Often times, what we see first is what we remember the most, for the good or the bad. However, it is likely the reintroduction of that image that triggers the memory of it, in the first place. So, would we still remember that first glance if we never saw it again? Perhaps, the recollection, itself, is more important than WHY we have it, at the end of the day, so to speak.

“The Farewell,” written and directed by Lulu Wang (“Posthumous”), begins with a shot of a field of flowers. At first, we do not know where it comes from, but as the shot pans out, we see it for what it truly is: a large picture in the waiting area of a hospital in China. Sitting there, is Nai Na, played by Zhao Shuzhen. She is a mother and a grandmother to a loving family, spread across the globe, ranging from Japan, all the way to the United States of America. However, just as the initial shot was not all that it seemed to be, neither is the position of Nai Nai. In fact, she is not the anxious family member, awaiting the return of her baby sister, Little Nai Nai, played by Lu Hong. Instead, there is something of a game being played; one that is, apparently, a longstanding tradition in China. Nai Nai is the patient and her health is ambiguous to some (such as herself), but much more serious, in condition, to her family (such as Little Nai Nai).

Back at home, Nai Nai has the companionship of a man, Mister Li (or Lee), along with her aforementioned sister. Meanwhile, Nai Nai speaks on her cell phone with her Americanized granddaughter, Billi, played by Awkwafina (“Crazy Rich Asians”). They seem to have a bond that physical time and space cannot wreck or slow down. Maybe technology still, in fact, has its universal, timeless benefits, even as the perception of it continues to grow more and more negative.

Billi has her own life in New York City. Much like her family which has remained in China, however, the immediate unit is pretty close-knit. Even as she embarks on her 30s, much has yet to be determined. This has become an all-to-familiar plight for the current generation and it looks as though culture might have little to do with that. As Billi enters her parents’ home, she is joined by her father, Haiyan, played by Tzi Ma (“Arrival”) and her mother, Jian, played by Diana Lin. News has arrived, concerning Nai Nai, and Haiyan and Jian intend to pay their respects, but without the accompaniment of their daughter. Billi, although upset, for multiple reasons, will make up her OWN mind, regardless of what her parents desire of her.

The family comes together under the guise of a wedding between two, young lovebirds who have made their way over from Japan. Interestingly enough, there seems to be greater friction with Hao Hao, played by Chen Han, and his girlfriend, Aiko, played by Aoi Mizuhara, for being “Japanized,” or from Japan, compared to Billi and her parents who have been “Americanized.” Furthermore, the perception of Americans is largely positive, even as Billi fairly informs the family of the problems our country has.

Death is not an easy subject for many people to deal with. “The Farewell” grapples with it, head-on, and does so with clean, simple comedy. As long as you are willing and open to reading subtitles, you will not be let down, when it comes to laughs. On top of this, I was fascinated to see a side of China that I was not familiar with. It should be common sense that all people deal with the same (or similar) issues, just as human beings. However, various cultures respond to those issues in unique, but understandable ways.

The most important scene to pay attention to is when the family returns to the hospital, but altogether, for another update on Nai Nai’s condition. Billi learns that the doctor who is assisting them speaks English and has spent some time In the United Kingdom. They carry on with an important conversation in English, all while in the presence of Nai Nai, pertaining to the cultural norms between eastern and western civilizations. I wonder if more could be done on a bigger stage under terms like this. An image, also, resurfaces, igniting recall for the viewers and, possibly, symbolizing a certain “cycle.”

Ultimately, “The Farewell” examines the context of how we react to specific, important moments in the life of a human being. At the end of the day, we all possess real emotions and deep thoughts and principles we hope to live by, sink or swim. Love is a feeling that crosses all barriers and requires no language interpretation. We are bound to encounter weakness, either in ourselves or in others (beyond the scope of humanity). The only question to answer is how we will respond to those moments and, just maybe, objective reasoning is NOT always the solution.

Director: Lulu Wang
Screenwriter: Wang
Starring: Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, Zhao Shuzhen, Lu Hong, Jiang Yongbo as Haibin, Chen Han and Aio Mizuhara
Based on: a story from ‘This American Life’
Distributor: A24
Release dates: January 25th, 2019 (Sundance) and July 12th, 2019 (US)