Awkwafina's Grandmother Didn't See The Last 10 Minutes of Her Movie

Awkwafina stars in the new movie, "The Farewell," but her grandmother skipped out on the last ten minutes of the movie because it was time to cook dinner.
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[@zahirahza]

I know the real reason her grandma got up before seeing the end of the movie. It was getting too emotional and she doesn't want to tear up in front of her family.

[@beyourselfth]

I SAID I HAVE TO COOK! DONT QUESTION YOUR GRANDMA!

[@deltaecho2883]

Zahirah A. Wow! you should work for the FBI 😱

[@matthew_roalk]

Ha. Ha ha. Haaa

[@nishihundan1257]

Nah, that's not it at all. Asians (especially older Asians) don't get sentimental. In fact, I bet you grandma was bored shitless being forced to watch that movie.

[@Scorehound]

@@nishihundan1257 So what you're saying is that Asians don't cry? I thought they were human and possessed tear ducts and brains that process emotions just like other carbon based life forms on planet Earth.

[@cpolyalum]

I like her raspy voice. She is adorable!

[@bronsonmontana8436]

She sounds like 50 year old smoker

[@chevydude658]

I love it too. It makes her more of an original. Shes a very talented young woman.

[@christinemaddy6164]

Love this girl.. Talented

[@springheartedtiger]

Her voice is very unique to listen to

[@aangielai]

another reason why china has that tradition to not tell a person they are dying is because when you're told that, you start stressing out and stuff and your last days shouldn't be spend stressing and worrying

[@finetuning13]

She said that. "The family takes on the burden."

[@geodez2959]

Totally agree. Chinese culture is very wise.

[@lissafoster]

It is a belief that when one knows they’re ill , it speeds up death because they’re just so worried and scared from dying

[@aangielai]

@@finetuning13 not only that but it's a belief that your mentality is important and you can physically "scare" yourself to death. if you have cancer and you're told by a doctor that you're okay, most likely you're going to be relieved and live very happy for many years. if you're told that you have cancer, you're going to be scared and scare yourself to death very quickly when you could have lived for much longer.

[@xandercorp6175]

The fact that so many non-Chinese are explaining this custom makes me think that it is not so alien after all, and that all cultures understand this situation to some extent. Makes sense, because people everywhere die and the root of that pain is the same.

[@vincentlee8787]

Awesome that Awkwafina is talking about her Chinese-American experience in her work. Also, Stephen Colbert has a famously sharp wit, but what I really love about him is how he goes out of the way to accommodate his guests. This was a pretty "real" interview, and Stephen thoughtfully gave Awkwafina space to be emotional and candid.

[@GiantPetRat]

Vincent Lee That's a good point! A lot of talk show hosts seem to like the sound of their own voice and talk over their guests (looking at you, Howard Stern).

[@manaswitar.7185]

@@GiantPetRat I really appreciated that too. Stephen is a much better and respectful interviewer than Ellen or Jimmy Fallon. Also, he seems like a genuinely empathic person.

[@w1tchmom]

Stephen actually lets his guests speak & answer the questions he asks unlike those other late night hosts! I'm talking to you specifically Jimmy Fallon!

[@theodorelong9762]

“How many wonton you want?” Is actually a very tough question to answer

[@loveislove2359]

I can relate, 5 is not enough, 10 is kind of too much. I usually say 7 and then was told it's a weird answer.

[@cyexlceltan3446]

I make my own wantons so I'll just throw 30 into a pot of boiling water. 👍🤣 Whoever leaves leftovers better watch out.

[@Scorpiotide]

That's too specific. Who wonton know that?

[@1WEareBUFO1]

5 is plenty for one person. As far as the heart is concerned

[@zzdiong8546]

@@loveislove2359 7 is a standard portion. We used to get that for Rm1

[@hasitdawnedonyou]

This exactly happened in my family. My grandma passed away from cancer and well, she was never told she had cancer. And she was well cared for but even when she was dying, she was never told. My goodbye wasn’t really a goodbye. I told her see you again soon. Yea it still makes me 😭

[@williamy5883]

It's interesting, in Chinese, goodbye is literally "see you again".

[@maxinebalkisson5506]

But how do you not know you are dying? It usually hurts and you feel sick?

[@springheartedtiger]

@@williamy5883 wow, really? 😟 why’s that?

[@williamy3784]

@@springheartedtiger Umm...why? I don't know but I guess most times when you say goodbye you will see the person again. Kind of like "see you later" is an alternative "goodbye".

[@springheartedtiger]

@@williamy3784 okay, that sorta makes sense

[@meowmeow5087]

Awkwafina seems nervous in this interview. Can't wait until she's done so many of these that her charm and confidence shines through. Also, I think Stephen did a great job accommodating someone who's essentially new to publicity.

[@NightcorEDM]

She's not being nervous, she's just being respectful.

[@LYCANSS777]

@@NightcorEDM She definitely seems very nervous, but I guess you know her so well.

[@habbogigi]

she was very 'on' during Seth Meyers a while ago, I think though there it's a more lighthearted show and she was promoting a lighter movie and it's also a much smaller venue

[@meowmeow5087]

@@NightcorEDM - I dunno.. She seemed to stutter quite a bit and her face kept flushing.

[@meowmeow5087]

@Greg Fakerson - ...Dang.. Drink some water and dilute yourself. You seem a bit salty.

[@lorrieling]

So true, it is a high honor to get a "not bad" from an elder Asian

[@dinghao8541]

that must be a literal translation of Beijing way of saying....

[@donknowles2531]

@@dinghao8541 Yes, it is... Bu cuo (in Pinyin) translates to "not bad". It usually means "good".

[@greensun8086]

@@donknowles2531 他已经知道啊。。。。。。

[@rbntlin]

when I made it to Top 10 (out of over 600 students), my dad was like, "why not in top 3?" Yup, Asian parents show their approval in different ways. I didn't really learn that until a few years later.

[@bboyIUP]

i immediately looked up "stephen colbert singing in korean" it was worth it

[@kpepperl319]

I am so proud of this woman! She shows girls you don't have to fit the mold... Don't let people type cast you. Do what you love and the rest will fall in place. I also think Grandma walked away because she was touch and proud of her performance, but didn't want to show it. Her grandma is super adorable

[@RaymondHng]

No, Chinese mothers/grandmothers are on a strict time schedule. Dinner _must_ be prepared by 6 PM. Nothing on the TV is going to delay them.

[@mikewhocheeseharry5292]

Grandma said her butt hurts from sitting and she has to get up.

[@martinwoyzeck2634]

You might be right. Complimenting, nor getting emotional is is not done with Asians (generally speaking)

[@martinwoyzeck2634]

@@RaymondHng You're correct, but very possible what kpepper is saying is true. Chinese, Asians in general, seem to both have a hard time complimenting family members, as well as not wanting to show emotion. So it could be both

[@RaymondHng]

@@martinwoyzeck2634 Her grandmother comes from a different generation, country, language, and society. She knows very little about the workings of the industry that Awkwafina works in, so she has little appreciation of her granddaughter's work. I have a Chinese mother slightly older than her and she's lived in the US for nearly 60 years and she speaks very little English. She knows little of what I do for a living. She only looks at the negative aspects of the work and complains about that. People of her generation want their children to work in professions that make real money. A career in the performing arts is frowned upon.

[@JimFortune]

The "How many wonton you want?" scene reminds me of many conversations with my Mother-in-Law, except it was pierogi, and she is Polish.

[@Finians_Mancave]

Change it to gyoza or onigiri and it's a Japanese mom.

[@Petalumination]

Heck, my WIFE does that to me. She’ll ask me how much of something I want, and then tell me what she thinks I should have, usually more than what I want. We’re both English/Scots/German, so it doesn’t seem to be a particularly ethnic thing.

[@HBHaga]

My mother does that with biscuits all the time.

[@farheze]

In my case is samosas and my mom will give me half of what I want lol

[@sideshowbobdrkstrjry5876]

Italian / Brigoles or stuffed shells

[@probablyajedirebelscum3085]

"I gotta go cook. It's 5." This is the most true thing ever. Every Asian kid eats at the same time. XD

[@ligorable]

I love how far she's come since her yt days, her music was fun. Her grandmother is adorable too!

[@mr559]

It's been so long since I've seen her on the Fung Bros.

[@just1desi]

She’s delightfully awkward lol

[@bothellkenmore]

You mean normal.

[@Ottee2]

She seemed a little nervous.

[@mahdiyyaimriyas9041]

awkwardfina sksksk no offence k this girl's amazing

[@tdotmiss]

I met her at a bodega in Brooklyn about 10 years ago. Very happy for her

[@cnj67]

Awkwafina totally was the star of Ocean's 8. Not because the other actors were bad. Not at all. But Awkwafina had us gasping for breath, she was so funny.

[@maryama2552]

cnj67 she also was the star of crazy rich asians

[@mariamcphaull6079]

Totally agree. I have watched that movie so many times just for her parts- she is hilarious

[@mariamcphaull6079]

Both movies

[@kaylaandries3691]

@Greg Fakerson are you okay?

[@martinwoyzeck2634]

@@maryama2552 she wasn't 'officially' the star of crazy......, but she did steal the movie.

[@emilywong__]

Yes Awkwafina. She's killing it. I'm keen to see this film

[@srkh8966]

Emily Wong I’m seeing it tonight!

[@NJCUJan]

Emily Wong it’s great.

[@benwasserman8223]

Anyone who can see this film, please do. It’s easily one of the most heartwarming/wrenching movies of 2019

[@springheartedtiger]

I watched the Farewell, it was a beautiful movie, Awkwafina was amazing, she mostly spoke mandarin throughout the movie and was representing 🤩

[@Swali_B]

I saw the trailer for The Farewell last week, after not hearing a thing about it at all, and I knew that I just have to watch it. The whole idea behind it and the view point taken just feels so unique and fresh. This must be supported!! We need more original movies!! Movies that speak to the human experience

[@martinwoyzeck2634]

You are so right.

[@atrac87]

Shoutouts to the band on the intro music with Aqua - Barbie Girl lol.

[@SpeciallyShirly]

Can't wait to see her in Shang-Chi!

[@saberrattler1413]

Awkwafina is fantastic in this film & quickly developing a very nice resume in her short career. Between "Crazy Rich Asians", "Oceans 8" & now "The farewell"!

[@michaelchoi713]

she just seems like such a cool person. down to earth, and someone you'd love to hang out with.

[@EzeICE]

Love her smoky voice and she's quite easy on the eyes as well

[@johnle1535]

And now, a golden globes winner.

[@bauman7962]

Hispanic be like “how many tamales you want?!”

[@Y.asmin12]

...for me is more like, how many empanadillas you want...

[@dreamingoffreedom3663]

Yesssssss!

[@alexvilla1443]

How many more tortillas do you want?? lmao

[@ndndrunk]

She has a unique voice, it's so cool and laid back.

[@sabbytheslothcat6663]

I LOVE this angel 😭💗 Shes just so precious and funny and talented and amazing ahhh 💖 Keep on putting out amazing music and showing us your acting talent Awkwafina!!! 💕💕💕💕

[@sorayavanderschyff937]

She's seriously funny and amazingly talented ! I need to see this movie! I simply love her

[@LeonardoM21]

“My aunt who is Salvadoran” what? This girl might be my cousin!!!

[@cibernena]

I thought I heard her say that! I was also like, "What?" I'm from there, and I wanted to hear it again to see if I heard correctly.

[@LeonardoM21]

Santaneco here. You?

[@aswaney7449]

Most likely her aunt married into her family.

[@ingwiafraujaz3126]

Haha, her mother is South Korean and her dad is Chinese, so it's not her blood aunt.

[@shannalovesmangos]

Could be an ethnically Chinese or Korean aunt who was raised/born/lives in El Salvador...

[@kurtsiecolferites2160]

This movie is SO good. So powerful, unique, thought provoking and equal parts entertaining and emotional. And I love that it was based off of the real relationship that Awkwafina had with her grandma. Also, “I gotta go cook, it’s 5.” That was hilarious.

[@dainnasinclair1724]

This interview has me teary eyed already. I can't wait to see it.

[@ascent8487]

I relate to everything she said about speaking Chinese to relatives. Except for me it’s Spanish. But I fully understand how it’s familiar and right but foreign at the same time.

[@ramonc1942]

She is so talented and lovely! I wish her every single success!!

[@keeshabrown7353]

I just saw her in Oceans 8. Amazing performance.. Along with the rest of the cast

[@ngishngosh]

So the movie was good? Honest question cause i havent seen it

[@keeshabrown7353]

@@ngishngosh it was really good! Heads up don't turn your head when watching - you might miss something!

[@scheminggleaming7227]

Shes so much like her dad. The way she walked out. Lol

[@Vejur9000]

She was so nervous. Love her!!!,

[@tokukeitaro]

She's adorkable.

[@mymoonmoon1]

the reason why Chinese dont tell is because worrying aggravates the disease. Western medicine doesnt see a link between negative emotions and sickness. Also the Chinese dont put so much emotional emphasise on goodbyes, as they dont believe in definite goodbyes, we are only all temporary here on this earth.

[@Zodak5D]

Western medicine does see the link between stress and illness.

[@Zodak5D]

@Heorteji Western med recommends recreation, exercise and therapy for stress management. I think meditation has been clinically recommended. They leave any other stress relief choices to the patient. It's your private decision.

[@ziggy33399]

Heorteji I’m 71 years old. I’ve witnessed deaths and dying more than most. That said, here in the U.S. I’ve noted some people and/or families (out of respect and caring for the dying person) chose to not tell them so they don’t worry. It’s a “white lie” to spare the loved one and out of respect. Others, in contrast, prefer the opposite (also out of respect and love) and so it goes. I haven’t experienced the death of a Chinese person...but I can certainly understand a group mentality ...look at the MAGA people here, 😂🤣😂

[@twilightfades_7]

Moon Moon Definitely not true. Many U.S studies have shown how stress and sadness can lead to deteriorating physical health. Many people just may not realize that.

[@twilightfades_7]

Ziggy3339 Yeah, it’s really a matter of perspective

[@gilly7312]

Love her shes down to earth person in reality

[@seoulseokjin]

I can’t unsee/ unhear Sisu 😊 Love her!

[@lilitulee]

She's lovely 😍

[@ladyshkspre]

I've gotta admit that when I first heard of Awkwafina a few years ago (when she was branding herself as a "hip-hop" artist), I was not a fan at all. Lately I have seen her in a few films and TV interviews and I have to say my opinion of her has changed quite a bit. She seems very intelligent and I'm very anxious to see this film. Also, I love that blouse she has on!

[@lisadee4490]

her lime juice Heeels! love it!

[@maryellasullivan3149]

I love her grandmother. Her grandma was like I have to cook and don’t play like you aren’t gonna buy me the DVD for this movie when it comes out 🤣🤣🤣

[@MasterOfDarkness42069]

Her voice...I love it

[@alfamusic]

Love this and love Colbert!! I had the great pleasure of performing a storytelling show in LA with her a few years ago, before she completely blew up! So proud to see her talent shine and her continuing to rep Asian Americans ❤️

[@Nayops23]

She’s so talented and stunning like always👏🏼♥️

[@kaushikikushwaha86]

Love the shoes!! 😂❤️

[@jamesricker3997]

It's part of the Eternal game women play, woman with the best shoes wins

[@shannalovesmangos]

[@alexandercampbell7903]

Awkafina AND "At Least She Did Not Call Herself Mountain Valley Spring"

[@w1tchmom]

I love this woman! Just watched "The Farewell"..such very good movie!

[@chaulam6135]

great interview

[@user-xj5vv4bj2n]

she's so cute and Im so happy for her

[@NYCity378]

I am so happy for her 😍👏👏

[@springheartedtiger]

The Farewell is a beautiful movie and I was amazed by how serious Awkwafina was in the movie, she really is a talented woman 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@HKMacMan]

I'm so proud of her

[@Nutteri]

I’m so looking forward to this movie!

[@michaelk5607]

It will certainly be better than the CGI Cats movie.

[@miceymolander]

this is so true. all the family and even the doctor, we never informed our mum that her time was running out. it was straight encouragement till the end. that's just the way it is.

[@ThePyroHunk]

She has a lovely voice

[@shannalovesmangos]

[@myhattan]

So happy for her!!

[@fairytale143]

That wonton dialogue is my life!!

[@Victorio667553]

7:21 - her laugh makes me bubble up inside 😊

[@classictalkies]

Love her so much!!

[@CShivery]

I thought I wouldn't like her when I first saw her on TV (I don't know why), but within moments of seeing her talk, I just fell in love with how hilarious Awkwafina is, and have been such a big fan ever since. I love her acting, comedy, music, even her commercials, and it's especially great seeing her in an interview.

[@tcu1099]

This movie was fantastic. Awkwafina / Nora is so talented. She's starting to convince me and can do EVERYTHING.

[@ezsus3574]

She makes great music, my fav song is Pockiez 😍😍😍

[@markcolley1914]

Love her voice

[@manna8899]

Just love her。

[@lobaggins3328]

Totally love this girl!

[@NellieKAdaba]

Love her too.

[@jideajibola5074]

Awkwafina is my spirit animal!!Loooooove her!

[@KathyWardDollmaker]

Love her!

[@jobriguglio]

I love her so much 💗

[@MelissaRae1975]

I love her raspy voice

[@Lalalalala...]

I freaking love her! Watching the movie prob tomorrow! So happy it came to my area cuz it wasn't before

[@fc4660]

I love that he didn’t assume she spoke Chinese

[@feykabah]

This movie is brutal but beautiful. Man it will make you cry like you haven’t in a very long time.

[@junkmail1203]

So happy for her success

[@sdfkjgh]

1:06 I love those shoes. It's a bold splash of color to contrast with the rest of the ensemble.

[@yuezhongzheng215]

This film is SO GOOD! Everyone should go watch it!

[@pixelpluie304]

When she says "not bad" is the greatest honor...it's so true.lol

[@8teenOfficial]

She's so cute. I like her The ending of The Farewell really did made me cry so much tbh.

[@sundawg911]

Tru dat! "Not bad" is the highest honour. Also that last story, that is my mom.

[@Blaah6]

That woman is awesome. She is so dope and breaking grounds in her own way.

[@LuongoTHEmachine]

Keep on representing us Awkwafina, I'm so glad u getting the spotlight now!

[@ieatgremlins]

It is a beautiful film and she is great in it.

[@DesiLu4Life]

That's SOOO my mother. Easily agitated and impatient! 🤦🏽‍♀️😭

[@shannalovesmangos]

asian moms!

[@mguevarra61]

Let's keep our fingers crossed she gets an Oscar nomination!

[@andredingstertsao]

The aqua song lol

[@marmeecruz6191]

Stephen is so empathetic and funny when he interviews and it shows, especially in this one with Awkwafina. Love her and Stephen, too. Will definitely see this movie. Kudos!

[@jonathanbrady3236]

I love her!

[@pal2944]

I love her.

[@eoinc9511]

She has an awesome laugh!

[@chevydude658]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Awfwafina. She is so mega talented.

[@russelfurtado7206]

Loooooove her!!

[@berserkirclaws107]

Am I the only one who think that she sound like Natasha Lyonne ?

[@sineadzara8458]

No man I think so too!

[@namirxia3308]

When you close your eyes and just listen........

[@carbonfeetprint9079]

If you pay attention she copies a lot of other peoples style.

[@kermitcyeh]

Some people say she sounds like Miley Cyrus. They both have kind of raspy voices. Weird because they both sing.

[@kojikaze8228]

She is styled like her too. They are both from NYC, too.

[@BHallBrowser]

Tawk! I miss her KZbin series! So funny.

[@GlassTopRX7]

I just love her, she went from who, to my favorite Asian actor just for CRA and I look forward to see this film.

[@Opine_Divine]

She's cute as a button. 😊

[@kelerews]

that movie had me in tears for at least an hour.

[@bongopirate0672]

MAD CRUSH