ARNOLD AT THE MOVIES
  • Movie Reviews
  • Review Archive
  • Yearly Favorites
  • Features
  • Contact

Reviews: The Farewell, The Last Black Man in San Francisco

9/30/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture

A Double Feature Review!

Both Films Are Distributed By A24


The Farewell

Picture
Wow, what a movie. This film emotionally wrecked me. At this point, The Farewell is the best movie I’ve seen in 2019. Powerful, raw, and cunning. Based on an actual lie, The Farewell follows an aspiring Chinese-American writer named Billi (an incredible Awkwafina). Billi’s family soon discovers their grandmother (who lives in China) has only a short while left to live and they decide to keep her in the dark, scheduling a 'wedding' to gather before she dies. Director Lulu Wang's (her directorial debut) film felt like a breath of fresh air. I was so overwhelmed with emotions throughout the film. Wang gave the picture such a gentle touch and shaped it in a way that could be relatable to anyone. Yet, it was also a film dealing with both culture-specific circumstances.

I was blown away at how she managed to pull that off. Awkwafina shines throughout the entire picture. I knew she was good, but this was an incredible performance — Oscar-worthy some would say. I noticed how her shoulders were slumped throughout the picture. I thought this added depth to her character. We see a young woman stuck in life not knowing who she is or where she fits into. Plus, her neutral clothing added to that central struggle. Recently, this has been a film I've been recommending to everyone I've have talked too. I am excited to see more future films by Lulu Wang. The Farewell takes its time until an overwhelming feeling of emotion overtakes you. Wang exquisitely crafts the picture, exposing life’s simplest moments. This is her very American movie. At the heart of this film is family. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and in the end, you’ll be left with a bittersweet feeling that will bubble up inside of you. It receives five-stars from me. Bravo.

The Farewell is rated PG (Parental Guidance). For thematic material, brief language and some smoking.

Directed by Lulu Wang

Starring Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, Shuzhen Zhou, Lu Hong, and Yongbo Jiang.

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Picture
The Last Black Man in San Francisco is a great film and should be seen by everyone. Poetic and beautifully shot, it tells the story of a young black man living in a changing city and feeling left behind. One of the best films of this year. Directed and produced by Joe Talbot (his directorial debut), while the film is based on actor Jimmie Fails' own life. Our story follows Jimmie (playing himself), who dreams of reclaiming the Victorian home his grandfather built in the heart of San Francisco. Joined on his quest by his best friend Mont (an Oscar-worthy Jonathan Majors), Jimmie searches for truth in a changing city growing before his very eyes. Mont is an aspiring play-writer, constantly making notes in his notebook for his next play. His biggest play will test Jimmie and his friendship and the very nature of the Victorian home. Actor Jimmie Fails is a knockout, giving us a powerful performance of a man wanting to be relevant. There's something incredibly organic about this picture, every shot and scene has a purpose. Adding to the depth and structure of this film is the cinematography — finding beauty in the American struggle. Through the slow-motion shots and the emotionally invested characters, we see a wonderful portrait of male friendship that is deeply felt. The Last Black Man in San Francisco is a poetic, bold, and worthy of your time. You'll enjoy every minute of it, I guarantee it.

The Last Black Man in San Francisco is rated R (Restricted) For language, brief nudity and drug use.

Directed by Joe Talbot

Starring Jimmie Fails, Jonathan Majors, Tichina Arnold, Rob Morgan, Mike Epps, Finn Wittrock, and Danny Glover.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Ryan Arnold 

    Welcome to
    ​Arnold At The Movies



    Free Palestine 🇵🇸
    Call for a Ceasefire
    Not Another Bomb
    Arms Embargo Now

     Support UNRWA 
    Support MSF

    Support PCRF
    Support CARE
    Support UNICEF
    Support Save the Children
    Support Care For Gaza


    I love film and I love to write, so I thought, why not combine the two? I currently review new movies I see in theaters, on VOD, or streaming.

    Please enjoy, share and leave a comment if you like.



    For Your Consideration:
    akajeannette

    Analysing Horror w/ Lauren
    Awards Season Blog
    Becca Johnson
    Candid Cinema
    Cinefied
    Cinemania World
    The Cinematique
    CRP Writes
    Cup Of Soul Show
    Ephie
    Female Gaze: The Film Club
     Filmotomy
    Film Posers
    From the Front Row
    In Their Own League
    Insert Montage
     InSession Film 
    Jacob Throneberry
    Latinx Lens
    Loud and Clear Film Reviews
    Maggie Lovitt
    Mashley at the Movies
    The Mendez Movie Report
    Mike, Mike, and Oscar
    The Movie Oracle
    Ms. Marya E. Gates
    Next Best Picture
    Offscreen Central
    The Oscar Expert
    Rachel's Reviews
    Reel and Roll Films
    Rendy Reviews
    Reos Positive POV
    Ripe Banana
    Shaurya Chawla
    ShuffleOnline
    The SoBros Network
    Strange Harbors
    Tasha Jagger
     Untitled Cinema Gals Project 

    Movie Reviews

    All

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    December 2024
    October 2024
    August 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    October 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Movie Reviews
  • Review Archive
  • Yearly Favorites
  • Features
  • Contact