by A24 Productions for its worldwide debut. The movie stars actress Awkwafina as Billi, a Chinese American woman who is posed with a moral conundrum when her entire family decides to keep her beloved grandmother (Nai Nai) in the dark about her terminal illness and stages an impromptu wedding to see her one last time. This exceptional comedy-drama explores the dilemma of conflicting cultural identities through Billi’s perspective and will keep you oscillating between moments of delight and desolation. Needless to say, the film has received a multitude of recognitions and accolades in various categories ever since its premiere.
For me personally, the scene where Billi’s mother says, “Chinese people have saying, ‘When people get cancer, they die.’” before clarifying that “it’s not the cancer that kills them, it’s the fear.” is remarkable because it’s timed so perfectly that it lands funny before it gets all serious. The scene lingers in your memory becoming apparent only after you have finished watching it, resonating with a lasting impact.
Anna Franquesa-Solano, the cinematographer, alongside Wang, has delivered a phenomenal portrayal of the cultural elements within the story. Shot in the widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35:1, the film employs a thoughtful and deliberate visual composition to capture both intimate family moments and the broader cultural landscape. This includes depicting the intricacies of various settings, capturing the familiarity of family interactions in the United States and the unique atmosphere of scenes set in China. The framing of characters within specific environments is used to convey a sense of connection or isolation.
Given that ‘The Farewell’ navigates between humour and poignant drama, the cinematography plays a pivotal role in balancing these tones. The visual choices not only enhance the film's ability to seamlessly blend comedy and heartfelt moments but also contribute to highlighting the intricate details of the narrative. The film score by Alex Weston, also helps set the melancholic tone of the film. My personal favourite is Grandma On The Roof because it sounds as full of anticipation as it’s sad.
The Farewell left me with a bittersweet aftertaste that I will add to my list of favourite indie films. However, I would love to know what you thought of the film? review ©Team Flash