The Farewell Poster

The Farewell 2019

★ 7.41,525 votes100 min📅 2019-07-12

"Based on an actual lie."

Disguised as a joyous reunion, *The Farewell (2019)* weaves heartache into laughter as a fiercely independent Chinese-American woman, Billi, embarks on a bittersweet journey back to her homeland.

Director: Lulu Wang

Cast

Awkwafina
Awkwafina
Billi
Zhao Shuzhen
Zhao Shuzhen
Nai Nai
Hong Lu
Little Nai Nai
Hong Lin
Doctor Wu
Tzi Ma
Tzi Ma
Haiyan
Diana Lin Xiaojie
Diana Lin Xiaojie
Lu Jian
Yang Xuejian
Mr. Li
Becca Khalil
Shirley
Jiang Yongbo
Uncle Haibin
Chen Han
Chen Han
Hao Hao

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Farewell (2019) about?

The Farewell follows Billi, a Chinese-American woman who returns to China after learning her grandmother has a terminal illness. To shield her from the truth, the family stages a fake wedding, creating a bittersweet reunion filled with laughter and unspoken grief. It's a story about love, cultural identity, and the lengths we go to protect those we cherish.

Who directed The Farewell?

The Farewell was directed by Lulu Wang, who also wrote the screenplay based on her own family's experience.

Who stars in The Farewell?

The film features Awkwafina as Billi, Zhao Shuzhen as the grandmother, and Tzi Ma as Billi's father, alongside a talented ensemble cast.

Is The Farewell (2019) worth watching?

With its blend of humor and heartache, The Farewell (2019) stands out as a rare gem in the comedy-drama genre. Praised for its authentic storytelling and standout performances, especially from Awkwafina, it's a film that resonates emotionally without relying on melodrama.

How long is The Farewell?

The Farewell runs for 100 minutes, offering a concise yet deeply moving cinematic experience.

🎥 Trailer

About The Farewell (2019) — A touching comedy-drama about family, lies, and love

Disguised as a joyous reunion, *The Farewell (2019)* weaves heartache into laughter as a fiercely independent Chinese-American woman, Billi, embarks on a bittersweet journey back to her homeland. Told with delicate humor and quiet emotional depth, director Lulu Wang's film navigates the cultural divide between Western individualism and Eastern family obligation. When Billi's grandmother receives a devastating diagnosis, the family makes a heart-wrenching pact to protect her by hiding the truth—orchestrating a fake wedding to gather everyone one last time. What unfolds is a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the lies we tell to spare others pain.

Starring the radiant Awkwafina as Billi and the luminous Zhao Shuzhen as her grandmother, the cast brings authenticity and warmth to this deeply personal story. Blending comedy and drama, *The Farewell (2019)* captures the universal struggle between duty and desire, set against the vibrant backdrop of modern China. It's a film that lingers, reminding us that sometimes, the greatest acts of love come cloaked in well-intentioned deception.