The Farewell

The Farewell

Year: 2019

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Lulu Wang

DramaComedy

Billli returns to China with her family, facing a difficult choice: celebrating her grandmother’s impending farewell while concealing a devastating secret. To grant her grandmother’s wish, the family stages a wedding, creating a joyful atmosphere filled with tradition and celebration. Billi grapples with cultural differences and long-held family secrets, finding comfort in the rediscovered customs and the enduring strength of her grandmother's spirit and their unbreakable familial connections.

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Timeline & Setting – The Farewell (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Farewell (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie does not specify an exact time period but reflects contemporary life in both America and China. It explores cultural practices and family bonds in a modern context, addressing themes relevant to today's society.

Location

New York, China

The film primarily takes place in New York, where Billi navigates her personal struggles and family dynamics. In contrast, significant events unfold in China, where the family gathers for a wedding under the pretext of celebrating, while dealing with the grave secret concerning Nai Nai's health.

🌆 City 🏯 Cultural

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Main Characters – The Farewell (2019)

Meet the key characters of The Farewell (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Billi

Billi is a young woman struggling with her identity and place within her family and culture. She showcases emotional depth as she grapples with the secrecy surrounding her grandmother's illness and her own feelings of inadequacy. Billi's journey highlights her resilience and determination to connect with her roots and family.

👩‍🎨 Artist 🌍 Multicultural 😔 Vulnerable

Nai Nai

Nai Nai is a loving grandmother whose vibrant personality shines throughout the film. She is depicted as a strong, traditional figure who embodies the family’s cultural values. Despite her health struggles, Nai Nai's wisdom and humor provide comfort and a sense of continuity for her family.

👵 Wisdom ❤️ Resilient 🏡 Family

Haiyan

Haiyan, Billi's father, represents the bridge between Eastern and Western perspectives. His protective nature and dedication to his family come through as he navigates difficult conversations about Nai Nai's health. His character embodies the conflict between love and the need to shield family members from harsh truths.

🧔 Father 🌏 Cultural Bridge 😟 Concerned

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Major Themes – The Farewell (2019)

Explore the central themes of The Farewell (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Family Bonds

The theme of family bonds is central to the movie, showcasing the complex dynamics within Billi's family as they grapple with Nai Nai's illness. It illustrates the lengths to which family members will go to protect each other from pain, highlighting cultural differences in dealing with illness and mortality.

🤐 Cultural Identity

Cultural identity plays a crucial role in the narrative, emphasizing the contrasts between Western and Eastern values. Billi's struggle to navigate her Chinese heritage while living in America becomes a poignant exploration of belonging, responsibility, and the burden of family secrets.

😢 Grief and Loss

The film delves into themes of grief and loss as Billi confronts the reality of her grandmother's illness. It portrays the emotional turmoil of accepting familial duty while dealing with the fear of loss, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of love and connection.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Unlock the Full Story of The Farewell

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Farewell in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Farewell is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Farewell Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Farewell, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Farewell Summary

The Farewell Timeline

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The Farewell Timeline

More About The Farewell

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More About The Farewell

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