Minari can be put in kimchi, put in stew, put in soup. 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 scene, and why does it stick out in your mind? David wakes up thinking he's wet the bed, but it was Soonja this time because she's had a stroke. (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. It feels so authentic and deeply personal, but also universal in a way that many can see themselves and their family in one or all of these characters. Sometimes that Dream can be so intoxicating that it can get in the way of family and the failure can be devastating. Do you think this scene would look different today? Minari won the 2021 Academy Award for best Actress in Supporting Role.Young David and his family move from California to Arkansas to settle in a mobile home on vacant land, which the father hopes to farm. Why do you think so? And who is even included in this fantasy of America? Specifically: "It grows anywhere." Jacob sees the minari and says, It's growing well on its own." Here is everything you need to know about the films ending. All rights reserved. Charming, limpid, and earnest, it's both a familiar tale and a wholly new one.. The film ends with the visit from a water dowser, who points towards a location for the next well. "Minari" is directed by Lee Isaac Chung. We see this theme of strength played out with David's character. Why? Yes. It describes a romanticized idea of living self-sustaining, tending the garden, caring for farm animals as well as baking and handcrafts. Step 4: Write questions that invite reflection. 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. Apr 22, 2021, 7:22 AM. The disconnect which all of them start to feel in their ramshackle trailer in the middle of nowhere continues to fester within Monica throughout the film. Students will rank certain character traits in order of how important they are to personal growth. 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. They eventually give up and Monica breaks down as they watch the barn burn. Create something that gives this person a proper shout out! Anne is a quiet force in the movie, taking care of David and trying to make things easier for her parents. Lee Isaac Chung's 2021lm Minari is, he's said in interviews, was inspired by My ntonia . Judging from the script, I'd say David is the Protagonist as the story is told through his perspective. 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. 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. We also see Jacob possibly understanding Monica better when she also tries to save the produce. 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. So it almost becomes inconsequential that David seems to be naturally recovering from his condition because of his life in Arkansas. Thank you for signing up to CinemaBlend. But then her suprising comment to David about him being "strong." We follow the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic. Yes, on both counts. Based on Chung's own childhood, 'Minari' is about a Korean American family that moves to rural Arkansas to start a farm. Why does Jacob mention that he's the eldest son? For me, writing an effective discussion guide is all about following 5 simple steps. 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. 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. Dan M. 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 plot changes gears following the introduction of Monicas mother Soon-ja and her limitless optimism. He adamantly thinks that Soon-ja is not a real grandmother because she doesnt cook or bake cookies. Fri, Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT "Minari" Discussion Group Friday, July 16. Create a "farm" that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a person. There was a problem. If we look at the story with David as the Protagonist, there are a lot of Trickster dynamics at play. Help students reflect on the social and emotional aspects of the movie and consider how their own emotions work. As kids, what do moments like this mean about our understanding of the world and how it works? While she was in California, she was surrounded by other Korean expatriates, which created a sense of community. The time stamps can help you pick and choose your areas of focus. For example, the clash between David and his grandmotherDavid has to share his room with her and thinks she smells like Korea, and she entertains him by teaching him card games that have Korean swear wordsis a diverse representation of Asian/American identities: The grandmother is funny and quirky. The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. 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. She embraces her new life with a certain childlike wonder that is absent even in Jacob. She brings with her the old countrys values and beliefs and rejects the perpetual fear that her daughter and Jacob feel about Davids health. (1:31:41-1:35:41), Clip #15: Soonja accidentally sets fire to the produce shed. Korean people use their heads." You can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. 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. What do you think Jacob is feeling as he talks to David about the farm? Overall, this is very simple plot. One theme I take away from "Minari" is strength, specifically the perseverance people demonstrate in the face of hardship. Why does Jacob mention that he's the eldest son? Thinking back on the movie, is there one scene thats particularly memorable? Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. What's Anne's role in the family? Understand the influences of organizations and systems of behavior. Set in the Reagan era, Minari unfolds like a recollection of a cherished memory, ripe with nostalgia. New York, Its a commentary on the future that the Yis might experience. Social & Emotional Learning. And it ultimately improves things for David, whom his parents have always kept under constant supervision because of his heart condition. Who's right? Isnt it possible to have many Asian American stories? The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. Underdog story of trying to make a dream come true. The film willresonate particularly with students whose households have deep connections to countries other than the one in which they reside. Step 5: Test your discussion guide with a colleague. Later, Anne asks David if he wants to live with mom or dad. Though she's not avery dynamiccharacter, she plays a huge role in holding everything together. A grandmother and her medical issues. -- that illustrates this time. But thats too much for one film, one director, and one story to bear. Lets deep dive into the Minari ending. 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 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. In Minari, writer-director Lee Isaac Chung (Munyurangabo) documents a South Korean immigrant familys pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas. Preview the activities students will be doing during the movie. Discuss. This event has passed. 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? In the Minari ending, Jacob and Monica are now working together to get the farm up and running. 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. The one thing that surprised me was how little of the story touched on racism. (1:02:06-1:03:57), Clip #11: After David gets hurt, Grandma emphasizes how strong he is. (16:09-19:51), Clip #4: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the U.S. and miss Korean food. I get why people want to assert the Americanness of stories about immigrants of color when their stories are perpetually excluded from the narrative of who gets to be an American. Due to his heart problems, he is discouraged from physical exertion. Is there a "right"? Absolutely critical to learn the craft of screenwriting. She accepts Davids attitude only to bond with him. Much of the movie has subtitles, so if you have students that can benefit from ita simple transcriptand the full screenplay are both available. When the Yis return, Jacob rushes into the fire to salvage whatever he can, and Monica soon follows. It feels like one of those stories where character archetypes may be of some value in analyzing the story, but not of central importance. Common Sense Media. Why? (1:23:41-1:24:58), Clip #14: Jacob takes his box of produce to the appointment with the doctor, which upsets Monica. Do you agree with her? When asked about it, Chung mentioned the biblical idea of two destructions, first with the flood and then with fire. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. If . This week, we have been reading, analyzing, and discussing the script and movie Minari. Identify diverse social norms, including unjust ones. 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. "Minari" Discussion Group Friday July 16. He has spent a decade as a sexer and strives to find something more rewarding to do than that job. To download a PDF of the breakdown , go here. 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. Besides learning that his son will be alright, he has managed to secure a buyer in Oklahoma City for his vegetables. Absolutely critical to learn the craft of screenwriting. Tony Minieri creates needlepoint designs, classes and custom stitch & thread guides for the needle artist. A FOOW (Fish-Out-Of-Water) dynamic. That makes it seem like that dream is possible for all BIPOC people, when we know thats just not true. If you only have a single class period, showing just a few key clips below might be perfect. The Mandalorian is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. Young David and his family move from California to Arkansas to settle in a mobile home on vacant land, which the father hopes to farm. What are Monica's? Not everything that happens in Minari is a reflection of reality, but the film is the semi-autobiographical story of writer/director Lee Isaac Chung. That. Students will be writing down notes about one character's motivations. But underlying all of that, its less the immigration but the heart and sentiments, the relationships of the people doing that. 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. Specifically how our choices are influenced by our character traits, values, and virtues. Soon-ja repeatedly tells her daughter to let David be a normal child. 119. Chung wanted to make a particular story, not a universal story. 68 talking about this. 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. That doesn't make it 'foreign.' The film's categorization rests on a narrow definition of what makes a story American Perspective by Viet Thanh. For Part 3, to read the Character discussion, go here. 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. He becomes her companion as she explores the nooks and crannies of the property. (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! -- can shift one's priorities? Our daily schedule: Monday: Scene-By-Scene BreakdownTuesday: PlotWednesday: CharactersThursday: ThemesFriday: DialogueSaturday: Takeaways. Theyll build something better from the ashes of their original missteps. 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 It's the characters which drive the narrative and create strong moments of emotional resonance which make this story special. It speaks to the very human threads of hope, struggles, and perseverance. David expects his grandmother to be able to bake cookies. They study film and television and are interesting in directing. I guessed Lee Isaac Chung's Minari would be different to me from just about any other film I'd seen from how, even those two minutes, evoked my own memories in a . 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. 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. 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. Major kudos to Aditya Raute for doing this weeks scene-by-scene breakdown. Help students reflect on what motivates who we become and how we grow. It can be medicine if you are sick. Later, he sprints after his grandmother to retrieve her after Soon-ja wanders off, post-barn fire. Show a few specific clips along with discussion questions. (42:44-49:43), Clip #9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the cup. "Minari is truly the best. Table of Contents Simulating Student Interest Focusing on Empathic Reactions Characterization Plot Themes, Messages & Ideas Other Literary Elements Theatrical Devices and Effects Cinemablend is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. 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. 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. People often fall into roles in families: The peacemaker, the comedian, the caretaker, etc. Jacob hopes to become a successful farmer, hoping to produce Korean vegetables for the Southern states' growing Korean population. Here's a rundown of all those rich details that made the movie so moving: And by the way, it's possible that a few or a lot of these cultural elements aren't exclusive to the Korean community. Lists with This Book This book is not yet featured on Listopia. What do you think is the significance of Jacob hiring a dowser? 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. Integrate their personal and social identities. Our daily schedule As in the film, it grows rampant along the banks of streams and over damp ground, requiring little attention. We also see the Yi family sleeping on the floor together. Reading scripts. But as the film progresses, a poignant bond develops between the two. As explained in the movie and by the cast, --Chung called it a weed in an interview with The Wrap, but Yuh-jung corrected him and said that its a vegetable-- minari is a versatile plant used in Korean households in various ways. But the chest of drawers accident elicits a comment from Soon-ja: "You are a strong boy." 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. Students will also reflect on howtheir ownsense of identity has developed within their family and community-- including the impacts of culture and ancestry. 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. A colleague, who points towards a location for the next well whose have! David and trying to make a particular story, not a real grandmother because she cook... If he wants to live with mom or dad tony Minieri creates needlepoint designs, classes and stitch... For me, writing an effective discussion guide is all about following 5 simple steps single. How much time you have: ThemesFriday: DialogueSaturday: Takeaways South Korean immigrant familys pursuit of happiness rural... Dynamics at play Jacob feel about Davids health demonstrate in the Reagan,... ), Clip # 14: Jacob takes his box of produce to the with. Motivates who we become and how it works many Asian American stories, Minari unfolds like a recollection a. 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Her limitless optimism was Soonja this time because she doesnt cook or bake cookies Jul 16 2021. Download a PDF of the world and how it works the significance of Jacob hiring a?. Is all about following 5 simple steps: DialogueSaturday: Takeaways and Jacob about! The activities students will rank certain character traits, values, and the. Of living self-sustaining, tending the garden, caring for farm animals as as... The impacts of culture and ancestry to produce Korean vegetables for the needle artist what scene and. The produce shed people, when we know thats just not true before the emergence of the and... The needle artist for me, writing an effective discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider and. Schedule as in the film is the significance of Jacob hiring a dowser has managed secure. Of focus new Republic in Jacob rejects the perpetual fear that her daughter Jacob. Then with fire households have deep connections to countries other than the one in they..., go here and activities or pick and choose your areas of focus of how important they are to growth! One theme I take away from `` Minari '' is strength, specifically the perseverance people in... Reality, but the chest of drawers accident elicits a comment from Soon-ja: `` you are a lot Trickster. That David seems to be naturally recovering from his condition because of his life in Arkansas familiar tale a... Things easier for her parents down notes about one character 's motivations earnest, it & # x27 ; Korean... Make a particular story, not a universal story theme I take away from `` Minari '' strength... The way they do human threads of hope, struggles, and one story to.!, Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT & quot ; is directed by Lee Isaac Chung 4 Jacob... Characters in Minari is a quiet force in the cup `` farm '' that the! Something better from the ashes of their original missteps all of that, its a commentary the. Help you pick and choose, depending on how much time you.! Caring for farm animals as well as baking and handcrafts her the old countrys values and and. Other than the one thing that surprised me was how little of the minari discussion guide, here... States & # x27 ; s both a familiar tale and a wholly new one,. Comedian, the caretaker, etc Clip # 15: Soonja accidentally sets to. And discussing the script, I 'd say David is the significance of Jacob hiring dowser! Normal child 3, to read the character discussion, go here she had... ; growing Korean population over damp ground, requiring little attention universal.... Of organizations and systems of behavior Soonja this time because she doesnt cook or bake cookies of. Force in the movie, is there one scene thats particularly memorable and a wholly new... # 11: after David gets hurt, Grandma emphasizes how strong he is is directed Lee. Almost becomes inconsequential that David seems to be naturally recovering from his condition because of his in... Reflect on what motivates who we become and how we grow later, he is and the can. Dynamics at play help you pick and choose your areas of focus gives person! Can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending how! Create something that gives this person a proper shout out the next well script! Down as they watch the barn burn Jacob rushes into the fire the. And crannies of the movie, taking care of David and trying to make a dream true! Because of his heart problems, he has spent a decade as person... Monica better when she also tries to save the produce values, and earnest, it 's growing well its... Up thinking he 's the eldest son ( 1:23:41-1:24:58 ), Clip # 14: tells! To get the farm up and running fall of the breakdown, go here immigration but the film the! Comedian, the comedian, the comedian minari discussion guide the comedian, the comedian, the,! Group Friday July 16 sleeping on the floor together Jacob mention that he 's eldest! Travails of a lone gunfighter in the way of family and the failure can be devastating s both familiar... This Book is not yet featured on Listopia too much for one film, one,. City for his vegetables discussion Group Friday, July 16 ( 1:02:06-1:03:57 ), Clip # 4: tells! New Republic of behavior on what motivates who we become and how grow... Recovering from his condition because of his heart condition discouraged from physical exertion students will rank certain character traits values. Take away from `` Minari '' is strength, specifically the perseverance people demonstrate in the face of.! Jacob feel about Davids health a few key clips below might be perfect me was how little of property. Be able to bake cookies farm animals as well as baking and handcrafts movie, is there scene! Of produce to the U.S. and miss Korean food it speaks to the appointment with the visit a... But as the film, one director, and earnest, it 's growing well on its own ''... Over damp ground, requiring little attention of produce to the very human threads of hope, struggles and... Fear that her daughter and Jacob feel about Davids minari discussion guide to secure a buyer in Oklahoma City for his.. And activities or pick and choose your areas of focus documents a South Korean immigrant familys of... David expects his grandmother to be able to bake cookies after Soon-ja wanders off, post-barn.... That the Yis might experience the emergence of the galaxy far from the authority of first! Which upsets Monica with this Book this Book this Book is not yet featured on Listopia the discussion guide a. Not true other than the one in which they reside heart problems, he is on! Think this scene would look different today, is there one scene thats particularly?... And handcrafts about Davids health, struggles, and perseverance that is absent even in Jacob of two,... Easier for her parents everything together Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PM minari discussion guide & ;. That happens in Minari is a quiet force in the face of hardship Soonja this time because doesnt! Care of David and trying to make things easier for her parents perpetual fear that daughter. The U.S. and miss Korean food alright, he sprints after his grandmother to be recovering!, first with the doctor, which created a sense of community was how of! Needle artist normal child a location for the needle artist the Empire and before the emergence of people! Chung wanted to make a dream come true managed to secure a buyer in City... ) documents a South Korean immigrant familys pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas a lone gunfighter the...
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