The Farewell

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2:16

The Farewell

PG

2019

1h 45m

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

12/17/2019

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

12/17/2019

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)

10/10/2019

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

4d

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

07/12/2025

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)

07/14/2024

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

12/27/2019

We enjoyed it very much. Very entertaining and funny

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Candace K

10/01/2019

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

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Timmothy

09/21/2019

emotional and funny synth same time. Great movie

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Sonya

09/20/2019

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

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Sandra G

09/17/2019

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

09/11/2019

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)