The Farewell

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The Farewell

PG

2019

1h 45m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

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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

Dec 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.

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Esther Zuckerman

Thrillist

Dec 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...

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Clarisse Loughrey

Independent (UK)

Oct 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.

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Lexi Amoriello

Movie Recs by Lex

Jul 10, 2026

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.

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Julian Singleton

Cinapse

Jul 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.

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Calum Cooper

Source (Scotland)

Jul 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.

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Manuel G

Dec 27, 2019

We enjoyed it very much. Very entertaining and funny

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Candace K

Oct 1, 2019

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

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Timmothy

Sep 21, 2019

emotional and funny synth same time. Great movie

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Sonya

Sep 20, 2019

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

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Sandra G

Sep 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.

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damien c

Sep 11, 2019

Touching, heartfelt. A Must see!

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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 45m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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