| Minari (2020) | |
| Director/Screenplay: | Lee Isaac Chung |
| Cast: | Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Youn-Yuh jung , Noel Cho |
| Release Date: | 11 February 2021 (New Zealand) |
| Genre: | Drama |
| IMDB: | 7.6/10 |
Minari Plot:
Minari follows a Korean American family who moves to America on an Arkansas farm in search of a stable life. Their new life throws new challenges at their unstable life in the strange and rugged Ozarks. So they discover the unquestionable resilience of family and what really makes a home.
Minari Review
Minari is a film full of heart that needs to be seen in today’s world. In the current state of the Western world where Hate Against Asian is raging, this film could be the one to unite the people. It is called a semi-autobiographical movie of the director, Lee Isaac’s own life as he also grew up on his father’s farm in Arkansas. This film is very sweet, silent & preaches the realities of life from the very beginning. It is a classic immigration story that begins with the family consisting of Jacob, wife Monica & children David & Anne who moves to America & started their new life. It is beautiful in its own way.
Jacob (Steven Yeun) and his wife Monica (Yeri Han) left Korea in the 1980s and started life in California working as chicken sexers; separating baby chicks by gender. After they had children, now they have moved with their two American-born children, a serious young girl named Anne (Noel Kate Cho) and a six-year-old David ( Alan S. Kim). Now Jacob hopes to start a 50-acre farm in a small town of Arkansas. Davis has a weak heart so Monica is usually concerned about his well-being & of the kids in general. Monica thinks California’s life was somehow good as she doesn’t see promise in Jacob’s new plan of success.
Monica & Jacob fights frequently over their goals & ambitions for their kids & their life. Meanwhile, the children are processing with the new place. The six-year-old David was irritated when their grandmother visited to stay with them because she is not a “real grandmother” according to his standard. But soon he involves in mischief with her that soon bonds them together. Then many situations that follow tears the relation between Jacob & Monica but they struggle together to be with each other.
Performance
One of the extraordinary things about this film is that it is so natural & the characters are very down to earth. The story that anyone can relate to if they have seen hard days in their family. The performances were exceptional, starting from Steven Yeun to Han Ye-ri. With numerous nominations & wins- Minari winning the Golden Globe award for best foreign-language film & Steven already in the Oscar 2021 nomination for Best Actor category this film is already reaching souls across the world. Special mention to the breakout star, the eight years old newcomer, Alan S. Kim. Alan won millions of hearts around the world with the video where he cried in Critics’ Choice Award. I think he’s one of the reasons besides Steven Yeun that I watched this film.
Verdict
It is a mandatory movie to watch right now because you can actually connect yourself with the characters. It is definitely a must-watch & I’ll give anything above 8 ratings to this film for its genuineness, story, & of course the message & soul that it carries.
