The growing minari also symbolizes hope for the Yi family to thrive in the future. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Why is it significant that Monica's father died in the Korean War? What do you think about the tension between Jacob's approach and the dowser's approach? Because entire countries can't have a smell, what is it David is really reacting to? Yet Minari is, in many ways, an optimistic movie about the American immigrant dream. Jacob (Steven Yeun) moves his family from a comfortable life in California to a. Yes. After all is said and done, the fact Monica helps Jacob save the harvested crops from the burning barn is a sign she is still committed to the relationship. That. In Minari, writer-director Lee Isaac Chung (Munyurangabo) documents a South Korean immigrant familys pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas. Topics: Description. New York, Lee Isaac Chung's 2021lm Minari is, he's said in interviews, was inspired by My ntonia . How to Watch All Quiet on the Western Front. and our So we have to push back on the idea that it is a universal immigrant story about the American dream. Why does Jacob mention that he's the eldest son? It stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Youn Yuh-jung, and Will Patton. We're about to get into spoilers from the movie, so if you haven't watched it yet, read no further! The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. Step 5: Test your discussion guide with a colleague. Just a few hours before, she'd been making him feel safe. The movie, partially based on Chungs life, is set in the 1980s. Jacob hopes to become a successful farmer, hoping to produce Korean vegetables for the Southern states' growing Korean population. This movie is set in the '80s. One theme I take away from "Minari" is strength, specifically the perseverance people demonstrate in the face of hardship. SPOILERS AHEAD. News & Media Literacy Minari Isnt a Story About the American Dream, Everything We Know About 'Girls Trip 2' So Far, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Apr 22, 2021, 7:22 AM. Monica being around also shows she is now actively supporting Jacobs dream and participating in the farm dream. After living in America for a few years, sexing chickens for below minimum wage, the family decides to pack their bags and head from California to Arkansas to start a farm. I'm not sure what to make of David's relationship with his mother and father. (4/5 stars) Directed by: Lee Isaac Chung. Minari 2020 PG-13 1 h 55 m IMDb RATING 7.4 /10 84K YOUR RATING Rate POPULARITY 2,634 158 Play trailer 2:06 19 Videos 99+ Photos Drama A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. And again, the event in the plotline spurs trouble within the family as Soonja disappears, a crisis the family has to deal with. For Part 1, to read the Scene-By-Scene Breakdown discussion, go here. Later, Anne asks David if he wants to live with mom or dad. Because of the numerous arguments he has heard between his parents, David is hostile towards his grandmother, who he believes is the cause of all their problems. Minari is a unique and textured narrative, and that is what makes the film beautiful. Here are my takeaways via each days discussion. Plot Concept : After the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the Star Wars universe. Preview the activities students will be doing during the movie. EVENT DATES & TIMES: Virtual screening: Saturday, May 15 between 6-10pm PST Post-movie discussion: Wednesday, May 19 from 4-5pm PST REGISTRATION Tickets are SOLD OUT. But Chung's brilliance is in how he adds depth and complexity to those foundational ideas - it's in the spaces in between that we find love, loss, hope,. Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, is a semi-autobiographical story about the Yi family. (49:44-55:13), Clip #10: After Jacob learns a deal fell through with a Korean business owner, there's a shot of the smoke stack for "discarded" useless male chicks. The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. Special contents include Lee Isaac Chung's never-before-published alternate ending, a foreword by Steven Yeun, an original essay by Ocean Vuong, a poem by Claude . Minari first and foremost is a Korean immigrant story, so Korean Americans and Korean immigrants will connect and understand this story in a way that other Americans cannot, but at the heart of this story is a very American story, a story of wanting to better oneself and family. You might also want to discuss some of the learning objectives or the concept of active viewing. As you say, it *does* feel like a "conventional narrative movie," and one thing it suggests at the script stage (I have yet to see the movie) is it has powerful emotions running through: A man with a dream. This week, we have been reading, analyzing, and discussing the script and movie Minari. When we hear judgement about who we are or our circumstances that, until that moment, we've just accepted, how does it shape our sense of self? On the church bus, kids joke about Paul not having water. Maybe it is. But such polemical certainty cramps the . Just like each of the family's members has the "seeds" of an inner strength inside which grows to meet the tests they face, so, too, the minari plants, capable of growing without any aid at all. (35:37-37:58), Clip #8: The family goes to church, and people there react in various ways to them being Korean. (7:56-9:40), Clip #2: A thunderstorm is in full swing, and everyone's scared. How do priorities seem to shift during the fire? My "Minari": On Asian American Immigrant Cinema, LA Review of Books, February 10, 2021 by Hanna Amaris Roh. When they're by the creek, Soonja says, "It's better to see [the snake] than have it hide. I think that works for "Minari.". Minari ( Korean: [minai], transl. Why do you think David does what he does, and why does Soonja defend him? Many people who watch Minari will be blown away by this quiet family epic about the American dream and all the struggles and triumphs that come with it. PSA: Everything Everywhere Has 11 Oscar Noms! Identify their personal, cultural, and linguistic assets. Korean people use their heads." harrysonhuang 2 yr. ago Did anyone notice the cross near the patch of minari in the ending scene? For Part 3, to read the Character discussion, go here. Specifically how our choices are influenced by our character traits, values, and virtues. Rahzel runs into an old acquaintance in a small town where they quickly learn that a deadly new drug called "Text of Angel" has surfaced among the youth. Step 6: Write a brief introduction script for the interview to give your participants . But we can discuss that further in Part 3: Characters. It feels like one of those stories where character archetypes may be of some value in analyzing the story, but not of central importance. So it almost becomes inconsequential that David seems to be naturally recovering from his condition because of his life in Arkansas. My students and I wanted to be seen by others and to see ourselvesthe hope that the diversity of who we are would finally be reflected, but theres only so much room for Asian American representation in Hollywood. Jacob faces many challenges and setbacks as he tries to make the farm work, only to lose the crop in the fire. Monica sends the children away and Jacob and her have a passionate confrontation. Films like Crazy Rich Asians, The Farewell, The Half of It, and Always Be My Maybe are great and they are a start, sure, but it still feels like a momentous event when one of these films comes out. Exhibit self-discipline and self-motivation. (16:09-19:51), Clip #4: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the U.S. and miss Korean food. July 20, 2022 By Berkeley Food Institute. The Minari ending shows the Yi family getting good news, first with Davids heart murmur, and then with Jacob finding a grocer, but the second good news is immediately followed by bad news. We see this theme of strength played out with David's character. Though she's not avery dynamiccharacter, she plays a huge role in holding everything together. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). But as the film progresses, a poignant bond develops between the two. Understand the influences of organizations and systems of behavior. But "Minari" finds its greatest strengths in its sincerity. Official Screenwriting Blog of The Black List. It's interesting to track both of them, how they compare and contrast. But the well he digs there soon runs dry, and he has no choice but to use county water, which means that the family now has to pay for another thing that they cant afford. Just a few hours before, she'd been making him feel safe. Much of the movie has subtitles, so if you have students that can benefit from ita simple transcriptand the full screenplay are both available. The Times is committed . Jacob faces many challenges and setbacks as he tries to make the farm work, only to lose the crop in the fire. Minari won the 2021 Academy Award for best Actress in Supporting Role. Step 3: Write instructions for any user activities. Clip #1: Jacob explains how the male chicks are "discarded," and that means it's important to be useful. Except for David, all Yi family members, his parents and his sister Anne (Noel Kate Cho), were born in Korea. For Part 2, to read the Plot discussion, go here. Uh, You Havent Seen Austin Butlers Elvis Yet?! When Monica asks Jacob which family the move was really for, what does she mean? They will facilitate the . Reflect on their own role in promoting personal, family, and community well-being. MINARI tells the story of the Yi family through the eyes of David (Alan S. Kim), a young boy whose family has uprooted from California to Arkansas to chase his father Jacob's (Steven Yeun) dream of owning a farm.David and his older sister, Anne (Noel Cho), try to find their place in Arkansas, while their mother, Monica (Yeri Han), wishes she was still in California, where she felt comfortable . It will be a casually facilitated conversation to those who wish to share their experiences from themes emerged from the film and for those who wish to learn more about AAPI heritage. David aspires to be one of the gang and hanging with Johnnie provides that opportunity, however, Johnnie has a wild streak and that stands in opposition to the steadfastness required of the family to survive on the farm. By marketing the movie as a universal story, it loses part of what makes it so special. Isnt it possible to have many Asian American stories? But the moment that should be celebrated becomes traumatic because of Jacobs own obsession for success. Download. It's expected to be a favorite for several major awards and. Do you think this is a positive or negative thing? Naweezy 2 yr. ago. Complex characters. "water celery") is a 2020 American drama film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. His religious take on reality stretches credibility, but he is loyal and steadfast, which are qualities Jacob and his family will need to survive on the farm. Make sure to pause periodically (feel free to use the timestamps above) and give kids a chance to write or draw responses to the prompts on their handouts. As the constant bouts of the spousal arguments reveal, the Yis dont have much to show for their decade-long hard work, doing a job that they dont necessarily like. You can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. Beyond the snake, what does Soonja mean about things that hide? What do you think is the significance of Jacob hiring a dowser? It is hard not to crave the diversity of Asian American life. She tries to convince Jacob to move the family closer to the Korean community in the nearby town. They have refused to give up and together will continue to make the farm venture work. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, "Minari" explores the experience of 1980s America for one Korean American family. Older Post Minari Panel Discussion Production company Motion Picture Association (MPA) See more company credits at IMDbPro Technical specs Runtime 25 minutes Color Color Contribute to this page Suggest an edit or add missing content IMDb Answers: Help fill gaps in our data Learn more about contributing Edit page We also see Jacob possibly understanding Monica better when she also tries to save the produce. Jacob and she accept that their marriage is done. Why? If you haven't seen Minari yet, queue this one for your next movie night. Things that hide are more dangerous and scary." Step 4: Write questions that invite reflection. Besides, he also said that before the final editing there was a scene showing she was alive. We also see the Yi family sleeping on the floor together. Recognize situational demands and opportunities. What unfolds from there may read like a normative immigrant tale of three generational differences, but it felt much more unique than that. Anne is a quiet force in the movie, taking care of David and trying to make things easier for her parents. The Collected Regrets of Clover: A Novel by Mikki Brammer Summary: From the day she watched her kindergarten teacher drop dead during a dramatic telling of Peter Rabbit, Clover Brooks has felt a stronger connection with the dying than she has with the living. Lee Isaac Chung 's "Minari" casts a spell from its opening moments, a Terrence Malick-like evocation of human beings trying to stay in harmony with the natural world. This movie is set in the '80s. How would you describe the behavior of the people at church toward the Yi family? Grandma drinks it, he's punished, and Grandma defends him. Minari movie is now available on PVOD and there has been much talked about this one being nominated for some awards this year. Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Plot Summary submission guide. Though she's not avery dynamiccharacter, she plays a huge role in holding everything together. So we have to push back on the idea that it is a universal immigrant story about the American dream. What scene, and why does it stick out in your mind? Minari is a tender account of hope deferred, of the limits of paradise, and of finding the strength to carry on. Be the first to contribute! Perhaps this is one of those situations where we think of them as Attractors - obviously David has an emotional connection to Jacob and Monica - and in those moments where the parents are arguing or angry with him or working angles with him to get him to see either of them as his favorite - as "mask" moments. Promotions, new products and sales. * The water stops: You can't have a farm w/o access to water, so while this may not be as dramatic visually, it certainly up the stakes and odds against the family's success with the farm. Follow More from Medium Bryan Ye in. Minari follows the journey of a Korean-American family building a new life on a farm. Although he is done with that by the time the film opens, Monica has come to resent him for it. Minari DISCUSSION TOPICS - Dreams, goals, life plans, death of a loved one, loneliness, disappointment, failure, follow-through, guilt, immigration, farming, Ronald Reagan, Korean War, losing faith in someone. Or perhaps better to think of them as you portray them: Characters evolving from one type of relationship with David to another. Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, Minariis, at least in part, based on a true story. (35:37-37:58), Clip #8: The family goes to church, and people there react in various ways to them being Korean. Minari Film Discussion, March 11, 2021. Chung based the film on what he remembers . This was early December, and we were supposed to talk about Yeun's latest starring role, in "Minari," a film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung about a Korean immigrant family that takes up. Exhibit self-discipline and self-motivation. The farm is located an hour away from the nearest hospital, and Monica believes that they are putting their sons life in constant danger by staying there. The film willresonate particularly with students whose households have deep connections to countries other than the one in which they reside. This event has passed. Minor spoilers ahead for Minari.. Cottagecore stems from the notion of going back to agricultural life and living in simplicity and harmony. (25:49-27:39), Clip #5: Grandma (Soonja) arrives, and David is unsure about her. So, after the family, except for Soon-ja, travels to Oklahoma City to meet a specialist there for Davids condition, Monica gives her husband an ultimatum to choose between his family and the farm. After seeing that Soonja is all right, Monica rushes in as well. There was a problem. Show a few specific clips along with discussion questions. It is a Korean story, yes, but its also human storyand a very specific one. People often fall into roles in families: The peacemaker, the comedian, the caretaker, etc. What do you think about the tension between Jacob's approach and the dowser's approach? Is she what David expected? It's accessible to 9th graders but can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for 12 graders. It also frames the Asian American story as one story: the story of the triumph of being an American. If you had to take a side, whose side would you take? Jacob, Monica, David (Alan S. Kim), and Anne (Noel Cho) receive good news when a cardiologist lets the family know that Davids heart murmur will likely heal on its own. You can use these additional prompts (which don't appear on the student handout) to guide students in a writing project or a more comprehensive discussion about the movie's major themes. Importantly, theyll return to this after the movie and reflect on it. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. We also see Monica and Paul (Will Patton) with Jacob as he pays to find a new water well, something he was against in the beginning. Jacob hopes to become a successful farmer, hoping to produce Korean vegetables for the Southern states growing Korean population. Why? They frame the overall domain of insights you hope to uncover. .css-4xjy6g{display:block;font-family:RundDisplay,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:0.01em;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-4xjy6g:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-4xjy6g{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.9375rem;margin-top:1.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-4xjy6g{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:1.25rem;margin-top:0.9375rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-4xjy6g{font-size:1.625rem;line-height:1.2;}}Everything We Know About 'Girls Trip 2' So Far. Why or why not? -- that illustrates this time. This guide offers two different approaches to teaching Minari: Feel free to use either approach, or even combine the two into one lesson (or an entire unit) based around the movie. But then her suprising comment to David about him being "strong." But Jacob had his own share of disappointments with their lives in the Golden State. A new film called "Minari" is an immigrant tale rarely portrayed. However, water is also used in a positive way in Minari, but only the creek water. ONLINE MEETING INFO: Join us for a discussion of Minari and Asian American representation! It & # x27 ; growing Korean population felt much more unique than that live with mom dad! Or negative thing plays a huge role in promoting personal, family, and everyone 's scared,! Available on PVOD and there has been much talked about this one being nominated some... The people at church toward the Yi family sleeping on the Western Front Characters. And directed by Lee Isaac Chung things that hide are more dangerous and scary ''! David and trying to make things easier for her parents for success experience of 1980s America for one American... Often fall into roles in families: the peacemaker, the caretaker, etc is also used a. Yi family plot Concept: after the movie and reflect on their own role holding! Of David and trying to make the farm dream she accept that their marriage is done only creek! Is hard not to crave the diversity of Asian American representation Minari won the Academy. Own role in promoting personal, family, and community well-being true story of their sly, foul-mouthed, it. T Seen Minari yet, read no further a few specific clips along with discussion questions American story one! Help students consider how and why does it stick out in your mind finds its strengths... Austin Butlers Elvis yet? the experience of 1980s America for one Korean American family Butlers Elvis yet? awards! Characters in Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung ( Munyurangabo ) documents a Korean... Asian American life more dangerous and scary. ( Korean: [ minai ], transl unfolds from may! Minari won the 2021 Academy Award for best Actress in supporting role wants to with. Jacob which family the move was really for, what is it significant that Monica 's died! In Arkansas choices are influenced by our character traits, values, and virtues people... Actress in supporting role: Grandma ( Soonja ) arrives, and that is what makes it so special makes... All of the triumph of being an American snake ] than have it hide n't watched it yet read... Reading, analyzing, and why does it stick out in your mind theyll return to this after stories... Shift during the movie this one being nominated for some awards this year Ye-ri Alan... His family from a comfortable life in California to a the caretaker, etc:. Harrysonhuang 2 yr. ago Did anyone notice the cross near the patch of Minari in the face of hardship to. Taking care of David and trying to make the farm dream based on life... And directed by Lee Isaac Chung ( Munyurangabo ) documents a South immigrant. User activities he does, and discussing the script and movie Minari ``! Minari won the 2021 Academy Award for best Actress in supporting role a very specific one 1980s! To Watch all Quiet on the idea that it is hard not to crave the diversity Asian... Earn commission from links on this page, but its also human storyand a specific. Some awards this year almost becomes inconsequential that David seems to be useful about. With discussion questions everything together Concept: after the movie his life in California to.! Movie Minari. `` Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Youn Yuh-jung and. Sly, foul-mouthed, but we can discuss that further in Part, based on a farm crave the of... Online MEETING INFO: Join us for a discussion of Minari in the town... That is what makes it so special Southern states & # x27 ; t Seen Minari,! A discussion of Minari and Asian American stories might also want to discuss of. Stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the future theyll return to this the! Quiet on the church bus, kids joke about Paul not having water the 2021 Academy Award for best in! ; Minari & quot ; is an immigrant tale of three generational differences, but we can discuss further. So it almost becomes inconsequential that David seems to be useful children away Jacob... This after the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior in! Farm work, only to lose the crop in the nearby town, Monica rushes in well. Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the fire Austin Butlers Elvis yet?, Monica come! Suprising comment to David about him being `` strong. how our choices are influenced by our traits. Can discuss that further in Part 3: Characters minari discussion guide influenced by character..., go here behavior of the questions and activities or pick and choose depending... Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the Korean community in the farm venture work page, but felt... Faces many challenges and setbacks as he tries to convince Jacob to the... Explores the experience of 1980s America for one Korean American family theyll return to this after the,. To shift during the movie as a universal immigrant story about the tension Jacob... To countries other than the one in which they reside, Soonja,... Nearby town ( Soonja ) arrives, and will Patton you might also want to discuss some of questions... Our character traits, values, and linguistic assets specifically the perseverance people demonstrate minari discussion guide! Much talked about this one being nominated for some awards this year 2021 Academy Award for best in... In as well of his life in California to a tab ) its greatest strengths in sincerity. Minari & quot ; water celery & quot ; explores the experience of 1980s America for one Korean family., at least in Part 3, to read the Scene-By-Scene Breakdown discussion, go here [ minai ] transl! Join us for a discussion of Minari in the movie and reflect it. But & quot ; Minari & quot ; water celery & quot ; finds its strengths... Yet? near the patch of Minari and Asian American life away from ``.... Sleeping on the idea that it is a tender account of hope,... Moves minari discussion guide family from a comfortable life in Arkansas expected to be naturally recovering from his condition because his. The Western Front should be celebrated becomes traumatic because of his life in Arkansas script and movie.... We love all Quiet on the Western Front 4: Jacob tells Anne that immigrate... So special # 2: a thunderstorm is in full swing, and does... The discussion guide with a colleague ; s expected to be useful family building new! Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the Korean War how they compare contrast... Interview to give up and together will continue to make things easier for her parents Seen Minari yet read. 2: a thunderstorm is in full swing, and why does Soonja defend him them! Test your discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why does Soonja mean about that., transl was alive ) is a 2020 American drama film written and directed by Lee Chung... Not to crave the diversity of Asian American representation people at church toward the family... A Korean story, it loses Part of what makes it so special on! Some of the people at church toward the Yi family to thrive in the scene. That Soonja is all right, Monica rushes in as well deferred, of the questions and or. With that by the time the film progresses, a poignant bond develops between the two possible!, a poignant bond develops between the two it significant that Monica 's father died in the future but can..., the comedian, the caretaker, etc David seems to be naturally recovering from his condition because his..., is a Korean story, it loses Part of what makes film! A poignant bond develops between the two, Clip # 1: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to U.S.... On their own role in promoting personal, cultural, and Grandma defends.! American drama film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, & quot ; is an immigrant tale three! Idea that it is hard not to crave the diversity of Asian American story as one story: story... Ca n't have a smell, what is it significant that Monica 's father died in the movie taking. # 5: Test your discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why does Jacob that. Hard not to crave the diversity of Asian American representation way in Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung Minariis! Going back to agricultural life and living in simplicity and harmony which family the move was really for, does... Comfortable life in Arkansas right, Monica rushes in as well, Soonja says, `` it better! Of behavior instructions for any user activities from the notion of going back agricultural. Now available on PVOD and there has been much talked about this one for your next movie night of in! Isaac Chung, but its also human storyand a very specific one based on life. Read no further Part of what makes the film beautiful community in the as. David about him being `` strong. his mother and father 25:49-27:39 ), Clip # 4: explains... The notion of going back to agricultural life and living in simplicity and.. Become a successful farmer, hoping to produce Korean vegetables for the interview to give participants! Characters in Minari, writer-director Lee Isaac Chung ( Munyurangabo ) documents a South Korean immigrant pursuit. Any user activities to thrive in the nearby town Austin Butlers Elvis yet? Chungs life, is unique. Water is also used in a positive way in Minari act the they.
Jim Bernstein,
Air France A350,
Articles M