The Farewell

It's been a long time, a year and a half to be exact and my trigger finger is itching, not to mention my eyes.  I had eye surgery in June and dealing with a lot of death over the past year.  Death and how to  deal with the impending passing of a loved one is the subject of this review.  In this case, we have Billi (portrayed by Awkwafina) who learns of her grandmother's terminal illness.  Nai Nai (grandma) is in China, Billi and her mother and father live in New York.  The family has been told that Nai Nai has about three weeks to live, but she doesn't know it and everyone is expected to keep her in the dark by coming to visit for a fake wedding (but it's really to say goodbye).  That's a problem because the family thinks that they can leave Billi out because she won't be able to keep the secret and will spill the beans by the look on her face.  She talks to Nai Nai all the time, loves her grandmother to the moon and back, and really does her best to keep the secret.  It's a gently funny comedy dealing with family perceptions that are skewed by time and distance.  I've said it once and I'll say it again, if you want to make God laugh, tell 'em your plans.  This is a true story based on a lie, only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.  Great cast, wonderful soundtrack, see the real China, not a reasonable facsimile.  Enjoy a hot cup of tea, bad karaoke, odd fashion and interior design.  Rating:  I see an Independent Spirit Award or two or three in The Farewell's future.