Apparently in Chinese families it's acceptable to hide the medical truth from ppl until they are on their deathbed...and so begins "The Farewell." Keep reading for my 5 star review.
Awkwafina plays Billi, the beloved and only granddaughter of Nai Nai (played perfectly by future Oscar nominee Zhao Shuzhen), living in NY. When Billi finds out her Nai Nai has Stage 4 lung cancer and the family isn't telling her but instead throwing a wedding for Nai Nai's only grandson, Billi decides against family wishes and flies to China. There is where the fun ensues.
EVERY actor in this movie is phenomenal but Zhao stands out as the main scene stealer in her supporting role. The story is mainly about Billi, but Zhao makes you wanna see her in every scene even with the subtitles. She's the feisty, spirited grandma everyone wants. She tells it like it is and has no regrets about it. The writing and directing is inspiring although the story moves a touch slow in some scenes.
Overall one of my fave movies. And when I went there was a ton of Asian people but also Black and White folks too. It was good to see the representation both on-screen and in the audience.