The Farewell

“The Farewell” is a charming film written and directed by Lulu Wang with a Chinese cast who speak both Chinese and  English throughout (since a lot of the filming occurred in New York City with the remainder in a suburb of Beijing. I mention this because many viewers are turned off by English titles but this film’s intermingling of English and Chinese dialogue makes it an enjoyable experience in spite of anyone’s aversion to this process. This review contains no spoiler since the film’s trailers and advertising let the prospective viewer know that this movie involves a Chinese family coping with the news that the beloved grandmother has been given only weeks to live and, per cultural customs, has decided to keep the news from her so that she can “enjoy” her remaining time with them. The lead actress, Akwafina, plays the U.S based granddaughter who travels to China to join the rest of her family there. It is this interplay with all her relatives that affords the writer/director the opportunity to create and blend comedy and drama all in the same vehicle. The film captures the essence of what true family is all about regardless of the culture, race or location of the events that may befall them. It is the film’s universal appeal and fine acting that  earns this film a 3 and ½ star rating and, if nothing else, will, to quote Ms. Wang, "make those leaving theater feel the need to call their grandmother".

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Maiden

"Maiden" is a documentary  directed by Alex Holmes which tells the story

of Tracy Edwards, a 24 year old sailing vessel cook who, in 1989, together with

her female companions, skippered the first all female crew to compete in the

Whitbread Sail Around the World contest. More than the story of a sailing

contest, it is a testament to the tenacity and vision of this young girl who, despite

the chauvenism of the sailing community, achieved her goal and realized

her dream. This is  film that every young woman should see and appreciate

for it demonstrates that dreams can become reality in spite of the prejudices

of a male dominated society and the obstacles in general that every dreamer

must inevitably encounter. Although the film could just as well have been

exhibited in a much shorter version, the viewer nevertheless experiences and

understands what these adventurous ladies had to encounter and how meaningful

what they accomplished meant to all womanhood far and beyond

the contest they participated in. I give the film 3 stars for it is as inspirational

as it is entertaining.