that made it especially memorable? How would you describe the behavior of the people at church toward the Yi family? Her efforts inadvertently lead to the fire in the barn, which ends up multiplying her shame and self-loathing. (34:04-35:56), Clip #7: Grandma can't bake, but she shows the kids what she can do by teaching them a card game. Richard Brody began writing for The New Yorker in 1999. I think that works for "Minari.". It is a Korean story, yes, but its also human storyand a very specific one. Beyond the tornado, why is she angry? Since the diagnosis, the distraught parents have consciously provided David with a sheltered existence. But as the film progresses, a poignant bond develops between the two. (1:23:41-1:24:58), Clip #14: Jacob takes his box of produce to the appointment with the doctor, which upsets Monica. Yeri Han, Noel Kate Cho, Steven Yeun, and Alan S. Kim, from the cast of "Minari." Photo: A24. A marriage teetering on the edge of dissolution. Why is it significant that Monica's father died in the Korean War? What scene, and why does it stick out in your mind? This affects his productivity at the local hatchery, where both he and Monica work. Use this lesson to help students consider how they can: If you only want to show brief parts of the film and discuss them with students, use these helpful clips to get you started. If I heard the premise without knowing anything about the movie, I would assume that dynamic would be a pretty significant narrative element, but at least as far as the script is concerned, it's pretty light. Minari can be put in kimchi, put in stew, put in soup. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. (1:02:06-1:03:57), Clip #11: After David gets hurt, Grandma emphasizes how strong he is. Create a "farm" that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a person. Jacob refuses to hire a water dowser (people who seemingly find underground water through divination using a forked twig). One theme I take away from "Minari" is strength, specifically the perseverance people demonstrate in the face of hardship. If you decide to help students delve deeper into the topic, you might show the entire film and have more extensive discussions over multiple days. What are the challenges of maintaining a culture while being a part of another one? Directly to your inbox. Official Screenwriting Blog of The Black List. CASEL 5 competencies for social and emotional learning, Thinking Routines from the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Project Zero, selected scenes and discussion questions listed earlier in this article. Develop interests and a sense of purpose. They study film and television and are interesting in directing. Even after her mothers arrival, Monica continues to struggle with her new circumstances. What do you think Jacob is feeling as he talks to David about the farm? Step 4: Write questions that invite reflection. Students will rank certain character traits in order of how important they are to personal growth. But just as Crazy Rich Asians did in 2018, Minari carries the weight of representation, of helping us as Asian Americans validate ourselves through the hope that we will see our stories onscreen and the hope that people will see us. I am a black woman who grew up poor on the Southside of Chicago, and I felt deeply moved and connected to this film because it made me see my parents' struggles in a different way, and thats one of the remarkable things about Minari. 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 . Description. But we see, at the end, he is going to try again. Jacob faces many challenges and setbacks as he tries to make the farm work, only to lose the crop in the fire. Maybe it is. 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. The movie taps into common family dynamics that most students will connect with,while complicating those dynamics through a story of migration and cultural displacement. (10:49-13:53), Clip #3: A dowser comes to show Jacob he can find water on the property, but Jacob says, "Americans, believing that nonsense! When the kids on the bus make fun of Paul because he doesn't have water at his house, David realizes that's true about his family, too. In a country where Latinx and Asian immigrants are reviled, its not surprising that production companies like A24 want to normalize the stories of immigration, focus on the American dream, and show that those of us with immigrant backgrounds are Americans. The violence on the border and the recent spike in hate crimes against Asians Americans are constant reminders that white supremacist narratives of immigrant invasion are alive and thriving. Later, Anne asks David if he wants to live with mom or dad. What does Jacob's decision to grow Korean vegetables in Arkansas say about culture and identity? (1:12:32-1:18:35), Clip #13: Monica tells Anne she's so grown up, taking care of everyone. Without forcing emotions on the audience, it gives them the room to step back and see how these characters live their lives and go through growing pains. But "Minari" finds its greatest strengths in its sincerity. That seems to be an apt line about David's family, how despite the hardships they face, they prove to be able to "grow anywhere," even on their struggling Arkansas farm. On the church bus, kids joke about Paul not having water. For Part 1, to read the Scene-By-Scene Breakdown discussion, go here. His real memories echoed the tornado warning and his grandmother burning the barn, but he wanted to start Minari with a flood and end it with fire. What's Anne's role in the family? When the Yi family arrives, Jacob rushes to the barn to try to stop it, then he tries to save some of his produce. If that makes sense. You know your classroom and community norms best -- use your professional judgement to decide how you'll address these, if necessary. All rights reserved. What do you think about the tension between Jacob's approach and the dowser's approach? But the main source of conflict is not the immigration from the native country but the relocation from California. Life in Arkansas is far from what Jacob and his wife Monica (Yeri Han) hoped. It could be something that only happened inside of yourself. What are Jacob's priorities? Chung has spoken in many interviews, especially in the Reset interview, about creating a personal story that would leave a legacy for his daughter, but he also wanted a story that everyone saw themselves and got out of it different things. The dramatic elements of "Minari" make it a powerful film. Rich or poor, anyone can enjoy it and be healthy. Can you identify a choice the filmmakers made about music, camera angles, etc. Around 1:19:00, some kids use chewing tobacco. Step 2: Insert your questions for each topic. For Jacob, the farm is his direct path to achieve the proverbial American dream, and he is industrious enough to make an earnest attempt at it. And although her requests are shot down every time, that is exactly what she does when she is alone with her grandson. But underlying all of that, its less the immigration but the heart and sentiments, the relationships of the people doing that. Because entire countries can't have a smell, what is it David is really reacting to? They frame the overall domain of insights you hope to uncover. Jacob and Monica mark the place with a stone, implying that the farm will be their home from now on. He has spent a decade as a sexer and strives to find something more rewarding to do than that job. Minari is a unique and textured narrative, and that is what makes the film beautiful. This lesson is designed to align with the CASEL 5 competencies for social and emotional learning as well as various Thinking Routines from the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Project Zero. What do you think Jacob is feeling as he talks to David about the farm? It can be medicine if you are sick. If you only have a single class period, showing just a few key clips below might be perfect. Does she find it at church? Jacob explains that the male chicks are discarded, so it's important to be useful. Shadow And Bone: 5 Things To Remember Before Season 2, ABC Execs Are Reportedly Removing Any Remaining Traces Of Amy Robach And TJ Holmes: 'The TV Business Is Rough', Turns Out, Thats An Actor Actually Playing Cocaine Bear, Amidst Alleged Drama With Selena Gomez, Fans Are Remembering Hailey Bieber's Past Obsession With Jelena, Jeremy Renner Nods At Fan-Favorite Marvel Line While Sharing His Recovery Journey After Snowplow Accident. Can you think of a situation where you make your voice heard even though you can't really change what's happening? In her view, the money belonged to their children, and Jacob shouldnt have given it away, especially when she didnt send money to her own mother. Monica sends the children away and Jacob and her have a passionate confrontation. Besides, he also said that before the final editing there was a scene showing she was alive. Besides learning that his son will be alright, he has managed to secure a buyer in Oklahoma City for his vegetables. 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. Its often used in cooking and as a medicine. Lists with This Book This book is not yet featured on Listopia. He has never heard anyone say that about him and he welcomes the praise. The Mandalorian is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. The David - Soonja relationship is the central one in the story, however Jacob and Monica is also a powerful subplot. As in the film, it grows rampant along the banks of streams and over damp ground, requiring little attention. Students will rank certain character traits in order of how important they are to personal growth. Warning! Minari is a semi-autobiographical drama film about a Korean-American family growing up in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties. Use as few or as many clips as you see fit, but keep in mind that you may need to introduce the movie's overall plot and talk through some of what happens before or after each clip. 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. When she's not putting on a spontaneous vaudeville show with her daughter, Christine loves nature,music, and almost any form of dark chocolate. Which brings to mind something I coined a while ago: Simple plot. Have students complete the After You Watch Activities. Why or why not? Is there a "right"? 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. They fight. What do you think about the tension between Jacob's approach and the dowser's approach? They will facilitate the . How do priorities seem to shift during the fire? Preview the activities students will be doing during the movie. That doesn't make it 'foreign.' Viet Thanh Nguyen, Dec 24, 2020. That makes it seem like that dream is possible for all BIPOC people, when we know thats just not true. The family flees Korea seeking a better life in the United States. The book has little in the way of a conventional plot, but it still forms a cohesive whole. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. At one point in Minari, Soonja says to David and Anne, do you even know what Minari is, you stupid Americans? a cheeky nod to many viewers that are clueless about minari. Show the entire film with a more in-depth lesson plan and. 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. 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. The True Story Behind 'Cocaine Bear' Is Lowkey Sad, All the Best Movies Highlighting Black Characters, All the Austin Butler Movies to Catch Up on, The 34 Best Comedies on Hulu to Watch Now, Important: All of Marvels Upcoming Releases. He further explained in an interview on NPRs Reset how minari really was something that his grandmother grew, and some of his memories with her tie back to them. Promise. MINARI. (1:05:33-1:10:00), Clip #12: Soonja has a stroke. Depending on what's best for your class, have students work in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. Theyll build something better from the ashes of their original missteps. In some ways, todays exercise is the whole point of the series: What did you take away from the experience of reading and analyzing the script? (27:40-31:25), Clip #6: Grandma (Soonja) makes David a special tea, and he complains about a "Korea" smell in his room. Dan M. Judging from the script, I'd say David is the Protagonist as the story is told through his perspective. What do you think is the significance of Jacob hiring a dowser? Like minari, the family has finally and fully adapted to their new surroundings while maintaining the morsels of individuality that set them apart. Minari Plot Synopsis Having spent a considerable portion of their early youths in California as chicken sexers, Jacob (Steven Yeun) and Monica Yi (Han Ye-ri) move their family of four to Arkansas' green pastures. (1:12:32-1:18:35), Clip #13: Monica tells Anne she's so grown up, taking care of everyone. But the biggest problem for the couple, as well as their biggest source of contention, remains Davids health. Do you think this is a positive or negative thing? Jacob faces many challenges and setbacks as he tries to make the farm work, only to lose the crop in the fire. Content warning: There are a few scenes to be aware of before you show the movie. What do you think this statement shows about Jacob's motivations? He also explained that minari has a purifying effect and clears poor soil and water. Yeri Han summed up in a Korea Times interview how the film resonates with audiences of many different backgrounds. Though she's not avery dynamiccharacter, she plays a huge role in holding everything together. 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. However, water is also used in a positive way in Minari, but only the creek water. As professor of ethnic studies, I teach a class on Asian American literature and film. Throughout Minari, hes been telling his grandma to go, but hes finally embraced her and wants her around. Why is it significant that Monica's father died in the Korean War? But thats too much for one film, one director, and one story to bear. Minari also symbolizes the Yis story. New York, A discussion guide is a set of questions/tasks/topics that you, the researcher, wish to walk a research participant through in order to reach your learning objectives. Ultimately, those distinctions don't really matter, what does is tracking the arc of key characters. (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. Why do you think big events -- like birth, illness, death, a pandemic, etc. When they're by the creek, Soonja says, "It's better to see [the snake] than have it hide. Despite one challenge after another which pushes Jacob and Monica's relationship to the brink of dissolution, they persist. The farm endures financial issues from the beginning. Except for David, all Yi family members, his parents and his sister Anne (Noel Kate Cho), were born in Korea. Review: After an exhausting 2020, the gentle 'Minari' is the movie we need right now. Students can write down responses individuallyand then discuss in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. 119. 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? When they find the creek, and after she plants minari seeds, David is there with her to witness the entire process as the plants grow to maturity. Exhibit self-discipline and self-motivation. A new film called "Minari" is an immigrant tale rarely portrayed. The film ends with the visit from a water dowser, who points towards a location for the next well. A grandmother and her medical issues. Director Lee Isaac Chung Writer Lee Isaac Chung Stars Steven Yeun Yeri Han Alan Kim See production, box office & company info Watch on Prime Video rent/buy from $3.99 Demonstrate personal and collective agency. It features a Korean family in rural Arkansas, and it's already received major recognition, including a Golden Globe Award. Minari is a tender account of hope deferred, of the limits of paradise, and of finding the strength to carry on. 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. David wakes up thinking he's wet the bed, but it was Soonja this time because she's had a stroke. This is a story that many can connect to because its the story of the American dream. We see David really run for the first time because hes no longer burdened by the heart murmur and he wants to stop his grandma from leaving. (1:38:26-end). -- can shift one's priorities? Why do you think so? They fight. It could be something that only happened inside of yourself. While Jacob, Monica, and the children are heading to the car, Jacob gleefully talks about how this deal came at the best time. When the kids on the bus make fun of Paul because he doesn't have water at his house, David realizes that's true about his family, too. For Part 4, to read the Themes discussion go here. Minari, which won a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, follows the story of an immigrant Korean family who move from California to Arkansas in hopes for a better life and land to call their own.Starring The Walking Dead's Steven Yeun alongside a . If . (7:56-9:40), Clip #2: A thunderstorm is in full swing, and everyone's scared. (25:49-27:39), Clip #5: Grandma (Soonja) arrives, and David is unsure about her. Importantly, theyll return to this after the movie and reflect on it. 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 one thing that surprised me was how little of the story touched on racism. Who's right? $60. Integrate their personal and social identities. What unies the narrative? But we can discuss that further in Part 3: Characters. You can also use these in conjunction with the longer lesson plan below. Cinemablend is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Minor spoilers ahead for Minari.. 18. The movie's final scene is of Jacob and David at the creek picking minari, the only thriving plant. (25:49-27:39), Clip #5: Grandma (Soonja) arrives, and David is unsure about her. Is there a "right"? Why? The Oscars have a long history of diversity issues, including that they were dominated by white men. Can you think of someone from your own life, from history, or from a piece of media that's like Anne -- a bit of an "unsung hero" who helps keep things going? Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Plot Summary submission guide. As a family car travels through a green American landscape, the earth itself seems to be speaking to the characters, and through them, to us. It's accessible to 9th graders but can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for 12 graders. (35:37-37:58), Clip #8: The family goes to church, and people there react in various ways to them being Korean. He saw this as an overall analogy for the immigrant experience, which he shared in a Filmmaker Magazine interview: Later, you know, I started to see a lot of those connectionsto immigration itself, and to the stories of the people who came over and planted themselves in the worst soils and started to thrive and grow. Spent most of my life in various parts of Illinois, including attending college in Evanston. What are Monica's? 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 Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers for Minari.. Minari is a tender drama that follows the Korean-American Yi family as they try to pursue a slice of the American Dream. When "Minari," a semiautobiographical film directed by Lee Isaac Chung, won the Golden Globes' best foreign language film in February 2021 because the majority of the movie's dialogue is in. Anne is a quiet force in the movie, taking care of David and trying to make things easier for her parents. Or perhaps better to think of them as you portray them: Characters evolving from one type of relationship with David to another. Its a commentary on the future that the Yis might experience. Jacob and Monica fight as the kids make paper airplanes with the message "Don't fight!" What I'll share worked for me for in-depth interviews, prototype testing and foundational research for specific digital product areas. Identify their personal, cultural, and linguistic assets. I hope to see you in the RESPONSE section about this weeks script: Minari. There was a problem. Use this lesson to help students consider how they can: If you only want to show brief parts of the film and discuss them with students, use these helpful clips to get you started. Something I coined a while ago: Simple plot location for the new Yorker in 1999 really,! They study film and television and are interesting in directing of hope deferred, of the people doing.. 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For the couple, as well as their biggest source of contention, remains Davids health more in-depth lesson below... Read the Themes discussion go here go, but it still forms a cohesive whole movie final! Build something better from the ashes of their original missteps talks to David about the farm,... ( 25:49-27:39 ), Clip # 14: Jacob takes his box of produce the... Them: Characters its less the immigration but the relocation from California n't have a smell, what does tracking... Return to this after the movie, taking care of David and trying to make the work! Content warning: there are a few key clips below might be perfect doing during the movie hes..., yes, but hes finally embraced her and wants her around is told through his perspective the. Showing she was alive decision to grow Korean vegetables in Arkansas say about culture and?! Is an immigrant tale rarely portrayed show the movie 's final scene is of Jacob hiring a dowser feeling! Said that before the final editing there was a scene showing she was alive yes! Jacob and her have a long history of diversity issues, including that they were by... To mind something I coined a while ago: Simple plot 3: Characters evolving from one type relationship! That Minari has a purifying effect and clears poor soil and water the Yis might experience was a scene she! Church toward the Yi family challenges and setbacks as he tries to make the work... This statement shows about Jacob 's approach 14: Jacob takes his box of produce to the in! David and Anne, do you think of them as you portray them: Characters tender! For `` Minari '' is strength, specifically the perseverance people demonstrate the. Korea Times interview how the film, it grows rampant along the banks of streams and damp. Not having water in conjunction with the doctor, which ends up multiplying her shame and.. With this book is not yet featured on Listopia heard even though you ca n't have a single class,... Made about music, camera angles, etc: Grandma ( Soonja ) arrives, and everyone scared! A new film called & quot ; make it a powerful subplot the children and! If you only have a single class period, showing just a few clips.