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There seem to be only a handful of films every year that sweep us all away in its effortless and moving storytelling. Minari, without a single doubt, is one of those films.
Minari is a film that came into the world with rapturous reception at the Sundance Film Festival in early 2020 (remember that year?) Since then, it has received many nominations from many guilds and will certainly be up for many Academy Awards in April.
Minari was written and directed by Lee Issac Chung. It stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Youn Yuh-jung, Will Patton, Noel Kate Cho, and newcomer Alan Kim. The score is by Emile Mosseri.
Slight and non-significant spoilers inbound! You have been warned.
It all begins as the Yi family moves from California all the way to the Ozarks of rural Arkansas, passing by olden barns and green farm fields- a fresh start in a foreign world.
Jacob (Yeun) moved his family there in hopes of starting a farm, using the good soil to grow Korean vegetables to sell to Korean owned shops and stores. His reasoning: “They need to see me succeed at something for once.” In the meantime, Jacob’s wife, Monica (Ye-ri), works with him at a chicken plant, sexing and sorting young chicks.
Their time at work prevents them from adequately looking after their young children, Ann (Cho), and David (Kim.) Cue the entrance of grandma Soon-Ja (Yuh-jung) to take care of them.
What ensues is a universal story about resilience, sacrifice, love, and strength found in the embrace and support of one's family.
THE GOOD
What can I say without sounding redundant? Every aspect of the film seems to coalesce seamlessly. The script is so specific and detailed that it could have only stemmed from the mind of Mr. Chung. The direction is confident and assured- it truly seemed like an act of love from Lee Issac Chung. The acting all around is full of moving and nuanced performances, with outstanding work coming from Young Yuh-jung. I especially want to shout out the score by Emile Mosseri. It is so elegant, moving, and mirrors the beauty on the screen so very well. I recommend you listen to it (I'm listening to it as I type this out.) Also Alan Kim wears itty-bitty cowboy boots- need I say more?
THE BAD
No. This section isn’t necessary here.
THE BOTTOM LINE
See it as soon as possible. It’s the best movie of the year (Don’t fight me on this.)
Martin Scorcese and Bong Joon-Ho once said, “The most personal is the most creative.” Lee Issac Chung takes that adage and runs with it to beautiful lengths with Minari.