The Farewell

Definition

'The Farewell' is a film that tells the story of a Chinese family who stages a fake wedding to say goodbye to their beloved matriarch, who is terminally ill, without her knowledge. This poignant narrative captures the cultural clash between Eastern and Western values regarding death, family, and honesty, showcasing how identity and familial bonds intersect within various cultural contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'The Farewell' was directed by Lulu Wang and is inspired by her own family's experiences, bridging personal narrative with broader cultural themes.
2. The film highlights the concept of 'lying for love,' showcasing how familial loyalty can lead to complex ethical dilemmas surrounding truth-telling.
3. The contrasting perspectives on death between Western individualism and Eastern collectivism play a significant role in character motivations and relationships throughout the film.
4. 'The Farewell' emphasizes the significance of rituals and celebrations within families as a way to cope with loss while maintaining a sense of connection.
5. The film garnered critical acclaim for its authentic representation of Chinese-American identity, making it a relevant piece for discussions on intersectionality in storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does 'The Farewell' illustrate the concept of cultural norms in relation to death?
  • 'The Farewell' effectively illustrates cultural norms by depicting how the Chinese family chooses to handle their grandmother's illness. Instead of being upfront about her condition, they decide to stage a wedding to avoid causing her distress. This decision reflects the collectivist nature of their culture, which prioritizes protecting the individual's feelings over strict adherence to honesty, showcasing the clash between Eastern and Western values surrounding death.
• In what ways does 'The Farewell' demonstrate intergenerational conflict, particularly in relation to differing views on honesty and family loyalty?
  • 'The Farewell' showcases intergenerational conflict through the differing perspectives of its characters, particularly between Billi, the granddaughter raised in America, and her traditional Chinese family. Billi struggles with her family's decision to hide the truth from her grandmother, reflecting Western ideals about honesty. In contrast, her family believes that withholding information is an act of love and loyalty. This clash highlights how cultural backgrounds shape attitudes towards familial responsibilities and truth-telling.
• Evaluate how 'The Farewell' serves as a lens for understanding complex identity representations within immigrant families and cultural intersections.
  • 'The Farewell' serves as a powerful lens for understanding complex identity representations by showcasing the nuances of navigating multiple cultural identities within an immigrant family. Through Billi's character, viewers experience the tension between her American upbringing and her Chinese heritage. The film delves into how these cultural intersections shape attitudes toward family obligations, emotional expression, and communication about death. It ultimately portrays the richness of these identities while addressing universal themes of love and loss, allowing audiences from diverse backgrounds to connect with its message.

Related terms

Cultural Norms: 'Cultural norms' refer to the shared expectations and rules that guide behavior within a specific culture, influencing how individuals interact with one another and interpret events such as death.

Collectivism: 'Collectivism' is a social theory emphasizing the importance of the group over the individual, often prioritizing family and community decisions over personal desires, which is highlighted in the film's plot.

Intergenerational Conflict: 'Intergenerational conflict' describes the differences in values and beliefs between generations, which is explored through the contrasting perspectives of the younger and older family members in 'The Farewell.'