And although her requests are shot down every time, that is exactly what she does when she is alone with her grandson. 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. The Minari ending shows the Yi family getting good news, first with Davids heart murmur, and then with Jacob finding a grocer, but the second good news is immediately followed by bad news. Minari - Panel Discussion (2021 Video) Plot Showing all 0 items Jump to: Summaries It looks like we don't have any Plot Summaries for this title yet. Set in the Reagan era, Minari unfolds like a recollection of a cherished memory, ripe with nostalgia. The dramatic elements of "Minari" make it a powerful film. They will facilitate the . 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. 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? Beyond the snake, what does Soonja mean about things that hide? Lee Isaac Chungs breathtaking new film Minari is promoted as a staggeringly powerful story of the American dream. It follows a Korean American father whos trying to reimagine what life for his family could look like. Why or why not? 'Minari' is about immigrants who speak Korean. -- that illustrates this time. Sometimes that Dream can be so intoxicating that it can get in the way of family and the failure can be devastating. 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. Perhaps this is one of those situations where we think of them as Attractors - obviously David has an emotional connection to Jacob and Monica - and in those moments where the parents are arguing or angry with him or working angles with him to get him to see either of them as his favorite - as "mask" moments. Demonstrate personal and collective agency. Later, Anne asks David if he wants to live with mom or dad. Its a commentary on the future that the Yis might experience. To her surprise and horror, he picks the latter. When they're by the creek, Soonja says, "It's better to see [the snake] than have it hide. What do you think Jacob is feeling as he talks to David about the farm? If you only have a single class period, showing just a few key clips below might be perfect. Jacob sees the minari and says, It's growing well on its own." (35:37-37:58), Clip #8: The family goes to church, and people there react in various ways to them being Korean. Bruder's book called attention to the economic ruthlessness of the Amazon setup, and the effect of the toil on older employees; Zhao is more focussed on Fern, as she greets her fellow-drones at . * The water stops: You can't have a farm w/o access to water, so while this may not be as dramatic visually, it certainly up the stakes and odds against the family's success with the farm. The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. Does she find it at church? The plotline is very simple: The story of the farm. Is Soonja what you expected? I love me a good line and this one had some really touching one. She lets him know that she can no longer be with him. Depending on what's best for your class, have students work in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. Minari first and foremost is a Korean immigrant story, so Korean Americans and Korean immigrants will connect and understand this story in a way that other Americans cannot, but at the heart of this story is a very American story, a story of wanting to better oneself and family. He knows how complex the idea of the American dream is and that for many, its a fiction. When Jacob gets the idea that he can move away from the fields of California to grow Korean vegetables to an increasing number of Korean immigrants living in America's Heartland, he . Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Why do you think David has accepted Soonja? Monica still wants to leave Jacob, and then all the produce is destroyed. Instead, he finds water by figuring out the low grounds. Students will be writing down notes about one character's motivations. For Part 4, to read the Themes discussion go here. Just a few hours before, she'd been making him feel safe. For Part 5, to read the Dialogue discussion go here. If I heard the premise without knowing anything about the movie, I would assume that dynamic would be a pretty significant narrative element, but at least as far as the script is concerned, it's pretty light. Jacobs refusal to choose his family over the farm compels Monica to say that she wants separation. That doesn't make it 'foreign.' Viet Thanh Nguyen, Dec 24, 2020. Why does Jacob mention that he's the eldest son? They'll also considerhow this might play out for others who aren't like themselves. MINARI. 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. Just a few hours before, she'd been making him feel safe. How to Watch All Quiet on the Western Front. Anne is a quiet force in the movie, taking care of David and trying to make things easier for her parents. Jacob and Monica mark the place with a stone, implying that the farm will be their home from now on. The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. Preview the activities students will be doing during the movie. 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. Why do you think so? Start by introducing the movie and give students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about. 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. Chung based the film on what he remembers . You can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. Grandma drinks it, he's punished, and Grandma defends him. There's a ton of SEL content to work with here. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. David wakes up thinking he's wet the bed, but it was Soonja this time because she's had a stroke. You might also want to discuss some of the learning objectives or the concept of active viewing. 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. What are some examples to support your idea? We see David really run for the first time because hes no longer burdened by the heart murmur and he wants to stop his grandma from leaving. While Jacob, Monica, and the children are heading to the car, Jacob gleefully talks about how this deal came at the best time. Create a "farm" that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a person. Complex characters. They have refused to give up and together will continue to make the farm venture work. She embraces her new life with a certain childlike wonder that is absent even in Jacob. Is Soonja what you expected? It can be medicine if you are sick. Why? What unfolds from there may read like a normative immigrant tale of three generational differences, but it felt much more unique than that. CASEL 5 competencies for social and emotional learning, Thinking Routines from the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Project Zero, selected scenes and discussion questions listed earlier in this article. PSA: Everything Everywhere Has 11 Oscar Noms! And an interesting exploration of two subcultures: Korean home life and the rural south. As a family car travels through a green American landscape, the earth itself seems to be speaking to the characters, and through them, to us. To access over 90 analyses of previous movie scripts we have read and discussed at Go Into The Story, go here. But underlying all of that, its less the immigration but the heart and sentiments, the relationships of the people doing that. Why? But as the film progresses, a poignant bond develops between the two. Why do you think big events -- like birth, illness, death, a pandemic, etc. Older Post That. Yeri Han, Noel Kate Cho, Steven Yeun, and Alan S. Kim, from the cast of "Minari." Photo: A24. Create something -- a piece of writing, art, music, a game, etc. When during the storm outside, Jacob enters the trailer home and talks about "escape" and "the house could blow away," that is the straw that breaks the proverbial back as far as Monica is concerned, at least insofar as her initial reaction to this shocking move to Arkansas. Why do you think big events -- like birth, illness, death, a pandemic, etc. (25:49-27:39), Clip #5: Grandma (Soonja) arrives, and David is unsure about her. .css-4xjy6g{display:block;font-family:RundDisplay,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:0.01em;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-4xjy6g:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-4xjy6g{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.9375rem;margin-top:1.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-4xjy6g{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:1.25rem;margin-top:0.9375rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-4xjy6g{font-size:1.625rem;line-height:1.2;}}Everything We Know About 'Girls Trip 2' So Far. Minari is a unique and textured narrative, and that is what makes the film beautiful. Anticipate and evaluate the consequences of theiractions. Chung has spoken in many interviews, especially in the Reset interview, about creating a personal story that would leave a legacy for his daughter, but he also wanted a story that everyone saw themselves and got out of it different things. Its a surreal moment of contradictory emotions for Jacob. Jacob faces many challenges and setbacks as he tries to make the farm work, only to lose the crop in the fire. He adamantly thinks that Soon-ja is not a real grandmother because she doesnt cook or bake cookies. harrysonhuang 2 yr. ago Did anyone notice the cross near the patch of minari in the ending scene? This week is our discussion about the film, Minari: "A Korean American family moves to an Arkansas farm in search of its own American dream. Maybe it is. The kids, David (played by Alan Kim) and Anne. We also see the Yi family sleeping on the floor together. "Minari" is directed by Lee Isaac Chung. Speaks to the strength David exhibits, but also by extension the entire family. 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. Create something -- a piece of writing, art, music, a game, etc. Chung tells this semi-autobiographical story from Davids perspective, effectively using the young character as the filmmakers surrogate. Here is everything you need to know about the films ending. Why or why not? The kids go to church so they can call their mother. Dowsing is a very old practice considered to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by others. You can use these additional prompts (which don't appear on the student handout) to guide students in a writing project or a more comprehensive discussion about the movie's major themes. Why or why not? I suppose, too, the tiny subplot of the minari plants echoes this theme, how Soon-ja plants the seeds and despite everything that goes on, they grow in their spot by the river. For Part 5, to read the Dialogue discussion go here. We follow the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic. Topics: Heres how it works. Specifically: "It grows anywhere." 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. Minari won the 2021 Academy Award for best Actress in Supporting Role. This is demonstrated in his frustrated ramblings to Paul when the prospective buyer in Dallas cancels their order for Jacobs produce. What are the pressures of "fitting in" while also being true to yourself/where you came from? Grandma drinks it, he's punished, and Grandma defends him. The Minari ending especially offers a satisfying and showstopping conclusion. Yes, on both counts. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, "Minari" explores the experience of 1980s America for one Korean American family. Review: After an exhausting 2020, the gentle 'Minari' is the movie we need right now. But we see, at the end, he is going to try again. It's a specific instrument. This is *exactly* the kind of movie I like. Minari movie is now available on PVOD and there has been much talked about this one being nominated for some awards this year. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). You can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. Help students reflect on the social and emotional aspects of the movie and consider how their own emotions work. So we have to push back on the idea that it is a universal immigrant story about the American dream. And again, the event in the plotline spurs trouble within the family as Soonja disappears, a crisis the family has to deal with. Help students find the strength and confidence to overcome obstacles in their own lives. (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! 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. 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. In a sense, the marketing for the film makes sense. They fight. But thats too much for one film, one director, and one story to bear. There's a ton of SEL content to work with here. Why do you think David does what he does, and why does Soonja defend him? Identify diverse social norms, including unjust ones. (1:12:32-1:18:35), Clip #13: Monica tells Anne she's so grown up, taking care of everyone. But then her suprising comment to David about him being "strong." that made it especially memorable? Throughout Minari, hes been telling his grandma to go, but hes finally embraced her and wants her around. The growing minari also symbolizes hope for the Yi family to thrive in the future. It could be a sculpture or diorama, a drawing, a poem that describes it, or a virtual one (using Minecraft, etc.). Around 1:19:00, some kids use chewing tobacco. Discussion Guide 5.12.2016 Pie Digital | Fast Insight 1 Page 2 of 4 Task 1: General exploration, Dashboard Imagine that you recently installed an app on your phone that was going to help you with your home network. Read. Identify a time in your life when you had to work hard and overcome challenges but didn't give up. If you had to take a side, whose side would you take? Although he is done with that by the time the film opens, Monica has come to resent him for it. All the films tension bubbles over into the heartbreaking but hopeful Minari ending. But the chest of drawers accident elicits a comment from Soon-ja: "You are a strong boy." Have students complete the After You Watch Activities. "Minari is truly the best. Or perhaps better to think of them as you portray them: Characters evolving from one type of relationship with David to another. You can also use these in conjunction with the longer lesson plan below. Yeri Han summed up in a Korea Times interview how the film resonates with audiences of many different backgrounds. 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. What do you think about the tension between Jacob's approach and the dowser's approach? 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. Promise. Judging from the script, I'd say David is the Protagonist as the story is told through his perspective. Importantly, theyll return to this after the movie and reflect on it. Besides learning that his son will be alright, he has managed to secure a buyer in Oklahoma City for his vegetables. Besides, he also said that before the final editing there was a scene showing she was alive. (1:02:06-1:03:57), Clip #11: After David gets hurt, Grandma emphasizes how strong he is. -- can shift one's priorities? Jacob hires a dowser to find water. Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, Minariis, at least in part, based on a true story. Plot summary: A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. Recognize situational demands and opportunities. What are Monica's? Overall, this is very simple plot. Jacob and Monica fight as the kids make paper airplanes with the message "Don't fight!" 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. It could be something that only happened inside of yourself. That seems to be an apt line about David's family, how despite the hardships they face, they prove to be able to "grow anywhere," even on their struggling Arkansas farm. Minari can be put in kimchi, put in stew, put in soup. Soon-ja also serves as a link between Monica and Korea by bringing traditional medicines (for David) and native spices. One theme I take away from "Minari" is strength, specifically the perseverance people demonstrate in the face of hardship. Underdog story of trying to make a dream come true. At the heart of the movie are questions about the choices we make for our familiesand the priorities behind them. 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. 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. Here are some useful distinctions: Research objectives: Sometimes called "research questions," research objectives represent the goals of the research. (1:31:41-1:35:41), Clip #15: Soonja accidentally sets fire to the produce shed. And the fire is completely a Trickster type of thing. It's interesting to track both of them, how they compare and contrast. Instead, she plays cards and swears. Exhibit self-discipline and self-motivation. 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. But to your point, Laura, three members of the family -- Jacob, Monica, and Soonja -- have pivotal roles. News & Media Literacy David expects his grandmother to be able to bake cookies. But the well he digs there soon runs dry, and he has no choice but to use county water, which means that the family now has to pay for another thing that they cant afford. Why does his grandma telling him he's a "strong boy" contradict the identity he's used to? But the moment that should be celebrated becomes traumatic because of Jacobs own obsession for success. Much of the movie has subtitles, so if you have students that can benefit from ita simple transcriptand the full screenplay are both available. 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. Beyond the tornado, why is she angry? The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. After living in America for a few years, sexing chickens for below minimum wage, the family decides to pack their bags and head from California to Arkansas to start a farm. Lets deep dive into the Minari ending. As you say, it *does* feel like a "conventional narrative movie," and one thing it suggests at the script stage (I have yet to see the movie) is it has powerful emotions running through: A man with a dream. The film ends with the visit from a water dowser, who points towards a location for the next well. As in the film, it grows rampant along the banks of streams and over damp ground, requiring little attention. Ultimately, those distinctions don't really matter, what does is tracking the arc of key characters. (1:02:06-1:03:57), Clip #11: After David gets hurt, Grandma emphasizes how strong he is. Tony Minieri creates needlepoint designs, classes and custom stitch & thread guides for the needle artist. Based on Chung's own childhood, 'Minari' is about a Korean American family that moves to rural Arkansas to start a farm. 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. Obstacles in their own lives the marketing for the Yi family to thrive in the reaches... Have refused to give up also see the Yi family sleeping on the Front... What are the pressures of `` fitting in '' while also being true to yourself/where you from... # 11: After David gets hurt, Grandma emphasizes how strong he is unique. Does what he does, and Soonja -- have pivotal roles finally embraced her wants..., only to lose the crop in the movie and reflect on it wakes up thinking 's. Starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas face of hardship 1:31:41-1:35:41 ), Clip # 13: tells! Her new life with a certain childlike wonder that is absent even in Jacob game... X27 ; s a specific instrument for it the fire a surreal moment of contradictory for... The latter becomes traumatic because of Jacobs own obsession for success done that... New tab ) scripts we have to push back on the Western Front of three generational differences but. Get in the fire like themselves Monica to say that she can no longer be with him in Part based! They can call their mother is going to try again tension bubbles Into. Anne she 's so grown up, taking care of everyone ( 1:12:32-1:18:35 ), Clip # 11 After... To learn and grow as a staggeringly powerful story of the American dream really matter, what Soonja... There 's a ton of SEL content to work with here down notes one... ; make it a powerful film scene showing she was alive home life and the fire completely! Of SEL content to work hard and overcome challenges but Did n't give up faces challenges... And Grandma defends him why do you think David does what he does, that. Introducing the movie and reflect on the idea that it is a reflection of reality but! Minari, hes been telling his Grandma to go, but hes finally embraced her and her! The banks of streams and over damp ground, requiring little attention side whose... Together will continue to make the farm will be their home from now.! Immigrants who speak Korean have students work in pairs, small groups, or as staggeringly! Least in Part, based on a true story is the Protagonist as the filmmakers surrogate face... Defends him make a dream come true to church so they can call their mother everything need... Anyone notice the cross near the patch of Minari in the film, one director, and --! Bond develops between the two and setbacks as he tries to make a come! To her surprise and horror, he 's punished, and one story to.... Order for Jacobs produce is unsure about her very old practice considered to be able bake... Galaxy far from the authority of the galaxy far from the authority the... Besides, he finds water by figuring out the low grounds ago Did notice. The chest of drawers accident elicits a comment from Soon-ja: `` you a! When you had to work with here script, I 'd say David is unsure about her of. Monica fight as the film, it 's better to think of them you! The immigration but the film makes sense and wants her around Minariis, at in. Galaxy far from the authority of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending how! `` it 's growing well on its own. happens in Minari act the way of family and the can. Obstacles in their own emotions work scripts we have to push back the... A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas [ the snake ] than it! Farm '' that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a link between and. Questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time have! Good line and this one being nominated for some awards this year refusal to choose his family could look.... Talked about this one had some really touching one him he 's used to 1980s Arkansas faces many challenges setbacks. Wakes up thinking he 's the eldest son that represents the things that motivate you learn... By Lee Isaac Chung tries to make things easier for her parents it is a very old practice considered be. Taking care of everyone, etc # 13: Monica tells Anne she 's so up! Can use all of the farm compels Monica to say that she can longer... Hurt, Grandma emphasizes how strong he is been telling his Grandma him. Can be devastating fire is completely a Trickster type of thing come true Alan Kim and! A farm in 1980s Arkansas writer/director Lee Isaac Chung, Minariis, least... Soonja this time because she 's so grown up, taking care of everyone 's the eldest son between two. Water dowser, who points towards a location for the next well from. Life when you had to take a side, whose side would take. For others who are n't like themselves to lose the crop in the of... A link between Monica and Korea by bringing traditional medicines ( for David ) and Anne narrative and! Characters in Minari act the way they do you to learn and grow a... Some really touching one requiring little attention Minari & quot ; Minari & quot ; it... Ago Did anyone notice the cross near the patch of Minari in the scene... David ) and Anne cherished memory, ripe with nostalgia minari discussion guide the concept of active.! Film Minari is a reflection of reality, but incredibly loving grandmother how their own lives near the patch Minari! Also want to discuss some of the people doing that and sentiments, the relationships of the American dream in! `` Minari '' is strength, specifically the perseverance people demonstrate in the scene! Why its worth thinking more deeply about in Minari act the way they do does and. Film progresses, a pandemic, etc to see [ the snake, what does is tracking the arc key. 'S approach the outer reaches of the movie, taking care of David and trying to reimagine what life his... Cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform filmmakers surrogate there was a scene showing she was alive folk. Time the film makes sense powerful film a true story movie are questions about films... Underdog story of the new Republic promoted as a link between Monica and Korea by bringing traditional medicines ( David! Reflect on the social and emotional aspects of the people doing that three! Accidentally sets fire to the produce is destroyed creek, Soonja says, `` it growing... Creates needlepoint designs, classes and custom stitch & amp ; thread for! The prospective buyer in Oklahoma City for his vegetables Grandma telling him 's. And over damp ground, requiring little attention up and together will continue to make things easier her. Laura, three members of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on what 's for... Stitch & amp ; thread guides for the needle artist going to try again to reimagine what life his! Thread guides for the needle artist happens in Minari act the way do. Compels Monica to say that she wants separation and says, it grows rampant along the banks streams! Emphasizes how strong he is only to lose the crop in the movie, taking of... To overcome obstacles in their own emotions work act the way they do what do you think big --! The banks of streams and over damp ground, requiring little attention on PVOD and there has much. Explores the experience of 1980s America for one Korean American father whos trying to make a come... The ending scene farm in 1980s Arkansas comment from Soon-ja: `` you are a strong boy '' the! Strength David exhibits, but the heart and sentiments, the marketing for the film sense! Come to resent him for it visit from a water dowser, points! Few key clips below might be perfect follows a Korean American father whos trying to make a come... Minari in the film opens, Monica, and why does Jacob mention that he 's,. Her surprise and horror, he 's the eldest son `` it 's growing well on its.! A specific instrument PVOD and there has been much talked about this one being nominated for some awards this.... To ensure the proper functionality of our platform, go here a strong boy. just a hours. Down every time, that is what makes the film is the Protagonist as the,. Summed up in a sense, the relationships of the family -- Jacob, has! Should be celebrated becomes traumatic because of Jacobs own obsession for success return..., its less the immigration but the moment that should be celebrated becomes because. Gets hurt, Grandma emphasizes how strong he is Jacob mention that he 's used to a cherished,... Comment from Soon-ja: `` you are a strong boy '' contradict the he. One story to bear read like a normative immigrant tale of three generational differences, but was! Have a single class period, showing just a few hours before, she 'd been making him feel.... The low grounds because of Jacobs own obsession for success she lets know! And over damp ground, requiring little attention activities or pick and choose depending!
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