Minari

Set in the 1980s, Minari is a poignant and deeply moving film about the Korean American Jacob Yi, a determined father who leaves behind the comfort and familiarity of Los Angeles to pursue a long-held dream of starting a new life as a farmer in rural Arkansas. Alongside his wife, Monica, he decides to bring his family to this strange and unfamiliar land in search of the elusive American dream. The Yis are a loving and supportive family, consisting of Jacob and Monica, their son Paul, and two daughters, Anne and Soon-i. Paul, a precocious and inquisitive young boy, is initially thrilled by the prospect of this new adventure and eagerly anticipates the possibilities it may hold. His younger sisters, Anne and Soon-i, cling to their mother, Monica, who has reservations about this bold decision to leave the only life they have ever known. Upon arriving in the Ozarks, the Yi family is met with a mix of curiosity and suspicion from the local community. They purchase a small, rundown farm in Arkansas, which Jacob intends to cultivate into a thriving produce farm. Despite the many challenges that come with farming in a foreign and unfamiliar environment, Jacob remains resolute and optimistic, driven by a deep-seated faith in the notion that anyone can start anew. As the family struggles to adapt to their new surroundings, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of rural life. Monica, who has been quietly nursing a desire to send her children back to the safety of Los Angeles, begins to realize that they are not as alone as they thought. They have the help of Young Si, a seasoned Korean-American migrant who becomes an unlikely friend to the Yis. Young Si shares stories of his own struggles and helps them to navigate the complexities of the local community. Throughout the film, the family faces various setbacks and disappointments, from failed crops to financial struggles. However, it is in these moments of despair that they discover the unwavering love and support that holds them together. Paul, in particular, learns valuable lessons about resilience and hard work as he assists his father in the fields and helps to care for his family. One of the most powerful themes of Minari is the exploration of identity and belonging. As the Yi family navigates their new home, they are constantly reminded of their Korean heritage and the cultural identity that they left behind. Anne, who struggles to adjust to her new surroundings, finds escape in the Korean stories and traditions that her grandmother shares with her. These moments serve as a poignant reminder that, no matter where we may go, our cultural identity remains a crucial part of who we are. As the seasons pass, the Yis grow more accustomed to their new life, learning to appreciate the beauty and ruggedness of the Ozarks. Despite the many challenges they face, they begin to forge a new sense of home and community. They befriend their neighbors, develop a strong sense of responsibility towards the land, and ultimately find a sense of belonging that goes beyond the confines of their family. Meanwhile, Jacob's dream of a thriving farm begins to take shape. He discovers a new passion for working with the land and finds that his connection to nature has a profound impact on his mental and spiritual health. This newfound sense of purpose is beautifully captured in the film's breathtaking cinematography, which depicts the rolling hills, verdant forests, and sparkling streams of the Ozarks in glorious detail. Ultimately, Minari is a film about the indomitable power of family and the enduring resilience that it embodies. Through the Yi's struggles and triumphs, writer-director Lee Isaac Chung weaves a poignant and deeply moving narrative that celebrates the idea that home is not just a place, but a sense of belonging that is built on love, sacrifice, and the unwavering commitment to one another.