The Farewell

Play trailer

2:16

The Farewell

PG

2019

1h 45m

Comedy

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

350 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Verified Ratings

Billi's family returns to China under the guise of a fake wedding to stealthily say goodbye to their beloved matriarch -- the only person that doesn't know she only has a few weeks to live.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

The Farewell deftly captures complicated family dynamics with a poignant, well-acted drama that marries cultural specificity with universally relatable themes.

Read Critics Reviews

Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

12/17/2019

What follows is a series of hackneyed scenes about the different interpersonal relationships within the family, centering on the heroine's bond with her grandmother.

Go to Full Review

Esther Zuckerman

Thrillist

12/17/2019

Thematically, The Farewell is about reconciliation with the past and wrestling with cultural traditions that now seem foreign in a country that once was home. But it's also simply about grappling with loss...

Go to Full Review

Clarisse Loughrey

Independent (UK)

10/10/2019

5/5

The Farewell is a comedy of warmth and bracing honesty. Simply put, it's one of the best films of the year.

Go to Full Review

Lexi Amoriello

Movie Recs by Lex

Jul 10

The Farewell is impressive for its ability to feel universal despite telling such a specific, personal story. It’s also impressive for its ability to juggle comedy and tragedy while still remaining age-appropriate.

Go to Full Review

Julian Singleton

Cinapse

07/12/2025

Wang’s film is a succinct and heartfelt examination of one family’s emotional crossroads, featuring a rich ensemble anchored by a surprisingly dynamic and layered performance by rapper-actress Awkwafina.

Go to Full Review

Calum Cooper

Source (Scotland)

07/14/2024

5/5

Lulu Wang has made an expertly and sagely constructed ode to both western and eastern values, joining them together with familial sentimentality, resulting in charm and effortless poignancy.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Manuel G

12/27/2019

We enjoyed it very much. Very entertaining and funny

See more

Candace K

10/01/2019

Thoughtful portrayal of family dynamics with wonderful characters. Interesting reveal of customs. Excellent acting. Well written script.

See more

Timmothy

09/21/2019

emotional and funny synth same time. Great movie

See more

Sonya

09/20/2019

I thought it was going to be a comedy but it wasn’t at all funny.

See more

Sandra G

09/17/2019

Loved the idea of family loyalty and tradition. Food scenes were delicious. Awkafina was excellent as were other members of the cast. The director captured scenes in China perfectly.

See more

damien c

09/11/2019

Touching, heartfelt. A Must see!

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Lulu Wang

Director

Awkwafina

Billi

Tzi Ma

Haiyan

Diana Lin

Jian

Gil Perez-Abraham

Tony

Jim Liu

Doctor Song

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

94%

93%

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Swing Away

80%

79%

Swing Away

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Swing Away

Ladies in Black

88%

75%

Ladies in Black

Watchlist

102 Not Out

50%

80%

102 Not Out

Watchlist

TRAILER

for 102 Not Out

This Beautiful Fantastic

61%

75%

This Beautiful Fantastic

Watchlist

TRAILER

for This Beautiful Fantastic

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

15 Movie Scores To Keep You Sane Through Quarantine

Awards Leaderboard: Top Movies of 2019

Adam Sandler Wins Best Actor at the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards

Awkwafina's Movies with Grandma

4:46

The Farewell: Trailer 1

2:16

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

Billi's family returns to China under the guise of a fake wedding to stealthily say goodbye to their beloved matriarch -- the only person that doesn't know she only has a few weeks to live.

Director: Lulu Wang
Producer: Chris Weitz, Andrew Miano, Peter Saraf, Marc Turtletaub, Anita Gou, Daniele Tate Melia, Jane Zheng, Dani Melia
Screenwriter: Lulu Wang
Distributor: A24
Production Co: Big Beach, Kindred Spirit, Ray Production
Rating: PG (Some Smoking|Brief Language|Thematic Material)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 2, 2019, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 27, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $17.7M
Runtime: 1h 45m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings