Zoom Link/Facebook Events
Thursday April 30, 2020
I attended the zoom event which screened the film “The Farewell” directed and written by Lulu Wang. The movie depicts how one family returns to their home country under false pretenses to see their dying grandmother – who doesn’t know she is dying. They come up with an extravagant wedding to hide the real reason they have returned to China, in order to protect their elderly loved one. The actrice Awkwafina is in the film, which took place before her roles in “Ocean’s 8” or “Crazy Rich Asians” which was very exciting because I think she is funny and very talented, and I love the life she brings to her projects. The story was very heartwarming, and although it was very culture based, it definitely resonated with all viewers in some way. I did not have any real questions during the streaming. It related to international affairs since it is an international film, and does give a drastic insight into Chinese culture which was very interesting. Lulu Wang did an amazing job with this personal piece. It did make me reflect on family dynamic when it comes to death and grief, especially the influence culture has on that dynamic. All cultures seem to handle the subject a little differently and deal with it a bit differently as well, which is fascinating to think about. It reminded me of a paper I once wrote on the funeral and grief process in Madagascar. How they celebrate their dead and repeat that celebration of life every year. Overall I really enjoyed the movie and I am excited to continue exploring international films.