Farewell Amor movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Farewell Amor

In theaters and video-on-demand December 11, 2020

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

Written by the talented Ekwa Msangi in her directorial debut, this dramatic film explores the definition of home. After being apart for 17 years due to the Angolan war that separated their family, an African family reunites in America in New York City. The studio released a description of the movie, which I thought said it so well: “The film is both a universal immigrant story and the unique perspective of three characters bound together by history and hope. It is an intimate and deeply personal look at an inter-generational tale that has defined America since its inception.”

The award-winning film caught a lot of attention at several film festivals this year, including the “Sundance Institute/Amazon Studios which presented the “Producers Award for Narrative Feature” to Huriyyah Muhammad.

Not everyone will be attracted to the subject matter, but those who give it a chance will be rewarded.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

You see a married couple in bed having intimate relations (facial expressions and sound effects).
Some texts on a cell phone show various conversations.
Kids will be extremely bored.
No profanity. Instead, phrases like “F’n” are used.

THEMES:

Marriage, fidelity
Family
Immigration
Guilt
Religion
The meaning of home
Friendship

THINGS I LIKED:

Excellent performances by a talented cast that includes Jayme Lawson, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Zainab Jah, Nana Mensah, and Marcus Scribner. Jayme Lawson makes her film debut in this movie and is already shooting a role in “The Batman.” She was listed on Variety’s Top 10 Actors to watch in 2020.
Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine was also singled out in Variety and the Hollywood Reporter, with the latter stating, “Mwine stuns with his elegant pauses and piercing stares that seem to jump through the screen.” His gentle demeanor makes him instantly likable in this role, making you want to get to know him more.
The opening scene was perfect.
The film is divided into titled sections, like “Walter”, “Sylvia”, and “Esther”, which is a clever way to show perspective in the story and help you get to know each character better.
It was nice to finally hear Sylvia talk after about 30 minutes into the film.
The musical score by Osei Essedaccented the flavor of Africa.
The glances and silences spoke volumes.
Joie Lee’s character, Nzingha, provides the only real laughs in the movie and is a bright light in the somber story. What a sweet friend she was to Esther (Zainab Jah).

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Some people might find it difficult to understand what’s being said because of the thick accents.
Not very much humor.
It takes a while to get going but the powerful and sweet ending is worth the wait.
As a religious woman myself, it always makes me uncomfortable when other Christians are portrayed as pushing their religion on others or being taken advantage of, even though I realize that happens a lot though. In this story, religion becomes something that creates distance between family members.

INTERESTING LINES:

“Everything scares her. That’s why she prays so much.” – Sylvia talking about her mother
“Why can’t we remain friends like in the beginning?” – Walter “Because this is not the beginning.” – Linda
“Don’t you miss home?” – Sylvia “Well, after the war, the home that I knew was gone.” – Walter
“I will not lose my daughter to this country.” – Esther
“We see you. We do.” – Esther