Minari
Movie Trailer
Release Date
February 12, 2021
Genre
Drama
Cast & Crew
- Steven Yeun as Jacob Yi
- Han Ye-ri as Monica Yi
- Alan Kim as David Yi
- Noel Kate Cho as Anne Yi
- Youn Yuh-jung as Soon-ja
- Will Patton as Paul
Director
Lee Isaac Chung
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Munyurangabo (2007)
- Abigail Harm (2012)
Producer
Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Christina Oh
Writer
Lee Isaac Chung
Budget
Estimated at $2 million
Production Company
A24, Plan B Entertainment
Running Time
115 minutes
Languages
English, Korean
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Thematic elements
- Some language
Movie Story
Minari is a poignant and deeply personal drama that tells the story of a Korean-American family striving to build a new life in rural Arkansas during the 1980s. The film, written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, draws from his own childhood experiences and is a tender exploration of family, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
The story centers on Jacob Yi (Steven Yeun), a determined and hardworking father who moves his family—his wife Monica (Han Ye-ri), young son David (Alan Kim), and daughter Anne (Noel Kate Cho)—from California to a plot of land in Arkansas. Jacob dreams of transforming the land into a successful farm, growing Korean vegetables that he hopes to sell to the growing immigrant community. However, the move puts a strain on his marriage, as Monica is skeptical of the farm’s prospects and worried about their son David’s heart condition.
To help with the children, Monica’s mother, Soon-ja (Youn Yuh-jung), comes to live with the family. Soon-ja’s arrival brings both challenges and warmth to the household. She is unconventional and spirited, and her relationship with David, initially strained, becomes one of the emotional cores of the film. Through their interactions, the film captures the intergenerational dynamics and cultural contrasts within the family.
As Jacob tirelessly works to cultivate the land, he faces numerous setbacks, including financial difficulties, water shortages, and the unpredictable nature of farming. The family’s struggles are further compounded by their sense of isolation in a predominantly white, rural community, where they are often viewed as outsiders.
Minari is not just a story of hardship but also one of hope and resilience. The titular minari plant, which Soon-ja brings with her from Korea and plants by a creek on the farm, becomes a symbol of the family’s ability to adapt and thrive in a new environment. The film beautifully captures the small moments of joy, love, and connection that sustain the Yi family through their challenges.
Special Effects
Minari is a character-driven film that relies more on its storytelling, performances, and naturalistic visuals than on special effects. The film’s cinematography, by Lachlan Milne, is understated yet evocative, capturing the beauty and hardship of rural life. The use of natural light and the framing of the Arkansas landscape emphasize the themes of growth, resilience, and the passage of time. The visual simplicity of the film allows the emotions and relationships of the characters to take center stage.
Box Office Performance
Minari was released in a limited number of theaters and on-demand, gaining widespread critical acclaim and earning over $15 million worldwide. The film resonated with audiences for its authentic portrayal of the immigrant experience and the universal themes of family and perseverance. Its success during the awards season, particularly with its nominations and wins at prestigious events, helped it reach a broader audience.
Filming Locations
- Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
Notable Quotes
- “They call it the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.” – Jacob Yi
- “Minari is strong and wild. It grows anywhere, like weeds.” – Soon-ja
- “You’re not a real grandma. Real grandmas bake cookies!” – David Yi
Behind-the-Scenes
Minari is a deeply personal project for director Lee Isaac Chung, who based the story on his own upbringing as the child of Korean immigrants in rural Arkansas. The film was produced by A24 and Plan B Entertainment, with the goal of creating a story that was both specific to the Korean-American experience and universal in its themes. The performances, particularly from Steven Yeun and Youn Yuh-jung, were widely praised for their emotional depth and authenticity. Youn Yuh-jung’s portrayal of Soon-ja earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, making her the first Korean actress to win an Oscar.
Awards
- Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Youn Yuh-jung)
- Nominated for 5 other Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Steven Yeun), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Original Score
- Won the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film
- Nominated for 6 BAFTA Awards, including Best Director and Best Film Not in the English Language
Final Verdict
Minari is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant film that offers a touching exploration of family, identity, and the immigrant experience. With powerful performances, particularly from Steven Yeun and Youn Yuh-jung, and sensitive direction from Lee Isaac Chung, the film captures the complexities and joys of pursuing the American Dream. Minari is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates intimate, character-driven stories that speak to universal human experiences.
IMDb Rating
7.4/10