The Farewell

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2:16

The Farewell

PG

Released Aug 2, 2019

1h 40m

Comedy

Drama

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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.

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Critics Consensus

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

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Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

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.

Dec 17, 2019

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Esther Zuckerman

Thrillist

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...

Dec 17, 2019

Full Review

Clarisse Loughrey

Independent (UK)

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

Rated: 5/5

Oct 10, 2019

Full Review

Julian Singleton

Cinapse

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.

Jul 12, 2025

Full Review

Calum Cooper

Source (Scotland)

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.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 14, 2024

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Ryan McQuade

InSession Film

The Farwell is not only a loving tribute to the women who carry our families, but it’s deeply relatable, with humor and honesty shining through the somber moments of life.

Apr 4, 2024

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Manuel G

We enjoyed it very much. Very entertaining and funny

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/27/19

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Candace K

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/01/19

Full Review

Timmothy

emotional and funny synth same time. Great movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/21/19

Full Review

Sonya

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

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/20/19

Full Review

Sandra G

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/17/19

Full Review

damien c

Touching, heartfelt. A Must see!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/11/19

Full Review

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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 40m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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