The Farewell

Definition

'The Farewell' is a 2019 film directed by Lulu Wang that centers on a Chinese-American family who stages a fake wedding to gather and say goodbye to their beloved matriarch, who is unaware that she is terminally ill. The film explores themes of cultural identity, family loyalty, and the nuances of communication across different cultural contexts, particularly between Eastern and Western perspectives on death and familial obligations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'The Farewell' is based on Lulu Wang's real-life experiences with her grandmother's illness and the family's decision to keep it a secret from her.
2. The film highlights the tension between Eastern and Western attitudes toward death, showcasing how Chinese culture often prioritizes family cohesion and collective decision-making over individual autonomy.
3. Awkwafina's performance as Billi, the main character, received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and relatability, bringing attention to the immigrant experience.
4. The narrative structure of 'The Farewell' utilizes both humor and sadness to convey complex emotions surrounding family dynamics and cultural expectations.
5. The film received numerous awards and nominations, including accolades at the Sundance Film Festival, highlighting its impact on contemporary discussions about cultural representation in cinema.

Review Questions

• How does 'The Farewell' illustrate the theme of cultural identity through its characters and plot?
  • 'The Farewell' uses its characters to explore cultural identity by contrasting Billi's American upbringing with her family's traditional Chinese values. The film showcases how Billi grapples with her dual identity, feeling torn between her desire to honor her grandmother's wishes within their cultural framework while also wanting to express her own feelings about truth and autonomy. This tension highlights the complexities faced by individuals navigating multiple cultural backgrounds.
• In what ways does 'The Farewell' challenge or reinforce stereotypes about Asian families in its portrayal of familial loyalty?
  • 'The Farewell' both challenges and reinforces stereotypes about Asian families by presenting a nuanced depiction of familial loyalty. While it showcases the stereotype of collectivism prevalent in many Asian cultures, it also highlights individual struggles within that framework, particularly through Billi's character. The film reveals that loyalty can come with emotional turmoil and conflict, ultimately painting a more complex picture than one-dimensional stereotypes typically allow.
• Evaluate the impact of 'The Farewell' on discussions about cultural representation in film, particularly regarding immigrant narratives.
  • 'The Farewell' has significantly impacted discussions about cultural representation in film by bringing authentic immigrant narratives to the forefront. Its success demonstrates the audience's appetite for diverse stories that reflect real-life experiences rather than stereotypical portrayals. By focusing on specific cultural practices surrounding death and family dynamics, the film encourages broader conversations about how immigrant experiences are portrayed in cinema, prompting a reevaluation of what stories are told and who gets to tell them.

Related terms

Cultural Hybridity: 'Cultural hybridity' refers to the blending of different cultural influences, which can lead to new identities and practices, particularly relevant in the context of immigrant experiences.

Collectivism: 'Collectivism' emphasizes the importance of the group over the individual, a core value in many Asian cultures that contrasts with the more individualistic tendencies often seen in Western societies.

Intergenerational Conflict: 'Intergenerational conflict' describes the differences and tensions that can arise between different generations, particularly regarding values, beliefs, and cultural practices.