The Farewell

[Drunk Monk]

Awkwafina is an awkward stage name but she charmed me in Crazy Rich Asians. Here she truly impressed me with her acting chops and I won’t mock her name anymore. It’s a comic tragedy or a tragic comedy set it modern day PRC and Awkwafina is the only recognizable actor. Writer director Lulu Wang has a keen eye for surreal China, it’s harsh exhausting power and addiction to ritual - I could almost smell China again and it’s been a decade and a half since I’ve been there. A solid and sublime film that’s had me laughing and crying at unexpected moments, as well as sorting my inherited cultural baggage. Not really DOOM recommended unless you’ve been to China or want a peek into what it can Ben like.