The Farewell

I can see why this film would be beloved by an American/non-Asian audience. It was - to them - likely an interesting glimpse into a foreign culture, tradition and familial values, and the comedic clash of East-meets-West, though genuinely funny, might seemed fresh and exciting in their white/black-tinged world.

However, from an Asian perspective, this film offered nothing new that Asian-cinema has not witnessed or produced in better measures.

Although there was a sincere warmth and honesty in the story, director/writer Lulu Wang's treatment of the material felt amateurish and generic. The storytelling was heavy-handed and littered with expected and predictable tropes of its genre.

Nonetheless, the acting shone through especially from the lesser-known cast. Awkwafina did impress in her first serious-dramatic role, but not in the sense that she was a revelation, instead more like that she was better than expected. Then again, she shone more in the comedic moments rather than the deeper, more introspective, serious beats. Her overall characterisation was more that of an entitled, self-obsessed millennial as seen through my Asian eyes.

The veteran actors, on the other hand, were outstanding. In particular Tzi Ma and Diana Lin 林晓杰 as Awkwafina's parents. But the breakout role, and definite star, of the film was first time actress Zhao Shuzhen 赵淑珍 as the granny at the center of the plot. She stole all her scenes with her easy, unbridled charm and effortless sincerity. It was not impossible to imagine that the actress herself had gone through something similar in her own personal life.

Non-Asian audience, and even those - like Awkwafina - who are Asian in skin but not brought up in that environment, will enjoy this film a lot for its exploration of the immigrant story and reconciliation of one's cultural, traditional past and present day societal norms. This film was not perfect but at least it had sincerity and aimed to educate without mocking. A potential Best Screenplay nomination is in sight.

For Asian audience, go watch it too to support cinema, and to enjoy the film's honest moments and the genuine laughs it brings.