The Farewell (2019), directed by Lulu Wang

Struggling writer Billi emigrated from China to the US with her parents when she was six years old. Her grandmother – Nai Nai - was left behind, but Billi remains as close to her as is possible from so far away with infrequent visits. When Nai Nai is diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer the family conspires to keep it from her, as is Chinese custom. They arrange a family wedding to allow everyone to say a covert farewell, but Billi struggles with the deception. The film starts by declaring it is based on a real lie. Written by director/producer Lola Wang, it provides an interesting meditation on cross-cultural differences and the divided loyalties of child migrants who struggle to retain their culture. It also paints a picture of how rapidly China has been changing as it develops economically. It has wry and funny moments, none more so than the laugh-out-loud twist at the very end of the film. But at times it is slow moving to the point of tedium, with far too many long lingering shots of faces expressing sadness as soaring strings play. Awkwafina does a great job as Billi and there is a fine, largely unknown, supporting cast – especially Shuzhen Zhao as Nai Nai. Special mention should be made of the Japanese actress who plays the bride and has hardly a word to say, as she speaks no Chinese. The dialogue is largely in Chinese with English subtitles, which are done very well. This is a thoughtful film, which could have been better; possibly the director is a little too close to the material.