Watch Farewell Amor

Farewell Amor is a captivating drama film released in 2020, directed and written by Ekwa Msangi. The movie explores the story of an Angolan family that reunites in Brooklyn after seventeen years of separation due to political tensions in Angola. The family comprises three members; Walter (Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine), an Angolan immigrant who has been living in New York for the past 17 years, his wife, Esther (Zainab Jah), who has just arrived from Angola, and their teenage daughter, Sylvia (Jayme Lawson), who was only a baby when Walter emigrated.

At the beginning of the movie, Walter excitedly awaits Esther's arrival at the airport, hoping to rekindle their relationship. However, he is disappointed when he realizes that although Esther still loves him, she has changed significantly due to the hardships of life in Angola. Their initial interaction is tense and awkward, and they seem to struggle with reconnecting, even after being separated for so long.

The film takes us through different stages of their lives, as they navigate their relationships, from the first few days of struggling with awkwardness to trying to reintegrate into each other's lifestyles. Through their journey, we learn of the turmoil, struggles, and sacrifices that both Walter and Esther have had to make over the years. Walter tries to make amends by cooking traditional Angolan dishes, taking Esther out to places that they visited in their dating years, and even introducing her to friends, such as Linda (Nana Mensah), who later becomes a confidante for Walter.

Meanwhile, Sylvia, who has grown up in the United States, is struggling to adjust to her mother's strict ways, which is a contrast to the parenting style she is used to. She is inquisitive and curious about the life her parents had before they were forced to flee Angola. The film takes us through the tensions, misunderstandings, and small joys in their efforts to reconnect and reintegrate.

One of the unique aspects of this drama is that it is narrated from three perspectives, one for each family member. We get to learn of their thoughts, feelings, and motivations as they seek to reconnect with each other. Walter's story is one of sacrifice and perseverance, having worked tirelessly for the last seventeen years to create a life for his family in the United States. Esther's story is of resilience, having lived in a foreign land, fought for survival, and raised Sylvia on her own. She struggles with trauma, having lived through a brutal civil war that forced her to flee Angola. Sylvia's story is one of innocence, as she discovers her family's culture, history, and the complexities of the world she lives in.

Overall, Farewell Amor is an authentic, thought-provoking film that tells a powerful and compelling immigrant story. It depicts a universal theme of the struggles of families in reuniting, connecting and integrating into new cultures. It also touches on issues of family dynamics, love, identity, and sacrifice, making it a relatable movie for anyone who has ever experienced disconnection or change. The performances by the cast, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Zainab Jah and Jayme Lawson, are superb; they bring their characters to life with depth, emotion, and empathy. The direction by Ekwa Msangi, the authentic depiction of culture and the brilliant cinematography makes Farewell Amor a must-watch film for anyone who loves drama, culture and quality storytelling.

Farewell Amor is a 2020 romance movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 75.