Is Farewell, My Lad Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

📖 The Core Premise

Farewell, My Lad stands as a 2021 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Drama landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "In a small Chinese town some years ago, two childhood friends contend with the harsh realities of a nation drastically transitioning from Socialism to Market Economy. A young boy looking for guidance accidentally gets entangled with local hoodlums. His neighbor and classmate, a decent young girl, tries her best to help him with his studies while staying afloat amid the chaos of modernization herself. They dream of a future where they can both leave the confines of their town, but an unexpected accident redirects their fates to something else entirely."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Zhang Zifeng attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Farewell, My Lad worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Farewell, My Lad misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 105 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.