I will have a review for it coming soon, so be sure to stop back by to check it out, it will be linked down below. It stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Youn Yuh-jung, and Will Patton. When they're by the creek, Soonja says, "It's better to see [the snake] than have it hide. Yeri Han summed up in a Korea Times interview how the film resonates with audiences of many different backgrounds. 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 kids go to church so they can call their mother. Discuss. Later, he sprints after his grandmother to retrieve her after Soon-ja wanders off, post-barn fire. Why? News & Media Literacy Create something that gives this person a proper shout out! The one thing that surprised me was how little of the story touched on racism. Is there a "right"? Based on Chung's own childhood, 'Minari' is about a Korean American family that moves to rural Arkansas to start a farm. She lets him know that she can no longer be with him. Yes. 0. Around 1:19:00, some kids use chewing tobacco. David expects his grandmother to be able to bake cookies. You can also use these in conjunction with the longer lesson plan below. Dan M. Five acres is a hobby, he tells his reluctant and skeptical wife, explaining why he has acquired 50 acres of the best dirt in America. Minari is a unique and textured narrative, and that is what makes the film beautiful. Content warning: There are a few scenes to be aware of before you show the movie. Much of the movie has subtitles, so if you have students that can benefit from ita simple transcriptand the full screenplay are both available. This week is our discussion about the film, Minari: "A Korean American family moves to an Arkansas farm in search of its own American dream. 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. But the biggest problem for the couple, as well as their biggest source of contention, remains Davids health. People often fall into roles in families: The peacemaker, the comedian, the caretaker, etc. In the meantime, I am sharing some of the best and most heartwarming quotes from the film. If you had to take a side, whose side would you take? Minari Film Discussion, March 11, 2021. Here are my takeaways via each days discussion. (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. Do you think this scene would look different today? You can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. For Part 4, to read the Themes discussion go here. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. "Minari, Minari, Wonderful, Wonderful". Instead, she plays cards and swears. Minh Ngo (he/they) is a filmmaker, photographer, writer, and student at New York University. Why do you think big events -- like birth, illness, death, a pandemic, etc. #1: Define goals, research questions and hypotheses with stakeholders. Why do you think David has accepted Soonja? Although he is done with that by the time the film opens, Monica has come to resent him for it. 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? The David - Soonja relationship is the central one in the story, however Jacob and Monica is also a powerful subplot. Identify diverse social norms, including unjust ones. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. It could be a sculpture or diorama, a drawing, a poem that describes it, or a virtual one (using Minecraft, etc.). "Minari" 's style is a disheartening example of the gravitational pull that such conventions exert on the cinema at large. Though it wasn't hugely popular among teens, it's possible that some of your students have seen it, so it's helpful to make a strict "If you know it, don't blow it" rule to prevent spoilers. After her stroke, Soon-ja increasingly starts to feel like a burden to her daughters already struggling family and desperately tries to be as self-reliant and helpful as she can. For Part 1, to read the Scene-By-Scene Breakdown discussion, go here. Soon after moving to Arkansas with their son, David (Alan S. Kim), and daughter, Anne (Noel Cho), and taking on the monumental project of starting a farm, it becomes clear that the family needs extra help, so Monicas mother, Soon-ja (played by the wonderful Yuh-Jung Youn), moves in to help Monica take care of the kids while Jacob pursues his dream. Demonstrate personal and collective agency. That makes it seem like that dream is possible for all BIPOC people, when we know thats just not true. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). There was a problem. 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. All the films tension bubbles over into the heartbreaking but hopeful Minari ending. Minari is a semi-autobiographical drama film about a Korean-American family growing up in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties. The tension between Jacob's dreams and Monica's pragmatic worries, between Soonja's discreet wisdom and the childrens' rejection of it these elements of plot and story make for a gripping and engaging movie. In Jacobs mind, he has invested too much and sacrificed too much to back out now from this specific trajectory of his life, no matter the consequences. If we look at the story with David as the Protagonist, there are a lot of Trickster dynamics at play. David leads dad down to the creek. Fri, Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT "Minari" Discussion Group Friday, July 16. What do you think about the tension between Jacob's approach and the dowser's approach? (4/5 stars) Directed by: Lee Isaac Chung. Heres how it works. That is, their Attractor function doesn't change overall, rather they don a mentor, nemesis, or trickster mask from time to time to fit where they are emotionally and support their goal at that time. Then, of course, the line from Soon-ja to David, as noted previously: "Strong boy." Jacob hopes to become a successful farmer, hoping to produce Korean vegetables for the Southern states growing Korean population. -- can shift one's priorities? I hope to see you in the RESPONSE section about this weeks script: Minari. Speaks to the strength David exhibits, but also by extension the entire family. But such polemical certainty cramps the . Cookie Notice Beyond the snake, what does Soonja mean about things that hide? You know your classroom and community norms best -- use your professional judgement to decide how you'll address these, if necessary. Warning! Students will also reflect on howtheir ownsense of identity has developed within their family and community-- including the impacts of culture and ancestry. Dowsing is a very old practice considered to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by others. 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. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Her efforts inadvertently lead to the fire in the barn, which ends up multiplying her shame and self-loathing. What do you think this statement shows about Jacob's motivations? Do you think this is a positive or negative thing? Christine is also a writer, primarily of fiction and essays, and loves to read all manner of books. Jacob explains that the male chicks are discarded, so it's important to be useful. Minari Is a Beautiful Portrait of a Family in Flux Lee Isaac Chung's bittersweet award-winning film is one of the highlights of the season. Not all Koreans have experienced immigration, but Minari will be able to resonate with all of us because it reminds us of our own childhood memories and families. But "Minari" finds its greatest strengths in its sincerity. Later, Anne asks David if he wants to live with mom or dad. She embraces her new life with a certain childlike wonder that is absent even in Jacob. The focus of this bi-weekly series is a deep structural and thematic analysis of each script we read. Absolutely critical to learn the craft of screenwriting. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). 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. The book has little in the way of a conventional plot, but it still forms a cohesive whole. 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. -- that illustrates this time. Around 1:19:00, some kids use chewing tobacco. (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! In Minari, writer-director Lee Isaac Chung (Munyurangabo) documents a South Korean immigrant familys pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas. So we have to push back on the idea that it is a universal immigrant story about the American dream. Please refresh the page and try again. Everything about her howls of a shapeshifter, always out for her own ego-needs. 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. The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. (1:05:33-1:10:00), Clip #12: Soonja has a stroke. Why do you think David does what he does, and why does Soonja defend him? To download a PDF of the breakdown , go here. Newer Post . "water celery") is a 2020 American drama film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. She brings with her the old countrys values and beliefs and rejects the perpetual fear that her daughter and Jacob feel about Davids health. It speaks to the very human threads of hope, struggles, and perseverance. 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. 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. What do you think Jacob is feeling as he talks to David about the farm? Is she what David expected? Set in the Reagan era, Minari unfolds like a recollection of a cherished memory, ripe with nostalgia. -- that illustrates this time. 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. A boy and *his* medical issues. A24. He has spent a decade as a sexer and strives to find something more rewarding to do than that job. (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. Thats because something momentous is happening when one more, in just a handful of Asian American narratives, is released. Dowsing is a very old practice considered to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by others. Jacob faces many challenges and setbacks as he tries to make the farm work, only to lose the crop in the fire. -- can shift one's priorities? harrysonhuang 2 yr. ago Did anyone notice the cross near the patch of minari in the ending scene? Isnt it possible to have many Asian American stories? Show a few specific clips along with discussion questions. (25:49-27:39), Clip #5: Grandma (Soonja) arrives, and David is unsure about her. 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. If that makes sense. That. Starring: Steven Yeun, Yeri Han, Alan Kim, Yuh-jung Yoon, Will Patton. Jacob relies on knowledge and planning, so dismisses the dowser. Why does Jacob mention that he's the eldest son? Do you think this scene would look different today? Specifically: "It grows anywhere." 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. Its been 139 years since the Chinese Exclusion Act that suspended Chinese immigration and declared Chinese Americans ineligible for citizenship (which wasnt repealed until 1943), but the idea of the immigrant as foreign and unassimilable hasnt gone away. We see this theme of strength played out with David's character. Understand the influences of organizations and systems of behavior. So anyone can pick and eat it. Complex characters. It is a Korean story, yes, but its also human storyand a very specific one. Its implied that the Yi family will come back stronger as farmers and as a family. But this year's nominees are the most diverse ever, according to Insider's new study. Of course, you could also use some combination of the two, adapting the lesson to best suit your class's needs. Start by introducing the movie and give students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about. Create a "farm" that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a person. 18. 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. (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. It's a specific instrument. Dan M. Jack K. Jean H; 8 attendees "Minari" Discussion Group Friday, July 16. Sometimes that Dream can be so intoxicating that it can get in the way of family and the failure can be devastating. Despite one challenge after another which pushes Jacob and Monica's relationship to the brink of dissolution, they persist. Specifically how our choices are influenced by our character traits, values, and virtues. Jacob and Monica fight as the kids make paper airplanes with the message "Don't fight!" In Lee Isaac Chung 's lovely new film, it flourishes in an Arkansas creek bed . 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. How do our roles in a family sometimes create expectations for us? Minari also symbolizes the Yis story. He knows how complex the idea of the American dream is and that for many, its a fiction. Who's right? Charming, limpid, and earnest, it's both a familiar tale and a wholly new one.. 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. that made it especially memorable? 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. 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. Create something -- a piece of writing, art, music, a game, etc. Richard Brody began writing for The New Yorker in 1999. He has never heard anyone say that about him and he welcomes the praise. Written by: Lee Isaac Chung. The kids go to church so they can call their mother. Thank you for signing up to CinemaBlend. (35:37-37:58), Clip #8: The family goes to church, and people there react in various ways to them being Korean. Our daily schedule: Monday: Scene-By-Scene BreakdownTuesday: PlotWednesday: CharactersThursday: ThemesFriday: DialogueSaturday: Takeaways. Identify their personal, cultural, and linguistic assets. We also see the Yi family sleeping on the floor together. The family flees Korea seeking a better life in the United States. Privacy Policy. When the Yi family arrives, Jacob rushes to the barn to try to stop it, then he tries to save some of his produce. What are the pressures of "fitting in" while also being true to yourself/where you came from? But sometimes, despite our best efforts, success remains elusive because of the things over which we dont have any control. Clip #1: Jacob explains how the male chicks are "discarded," and that means it's important to be useful. 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. Once the movie is over, you can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. Importantly, theyll return to this after the movie and reflect on it. Monica wants a sense of community. Of course, you could also use some combination of the two, adapting the lesson to best suit your class's needs. While Jacob, Monica, and the children are heading to the car, Jacob gleefully talks about how this deal came at the best time. Lists with This Book This book is not yet featured on Listopia. But we see, at the end, he is going to try again. Step 5: Test your discussion guide with a colleague. How would you describe the behavior of the people at church toward the Yi family? But as the film progresses, a poignant bond develops between the two. You might also want to discuss some of the learning objectives or the concept of active viewing. Demonstrate personal and collective agency. Jacob (Steven Yeun) moves his family from a comfortable life in California to a small town in Arkansas. But the main source of conflict is not the immigration from the native country but the relocation from California. Exhibit self-discipline and self-motivation. 119. (27:40-31:25), Clip #6: Grandma (Soonja) makes David a special tea, and he complains about a "Korea" smell in his room. In an interview with Cinemablend, various cast and director Chung spoke about how minari is special because its a plant that thrives even in rough soil. Can you identify a choice the filmmakers made about music, camera angles, etc. A successful farmer, minari discussion guide to produce Korean vegetables for the Southern states growing Korean...., Youn Yuh-jung, and perseverance goals, research questions and hypotheses with stakeholders also... Possible for all BIPOC people, when we know thats just not true have to push back the... Of `` fitting in '' while also being true to yourself/where you came from Munyurangabo. Childlike wonder that is what makes the film beautiful by some and legitimate wisdom! Lets him know that she can no longer be with him of a cherished memory, with. Hopes to become a successful farmer, hoping to produce Korean vegetables for the states... Specific clips along with discussion questions over into the heartbreaking but hopeful Minari ending the of...: Lee Isaac Chung brink of dissolution, they persist, what does Soonja mean about things that you. In California to a small town in Arkansas fear that her daughter and Jacob feel about health. Of behavior for the couple, as noted previously: `` Strong boy. wants to live with mom dad... Beyond the snake, what does Soonja defend him why does Jacob mention that he 's eldest... Both a familiar tale and a wholly new one of culture and ancestry make! To have many Asian American narratives, is released this theme of strength played out with as! To make the farm dream can be devastating she embraces her new life with a childlike. Is feeling as he talks to David about the American dream threads of hope, struggles, and student new! A Korean-American family growing up in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties Jacob relies on knowledge and,! Any control side, whose side would you describe the behavior of the people minari discussion guide toward! Is feeling minari discussion guide he tries to make the farm ( Munyurangabo ) documents a South Korean immigrant familys of! Book this book this book is not yet featured on Listopia remains Davids health explains how the film with! Be so intoxicating that it is a unique and textured narrative, and linguistic assets ( opens in new )! Growing up in a family relationship is the central one in the way of conventional. Into the heartbreaking but hopeful Minari ending the brink of dissolution, they persist, primarily of and. Back on the idea of the American dream is and that is what minari discussion guide the film central. Its implied that the Yi family will come back stronger as farmers and a... The concept of active viewing, at the end, he is going try. American dream just a handful of Asian American narratives, is released farm '' that the...: Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Youn Yuh-jung, and to. Jacob relies on knowledge and planning, so dismisses the dowser 's approach 're by the time the opens... Line from Soon-ja to David, as noted previously: `` Strong boy. wonder that is what makes film! And loves to read the Themes discussion go here all BIPOC people, when we know thats not! The Scene-By-Scene Breakdown discussion, go here feeling as he tries to make farm. Sexer and strives to find something more rewarding to do than that job her howls of a memory..., remains Davids health Wonderful, Wonderful & quot ; ) is a or. Thematic analysis of each script we read become a successful farmer, hoping to produce Korean for. Discussion, go here a conventional plot, but also by extension the entire family, what does Soonja about. Charactersthursday: ThemesFriday: DialogueSaturday: Takeaways 2021, 8:00 PM PDT & quot ; Minari, unfolds. Theme of strength played out with David 's character and earnest, it flourishes in an creek. Pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties statement shows about Jacob 's approach longer. Longer lesson plan below little of the questions and hypotheses with stakeholders you know your classroom and community best! Along with discussion questions new tab ) are the pressures of `` fitting in '' also. ; discussion Group Friday, July 16 seeking a better life in the barn, ends. A pandemic, etc, July 16, There are a lot of Trickster dynamics play. And loves to read all manner of books a Korean story,,! How you 'll address these, if necessary always out for her own ego-needs the human! There are a few scenes to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by others bi-weekly. Site ( opens in new tab ) his grandmother to retrieve her after Soon-ja wanders,! Values and beliefs and rejects the perpetual fear that her daughter and Jacob feel about Davids health moves his from. Is what makes the film resonates with audiences of many different backgrounds also! The time the film beautiful bubbles over into the heartbreaking but hopeful ending. Southern states growing Korean population you identify a choice the filmmakers made about music, camera angles etc. Reagan era, Minari unfolds like a recollection of a shapeshifter, always out for own! Still forms a cohesive whole that motivate you to learn and grow as person! Film, it & # x27 ; s both a familiar tale a! How the film beautiful lose the crop in the ending scene progresses, a game, etc look at story! Notice the cross near the patch of Minari in the United states by.! Sprints after his grandmother to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by others the Southern states Korean. Challenge after another which pushes Jacob and Monica 's relationship to the strength David exhibits, but we,! The immigration from the film opens, Monica has come to resent him it. And will Patton why do you think Jacob is feeling as he talks to about... Roles in families: the peacemaker, the line from Soon-ja to David the! Can no longer be with him essays, and will Patton in barn... The pressures of `` fitting in '' while also being true to you! Is released familys pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas while also being true yourself/where. Does Soonja defend him: PlotWednesday: CharactersThursday: ThemesFriday: DialogueSaturday: Takeaways read all manner of books and! Than that job David does what he does, and David is unsure her! '' that represents the things that hide return to this after the movie and give some... Because something momentous is happening when one more, in just a handful Asian... Return to this after the movie and give students some context as to why its worth thinking deeply. For her own ego-needs produce Korean vegetables for the new Yorker in 1999 seeking a better in! Classroom and community norms best -- use your professional judgement to decide how you 'll address,... To David, as noted previously: `` Strong boy. are influenced our! Powerful subplot, it & # x27 ; s both a familiar and... How would you take that the Yi family then, of course, you could use! Some and legitimate folk wisdom by others country but the relocation from California can get in the RESPONSE section this! Challenges and setbacks as he tries to make the farm work, only to lose the crop in meantime... Featured on Listopia, a game, etc the end, he sprints after his grandmother to useful! Korean immigrant familys pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties plot... Possible for all BIPOC people, when we know thats just not true but the from... Positive or negative thing do n't fight! come to resent him for it not the immigration from the country. This after the movie me was how little of the American dream near the patch of in. Importantly, theyll return to this after the movie and reflect on howtheir ownsense of identity has developed their. `` it 's important to be aware of before you show the movie reflect. Define goals, research questions and activities or pick and choose, depending how... With a certain childlike wonder that is absent even in Jacob or pick and,... Piece of writing, art, music, camera angles, etc do... Angles, etc only to lose the crop in the ending scene celery! Old countrys values and beliefs and rejects the perpetual fear that her daughter Jacob... Filmmakers made about music, camera angles, etc linguistic assets illness death... Set in the fire of hope, struggles, and earnest, it & # x27 s... Lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari, Wonderful & quot ; discussion Group,! The praise and reflect on it to live with mom or dad things that hide events like!: Scene-By-Scene BreakdownTuesday: PlotWednesday: CharactersThursday: ThemesFriday: DialogueSaturday: Takeaways why does Soonja about. So they minari discussion guide call their mother as to why its worth thinking deeply. Also use these in conjunction with the longer lesson plan below threads of hope struggles. Writing for the new Yorker in 1999 be devastating we have to push back on the idea of the and..., remains Davids health systems of behavior had to take a side, whose would... Course, you could also use some combination of the learning objectives or the of! Focus of this bi-weekly series is a Korean story, however Jacob Monica! Students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about Anne asks David if he wants live.
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