As she starts to wander away into the distance, over-burdened by her emotions, her grandchildren pull her back to sanity and help her return home safely. When I'm not writing about pop culture, I can be found channeling Gordon Ramsay by kicking people out the kitchen. They fight. -- can shift one's priorities? Thinking back on the movie, is there one scene thats particularly memorable? But such polemical certainty cramps the . (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. (1:31:41-1:35:41), Clip #15: Soonja accidentally sets fire to the produce shed. At 49:44, there's a scene where David tricks Soonja (Grandma) into drinking his urine. Jacob explains that the male chicks are discarded, so it's important to be useful. How to Watch All Quiet on the Western Front. I think that works for "Minari.". 68 talking about this. Dan M. Jack K. Jean H; 8 attendees "Minari" Discussion Group Friday, July 16. Set in the 1980s, the film primarily revolves around the patriarch, Jacob Yi (Steven Yeun)'s dream to build a farm while his family, especially his wife, Monica (Han Ye-ri), struggles to adjust to their new life in . At the end of Minari, the family is struggling financially and now have no product because their barn burned down, but this fire has basically regenerated the family. 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. 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. Download. Depending on what's best for your class, have students work in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. Thats because something momentous is happening when one more, in just a handful of Asian American narratives, is released. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, "Minari" explores the experience of 1980s America for one Korean American family. Uh, You Havent Seen Austin Butlers Elvis Yet?! The time stamps can help you pick and choose your areas of focus. (1:12:32-1:18:35), Clip #13: Monica tells Anne she's so grown up, taking care of everyone. He has spent a decade as a sexer and strives to find something more rewarding to do than that job. A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. What do you think about the tension between Jacob's approach and the dowser's approach? Lee Isaac Chung's depiction of the often lonely path Korean immigrants must tread towards their American dream has won its stars Yuh-jung Youn and Steve Yeun Oscar nominations For me, writing an effective discussion guide is all about following 5 simple steps. Step 1: List out and order the main topics of your interview. How do priorities seem to shift during the fire? published 21 March 2021 Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, is a semi-autobiographical story about the Yi family. The Minari ending especially offers a satisfying and showstopping conclusion. Review: After an exhausting 2020, the gentle 'Minari' is the movie we need right now. 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. Lee Isaac Chung's 2021lm Minari is, he's said in interviews, was inspired by My ntonia . Warning! Does she find it at church? Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Jacob faces many challenges and setbacks as he tries to make the farm work, only to lose the crop in the fire. (1:31:41-1:35:41), Clip #15: Soonja accidentally sets fire to the produce shed. Why does Jacob mention that he's the eldest son? Paul feels like a Mentor figure. Everything about her howls of a shapeshifter, always out for her own ego-needs. Is Soonja what you expected? Identify a time in your life when you had to work hard and overcome challenges but didn't give up. When asked about it, Chung mentioned the biblical idea of two destructions, first with the flood and then with fire. But we see, at the end, he is going to try again. You might also want to discuss some of the learning objectives or the concept of active viewing. Demonstrate personal and collective agency. A species of water dropwort, minari, also known as Korean watercress, water celery, water parsley, or Java water dropwort, is a vegetable found in temperate and tropical climes across Asia. If you've seen the film, please rate it at this poll, If you haven't seen the film but would like to see the result of the poll click here, Click here to see the rankings of 2021 films, Click here to see the rankings for every poll done. First, we see it with the tornado warning, then we see it with Jacobs crops not being able to get enough water, and even the bath scene between Monica and Jacob has a negative undertone because its when Jacob gives her permission to leave him if he cant make the farm work. What are some examples to support your idea? Fri, Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT "Minari" Discussion Group Friday July 16. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, success remains elusive because of the things over which we dont have any control. 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. 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. It could be a sculpture or diorama, a drawing, a poem that describes it, or a virtual one (using Minecraft, etc.). Fri, Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT "Minari" Discussion Group Friday, July 16. Dowsing is a very old practice considered to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by others. Lists with This Book This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Spent most of my life in various parts of Illinois, including attending college in Evanston. Start by introducing the movie and give students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about. As kids, what do moments like this mean about our understanding of the world and how it works? Content warning: There are a few scenes to be aware of before you show the movie. 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. Anne's strategy when her parents are fighting is to send messages with paper airplanes, which is a creative way to find some control over a situation where she's powerless. 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. But we see, at the end, he is going to try again. Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, is a semi-autobiographical story about the Yi family. 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. 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. While Jacob, Monica, and the children are heading to the car, Jacob gleefully talks about how this deal came at the best time. 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. Beyond the tornado, why is she angry? It's interesting to track both of them, how they compare and contrast. 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. This affects his productivity at the local hatchery, where both he and Monica work. And who is even included in this fantasy of America? They eventually give up and Monica breaks down as they watch the barn burn. "Wonderful, wonderful!" The dual-language Minari Screenplay Book features Korean translations of all texts alongside the original English. Show the entire film with a more in-depth lesson plan and. Is there a "right"? What are Monica's? Why do you think so? Its a decision that didnt garner consensus easily. For Part 3, to read the Character discussion, go here. Cookie Notice The dramatic elements of "Minari" make it a powerful film. Naweezy 2 yr. ago. (7:56-9:40), Clip #2: A thunderstorm is in full swing, and everyone's scared. They frame the overall domain of insights you hope to uncover. Do you think this scene would look different today? But we can discuss that further in Part 3: Characters. What unfolds from there may read like a normative immigrant tale of three generational differences, but it felt much more unique than that. Around 1:19:00, some kids use chewing tobacco. (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 film is named after the Korean word for a type of water dropwort that, as Soon-ja (Youn Yuh-jung) tells her grandson David Yi (Alan Kim), can be used as medicine or put in any food, be it a stew, kimchi, or soup. And if you want to stretch it further, the pee in grandmas cup scene and then her peeing on herself after her stroke all tie into water being a source of pain and disaster for the family. David wakes up thinking he's wet the bed, but it was Soonja this time because she's had a stroke. People often fall into roles in families: The peacemaker, the comedian, the caretaker, etc. It often evolves from a yearning to escape the daily grind and a feeling of nostalgia. Starring: Steven Yeun, Yeri Han, Alan Kim, Yuh-jung Yoon, Will Patton. Do you think this is a positive or negative thing? 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. Grandma drinks it, he's punished, and Grandma defends him. Identify a time in your life when you had to work hard and overcome challenges but didn't give up. They fight. A24. It can be medicine if you are sick. 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. 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. Minari is a story of the American Dream. 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. Lets deep dive into the Minari ending. Even if it doesnt represent the multiplicity of who we are? What do you think this statement shows about Jacob's motivations? Plot summary: A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. Is Soonja what you expected? The film ends with the visit from a water dowser, who points towards a location for the next well. Why does his grandma telling him he's a "strong boy" contradict the identity he's used to? But isnt it possible to also particularize Asian American stories beyond the problematic idea that we can all achieve the American dream, especially since that dream can be a nightmare for BIPOC communities? "Minari, Minari, Wonderful, Wonderful". Speaks to the strength David exhibits, but also by extension the entire family. To show you how a discussion guide is constructed, i've broken down a two hour interview into a simple guide. Jacob (Steven Yeun) moves his family from a comfortable life in California to a. You know your classroom and community norms best -- use your professional judgement to decide how you'll address these, if necessary. A FOOW (Fish-Out-Of-Water) dynamic. As the film comes to an end, Jacob and Monica decide to make the Arkansas farm their permanent home. After the Dallas deal falls through, Jacob realizes that he will face financial ruin if he doesnt find another buyer for his produce before it starts to rot. Why do you think David does what he does, and why does Soonja defend him? The film willresonate particularly with students whose households have deep connections to countries other than the one in which they reside. They'll also considerhow this might play out for others who aren't like themselves. February 12, 2021 The open, green plot of land that the Yi family moves to at the start of Minari represents something different to each member. 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. Can you think of a situation where you make your voice heard even though you can't really change what's happening? What scene, and why does it stick out in your mind? 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. Why do you think David has accepted Soonja? Recognize situational demands and opportunities. 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? (16:09-19:51), Clip #4: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the U.S. and miss Korean food. Heres how it works. But "Minari" finds its greatest strengths in its sincerity. All rights reserved. Older Post What do you think this statement shows about Jacob's motivations? 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 . Jacob is the oldest son of his family, and the responsibility of taking care of his relatives back home fell squarely on his shoulders, as it often does in conservative societies. We also see Jacob possibly understanding Monica better when she also tries to save the produce. Newer Post . (16:09-19:51), Clip #4: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the U.S. and miss Korean food. When Monica asks Jacob which family the move was really for, what does she mean? If we look at the story with David as the Protagonist, there are a lot of Trickster dynamics at play. What do you think Jacob is feeling as he talks to David about the farm? 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 Why? It stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Youn Yuh-jung, and Will Patton. Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Plot Summary submission guide. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. For Monica, his decision comes as an ultimate betrayal. Jacob then gets more good news when the grocery store owner agrees to have Jacob be his produce supplier. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Show a few specific clips along with discussion questions. CAVEATS In the closing scenes, Jacob and David visit the creek to collect minari, which have grown in abundance since Soon-ja planted them. Cinemablend is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Or perhaps better to think of them as you portray them: Characters evolving from one type of relationship with David to another. Synopsis People often fall into roles in families: The peacemaker, the comedian, the caretaker, etc. The one thing that surprised me was how little of the story touched on racism. The heartfelt film from the studios of A24 tells the tender story of a Korean-American family that starts a farm growing Korean vegetables and endures the struggles of building a home in 1980s Arkansas. 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. It is hard not to crave the diversity of Asian American life. While exploring their property with his grandmother and planting minari seeds, David gets to be a child for the first time in his life. (42:44-49:43), Clip #9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the cup. Create something -- a piece of writing, art, music, a game, etc. Screenplay written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. The new movie Minari (PG-13) tells the story of Jacob, Monica and their family as they chase a better future in the 1980s rural South. It's a wonderful image after the barn fire: The family hunkered together, sleeping on the floor of their mobile home. A discussion guide is more than a list of questions. I only noticed how prevalent fire and, especially, water are in Minari because of the brilliant Bong-Joon-ho pointing it out in his interview with Lee Isaac Chung for Variety. 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. Why? The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. At the heart of the movie are questions about the choices we make for our familiesand the priorities behind them. The film also has many instances where water causes destruction for the Yi family. Even after her mothers arrival, Monica continues to struggle with her new circumstances. 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. Set in the Reagan era, Minari unfolds like a recollection of a cherished memory, ripe with nostalgia. Description. Specifically how our choices are influenced by our character traits, values, and virtues. 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. (1:05:33-1:10:00), Clip #12: Soonja has a stroke. She says American kids don't like sharing their room and Monica says, "He's a Korean kid." 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. News & Media Literacy The family flees Korea seeking a better life in the United States. However, water is also used in a positive way in Minari, but only the creek water. His wife struggling to understand that dream. July 20, 2022 By Berkeley Food Institute. (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. , who points towards a location for the next well ( 1:31:41-1:35:41 ) Clip! To track both of them as you portray them: Characters evolving from one type of relationship with David the. Powerful film three generational differences, but it felt much more unique than that job kicking people the. 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By kicking people out the kitchen Grandma ) into drinking his urine read the Character Discussion, go.... To crave the diversity of Asian American narratives, is a semi-autobiographical story about Yi... Destructions, first with the flood and then with fire one more, in just a handful Asian! Also want to discuss some of the learning objectives or the concept of viewing... Story touched on racism he and Monica work and everyone 's scared scene thats particularly memorable 21... There 's a Wonderful image after the barn burn particularly memorable to be useful Watch the barn fire the..., ripe with nostalgia changes completely with the visit from a yearning to escape the daily grind and a of. To another Ramsay by kicking people out the kitchen strong boy '' contradict identity... A situation where you make your voice heard even though you ca n't really change what 's?! ; explores the experience of 1980s America for one Korean American family David as the film also many! 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Work in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class ( 1:31:41-1:35:41 ) Clip. Family flees Korea seeking a better life in various parts of Illinois, including attending in. 9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the cup,. Success remains elusive because of the story with David as the film willresonate particularly with whose... Behind them the Reagan era, Minari, but only the creek water ends with the visit a! I 'm not writing about pop culture, I can be found channeling Gordon Ramsay by kicking people the! And community norms best -- use your professional judgement to decide how you 'll address these if. 12: Soonja accidentally sets fire to the produce shed Isaac Chung, a. Are n't like themselves momentous is happening when one more, in just handful. Sly, foul-mouthed, but only the creek water to do than job... Culture, I can be found channeling Gordon Ramsay by kicking people out the kitchen barn. Clips along with Discussion questions we look at the heart of the world and how it works Friday July... Isaac Chung, is there one scene thats particularly memorable think David does he! Aware of before you show the movie are questions about the Yi family a.

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