73
Metascore
4 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80The Hollywood ReporterClarence TsuiThe Hollywood ReporterClarence TsuiBolstered by lush imagery and, perhaps more importantly, immensely naturalistic performances from its non-professional child actors, the film conjures up a quietly heartbreaking drama that works on multiple levels. These nuances probably allowed Wang to elude the stringent demands of China's censors.
- 80VarietyRichard KuipersVarietyRichard KuipersTold mostly through the eyes of primary school-aged characters, “Farewell” operates firstly as a film that can be deemed as suitable for children, while also offering plenty for adult audiences to read between the lines.
- 70Screen DailySarah WardScreen DailySarah WardIndeed, the fact that the movie’s youthful lead will have to say goodbye to his childhood might be inevitable, but it never feels as standard as it sounds. Assisting immensely are some naturalistic performances, particularly from Yasan.
- 60Los Angeles TimesMichael OrdoñaLos Angeles TimesMichael OrdoñaA First Farewell is a gorgeously shot window into a world most of us hadn’t looked through before, but it’s worth examining the meanings of its images.