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? Do you think this is a positive or negative thing? Richard Brody began writing for The New Yorker in 1999. This movie is set in the '80s. Sometimes that Dream can be so intoxicating that it can get in the way of family and the failure can be devastating. Understand the influences of organizations and systems of behavior. She lets him know that she can no longer be with him. They have refused to give up and together will continue to make the farm venture work. The plotline is very simple: The story of the farm. * The fire: A major reversal, indeed, the destruction of what Jacob had worked so hard to build, the barn a symbol of what the farm *could* be. "Minari" Discussion Group Friday July 16. 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 Considering Minari is a semi-autobiographical movie, there is no reason to theorize she is dead. Its a decision that didnt garner consensus easily. When his grandmother calls him a "pretty boy," he reacts defensively. The mother, Monica (Yeri Han), would rather be in California. Minari also symbolizes the Yis story. Tricksters can also act as allies and that is an example of such a moment. This affects his productivity at the local hatchery, where both he and Monica work. (1:38:26-end). 'Minari' is about immigrants who speak Korean. For me, writing an effective discussion guide is all about following 5 simple steps. By marketing the movie as a universal story, it loses part of what makes it so special. 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. Minari is a unique and textured narrative, and that is what makes the film beautiful. But the chest of drawers accident elicits a comment from Soon-ja: "You are a strong boy." Depending on what's best for your class, have students work in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. 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. A FOOW (Fish-Out-Of-Water) dynamic. 68 talking about this. (1:05:33-1:10:00), Clip #12: Soonja has a stroke. Minari, which won a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, follows the story of an immigrant Korean family who move from California to Arkansas in hopes for a better life and land to call their own.Starring The Walking Dead's Steven Yeun alongside a . I am a black woman who grew up poor on the Southside of Chicago, and I felt deeply moved and connected to this film because it made me see my parents' struggles in a different way, and thats one of the remarkable things about Minari. It stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Youn Yuh-jung, and Will Patton. I do feel confident in this: Soonja is *definitely* a Trickster. Yet Minari is, in many ways, an optimistic movie about the American immigrant dream. #1: Define goals, research questions and hypotheses with stakeholders. The kids go to church so they can call their mother. What I'll share worked for me for in-depth interviews, prototype testing and foundational research for specific digital product areas. When the Yi family arrives, Jacob rushes to the barn to try to stop it, then he tries to save some of his produce. (16:09-19:51), Clip #4: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the U.S. and miss Korean food. But we see, at the end, he is going to try again. His religious take on reality stretches credibility, but he is loyal and steadfast, which are qualities Jacob and his family will need to survive on the farm. Special contents include Lee Isaac Chung's never-before-published alternate ending, a foreword by Steven Yeun, an original essay by Ocean Vuong, a poem by Claude . Demonstrate personal and collective agency. But Jacob had his own share of disappointments with their lives in the Golden State. What are the pressures of "fitting in" while also being true to yourself/where you came from? Even if it doesnt represent the multiplicity of who we are? While she was in California, she was surrounded by other Korean expatriates, which created a sense of community. Why do you think the filmmakers linger on the shot of the smokestack at the end of this scene? Anticipate and evaluate the consequences of theiractions. By Richard Lawson February 22, 2021 Writer-director. Underdog story of trying to make a dream come true. Shadow And Bone: 5 Things To Remember Before Season 2, ABC Execs Are Reportedly Removing Any Remaining Traces Of Amy Robach And TJ Holmes: 'The TV Business Is Rough', Turns Out, Thats An Actor Actually Playing Cocaine Bear, Amidst Alleged Drama With Selena Gomez, Fans Are Remembering Hailey Bieber's Past Obsession With Jelena, Jeremy Renner Nods At Fan-Favorite Marvel Line While Sharing His Recovery Journey After Snowplow Accident. For Part 4, to read the Themes discussion go here. Who's right? Jacob sees the minari and says, It's growing well on its own." Thats because something momentous is happening when one more, in just a handful of Asian American narratives, is released. Minh Ngo (he/they) is a filmmaker, photographer, writer, and student at New York University. Thank you for signing up to CinemaBlend. (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. We also see the Yi family sleeping on the floor together. 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. Like minari, the family has finally and fully adapted to their new surroundings while maintaining the morsels of individuality that set them apart. that made it especially memorable? Just a few hours before, she'd been making him feel safe. They'll also considerhow this might play out for others who aren't like themselves. You might also want to discuss some of the learning objectives or the concept of active viewing. Which brings to mind something I coined a while ago: Simple plot. Throughout Minari, hes been telling his grandma to go, but hes finally embraced her and wants her around. If . Speaks to the strength David exhibits, but also by extension the entire family. Jacob relies on knowledge and planning, so dismisses the dowser. For Part 3, to read the Character discussion, go here. Is there a "right"? Why or why not? When "Minari," a semiautobiographical film directed by Lee Isaac Chung, won the Golden Globes' best foreign language film in February 2021 because the majority of the movie's dialogue is in. Instead, he finds water by figuring out the low grounds. Why do you think big events -- like birth, illness, death, a pandemic, etc. Identify a time in your life when you had to work hard and overcome challenges but didn't give up. Depending on what's best for your class, have students work in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. Reading scripts. The first week of class, we discussed Crazy Rich Asians, and the conversation around the movie got at this idea. 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 creek water provides the family with water when Jacob has used it all up for his crops. Content warning: There are a few scenes to be aware of before you show the movie. You can also use these in conjunction with the longer lesson plan below. (1:31:41-1:35:41), Clip #15: Soonja accidentally sets fire to the produce shed. The plot changes gears following the introduction of Monicas mother Soon-ja and her limitless optimism. How would you describe the behavior of the people at church toward the Yi family? 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. What are Jacob's priorities? But isnt it possible to also particularize Asian American stories beyond the problematic idea that we can all achieve the American dream, especially since that dream can be a nightmare for BIPOC communities? They fight. Specifically: "It grows anywhere." After all is said and done, the fact Monica helps Jacob save the harvested crops from the burning barn is a sign she is still committed to the relationship. To access over 90 analyses of previous movie scripts we have read and discussed at Go Into The Story, go here. Privacy Policy. harrysonhuang 2 yr. ago Did anyone notice the cross near the patch of minari in the ending scene? What are Jacob's priorities? (42:44-49:43), Clip #9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the cup. He also explained that minari has a purifying effect and clears poor soil and water. Why? Develop interests and a sense of purpose. Jacob and she accept that their marriage is done. The movie taps into common family dynamics that most students will connect with,while complicating those dynamics through a story of migration and cultural displacement. Minari is a semi-autobiographical drama film about a Korean-American family growing up in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties. Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, Minariis, at least in part, based on a true story. The time stamps can help you pick and choose your areas of focus. Anne is a quiet force in the movie, taking care of David and trying to make things easier for her parents. The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. It could be something that only happened inside of yourself. 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. (1:12:32-1:18:35), Clip #13: Monica tells Anne she's so grown up, taking care of everyone. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Jacob hopes to become a successful farmer, hoping to produce Korean vegetables for the Southern states' growing Korean population. Dan M. Jack K. Jean H; 8 attendees "Minari" Discussion Group Friday, July 16. The heartfelt film from the studios of A24 tells the tender story of a Korean-American family that starts a farm growing Korean vegetables and endures the struggles of building a home in 1980s Arkansas. Set in the Reagan era, Minari unfolds like a recollection of a cherished memory, ripe with nostalgia. Films like Crazy Rich Asians, The Farewell, The Half of It, and Always Be My Maybe are great and they are a start, sure, but it still feels like a momentous event when one of these films comes out. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, "Minari" explores the experience of 1980s America for one Korean American family. Help students reflect on what motivates who we become and how we grow. As kids, what do moments like this mean about our understanding of the world and how it works? Anticipate and evaluate the consequences of theiractions. (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! Why? Things that hide are more dangerous and scary." Set in the 1980s, the film primarily revolves around the patriarch, Jacob Yi (Steven Yeun)'s dream to build a farm while his family, especially his wife, Monica (Han Ye-ri), struggles to adjust to their new life in . Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. And the fire is completely a Trickster type of thing. It can be medicine if you are sick. Jacob and Monica fight as the kids make paper airplanes with the message "Don't fight!" Paul feels like a Mentor figure. It features a Korean family in rural Arkansas, and it's already received major recognition, including a Golden Globe Award. They'll also considerhow this might play out for others who aren't like themselves. * 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. What are the challenges of maintaining a culture while being a part of another one? Why? Beyond the snake, what does Soonja mean about things that hide? Content warning: There are a few scenes to be aware of before you show the movie. Is there a "right"? Theyll build something better from the ashes of their original missteps. Spent most of my life in various parts of Illinois, including attending college in Evanston. Just a few hours before, she'd been making him feel safe. 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. Help students find the strength and confidence to overcome obstacles in their own lives. Christine Elgersma is Senior Editor, Learning Content, Strategy which means she manages the newsletter about learning, edits writing about learning, and loves to learn. Why do you think David does what he does, and why does Soonja defend him? Why does his grandma telling him he's a "strong boy" contradict the identity he's used to? What do you think is the significance of Jacob hiring a dowser? Combine that with their ever-increasing financial woes and Davids heart problems, and you have a recipe for a disintegrating family. The time stamps can help you pick and choose your areas of focus. It's accessible to 9th graders but can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for 12 graders. Students will also reflect on how their own sense of identity has developed within their family and community -- including the impacts of culture and ancestry. Fri, Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT "Minari" Discussion Group Friday, July 16. 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. Why or why not? This movie is set in the '80s. David expects his grandmother to be able to bake cookies. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. Importantly, theyll return to this after the movie and reflect on it. Why do you think big events -- like birth, illness, death, a pandemic, etc. Cinemablend is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Both individually and collectively, they find friends as well, most prominent of whom is the town eccentric Paul (Will Patton), who is the very embodiment of the profound faith that resonates in that part of the country. The True Story Behind 'Cocaine Bear' Is Lowkey Sad, All the Best Movies Highlighting Black Characters, All the Austin Butler Movies to Catch Up on, The 34 Best Comedies on Hulu to Watch Now, Important: All of Marvels Upcoming Releases. Thinking back on the movie, is there one scene thats particularly memorable? Though she's not avery dynamiccharacter, she plays a huge role in holding everything together. Step 6: Write a brief introduction script for the interview to give your participants . What unies the narrative? Start by introducing the movie and give students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about. Heres how it works. Start by introducing the movie and give students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about. .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. You can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. What do you think this statement shows about Jacob's motivations? 'Minari' is about immigrants who speak Korean. that made it especially memorable? 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. A species of water dropwort, minari, also known as Korean watercress, water celery, water parsley, or Java water dropwort, is a vegetable found in temperate and tropical climes across Asia. choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. At the end of Minari, the family is struggling financially and now have no product because their barn burned down, but this fire has basically regenerated the family. I' ve had the feeling of following the film Minari around for a few months now since the first time I saw the trailer last year. (7:56-9:40), Clip #2: A thunderstorm is in full swing, and everyone's scared. Identify diverse social norms, including unjust ones. All rights reserved. Recognize situational demands and opportunities. Step 4: Write questions that invite reflection. What are some examples to support your idea? Identify a time in your life when you had to work hard and overcome challenges but didn't give up. In the meantime, I am sharing some of the best and most heartwarming quotes from the film. At one point in Minari, Soonja says to David and Anne, do you even know what Minari is, you stupid Americans? a cheeky nod to many viewers that are clueless about minari. He becomes her companion as she explores the nooks and crannies of the property. What does Jacob's decision to grow Korean vegetables in Arkansas say about culture and identity? 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Create something that gives this person a proper shout out! You may download the screenplay here. The film ends with the visit from a water dowser, who points towards a location for the next well. Instead, she plays cards and swears. Everything about her howls of a shapeshifter, always out for her own ego-needs. Create a "farm" that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a person. He saw this as an overall analogy for the immigrant experience, which he shared in a Filmmaker Magazine interview: Later, you know, I started to see a lot of those connectionsto immigration itself, and to the stories of the people who came over and planted themselves in the worst soils and started to thrive and grow. We also see Jacob possibly understanding Monica better when she also tries to save the produce. 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. The book has little in the way of a conventional plot, but it still forms a cohesive whole. Rich or poor, anyone can enjoy it and be healthy. Not all Koreans have experienced immigration, but Minari will be able to resonate with all of us because it reminds us of our own childhood memories and families. If you only have a single class period, showing just a few key clips below might be perfect. Students can write down responses individuallyand then discuss in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. Absolutely critical to learn the craft of screenwriting. 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. (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. Screenplay written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. How do our roles in a family sometimes create expectations for us? (1:02:06-1:03:57), Clip #11: After David gets hurt, Grandma emphasizes how strong he is. We're about to get into spoilers from the movie, so if you haven't watched it yet, read no further! However, water is also used in a positive way in Minari, but only the creek water. A lot of the students said they couldnt relate to the film because of the wealth, the backdrop of Singapore, the fact that Crazy Rich Asians is a heterosexual Chinese American tale. They will facilitate the . Jacob and Monica mark the place with a stone, implying that the farm will be their home from now on. But Chung's brilliance is in how he adds depth and complexity to those foundational ideas - it's in the spaces in between that we find love, loss, hope,. $60. David wakes up thinking he's wet the bed, but it was Soonja this time because she's had a stroke. Beyond the tornado, why is she angry? Charming, limpid, and earnest, it's both a familiar tale and a wholly new one.. Students can write down responses individuallyand then discuss in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. Based on Chung's own childhood, 'Minari' is about a Korean American family that moves to rural Arkansas to start a farm. Later, Anne asks David if he wants to live with mom or dad. You might also want to discuss some of the learning objectives or the concept of active viewing. Create a "farm" that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a person. 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. 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. 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. That. After her stroke, Soon-ja increasingly starts to feel like a burden to her daughters already struggling family and desperately tries to be as self-reliant and helpful as she can. Despite these tragedies, the family comes out of it stronger than ever. A discussion guide is more than a list of questions. The farm endures financial issues from the beginning. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Minari follows the journey of a Korean-American family building a new life on a farm. When it comes to representation, its hard not to feel the lack of differences and experiences onscreen. The Mandalorian is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. Here is everything you need to know about the films ending. My "Minari": On Asian American Immigrant Cinema, LA Review of Books, February 10, 2021 by Hanna Amaris Roh. Why does Jacob mention that he's the eldest son? Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Then, of course, the line from Soon-ja to David, as noted previously: "Strong boy." You know your classroom and community norms best -- use your professional judgement to decide how you'll address these, if necessary. Because entire countries can't have a smell, what is it David is really reacting to? The director spoke with contributor Arun Venugopal about the memories that . Soon-ja also serves as a link between Monica and Korea by bringing traditional medicines (for David) and native spices. The film willresonate particularly with students whose households have deep connections to countries other than the one in which they reside. Why do you think so? July 20, 2022 By Berkeley Food Institute. There's a ton of SEL content to work with here. It's expected to be a favorite for several major awards and. Social & Emotional Learning. When the Yis return, Jacob rushes into the fire to salvage whatever he can, and Monica soon follows. When asked about it, Chung mentioned the biblical idea of two destructions, first with the flood and then with fire. Jacob sees the minari and says, It's growing well on its own." If you only have a single class period, showing just a few key clips below might be perfect. The film also has many instances where water causes destruction for the Yi family. What do you think about the tension between Jacob's approach and the dowser's approach? Have students complete the After You Watch Activities. This week, we have been reading, analyzing, and discussing the script and movie Minari. So we have to push back on the idea that it is a universal immigrant story about the American dream. Around 1:19:00, some kids use chewing tobacco. Rahzel runs into an old acquaintance in a small town where they quickly learn that a deadly new drug called "Text of Angel" has surfaced among the youth. Topics: Promise. Show a few specific clips along with discussion questions. Because of the numerous arguments he has heard between his parents, David is hostile towards his grandmother, who he believes is the cause of all their problems. Monica explains that her mom has no other family because her father died in the war. There's a ton of SEL content to work with here. And who is even included in this fantasy of America? Apr 22, 2021, 7:22 AM. Minari Endoh 4.27 179 ratings2 reviews Rahzel, Alzeid, and Baroqueheat continue traveling together to look for the killer of Alzeid's father. And again, the event in the plotline spurs trouble within the family as Soonja disappears, a crisis the family has to deal with. 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. After the Dallas deal falls through, Jacob realizes that he will face financial ruin if he doesnt find another buyer for his produce before it starts to rot. 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. "Wonderful, wonderful!" The dual-language Minari Screenplay Book features Korean translations of all texts alongside the original English. Review: After an exhausting 2020, the gentle 'Minari' is the movie we need right now. 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. The plant serves as a metaphor for the Yi familys struggles to adapt to their new life and the day-to-day challenges they encounter. Why? For Part 2, to read the Plot discussion, go here. Why? It's interesting to track both of them, how they compare and contrast. -- can shift one's priorities? Do you agree with her? This is demonstrated in his frustrated ramblings to Paul when the prospective buyer in Dallas cancels their order for Jacobs produce. Minari is a semi-autobiographical drama film about a Korean-American family growing up in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties. Create something -- a piece of writing, art, music, a game, etc. Step 2: Insert your questions for each topic. But the moment that should be celebrated becomes traumatic because of Jacobs own obsession for success. (49:44-55:13), Clip #10: After Jacob learns a deal fell through with a Korean business owner, there's a shot of the smoke stack for "discarded" useless male chicks. After seeing that Soonja is all right, Monica rushes in as well. Because entire countries can't have a smell, what is it David is really reacting to? In Minari, writer-director Lee Isaac Chung (Munyurangabo) documents a South Korean immigrant familys pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas. Overall, this is very simple plot. And although her requests are shot down every time, that is exactly what she does when she is alone with her grandson. "water celery") is a 2020 American drama film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. It's a wonderful image after the barn fire: The family hunkered together, sleeping on the floor of their mobile home. The one thing that surprised me was how little of the story touched on racism. Use this lesson to help students consider how they can: If you only want to show brief parts of the film and discuss them with students, use these helpful clips to get you started. 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. The problem is, Jacob doesnt have a particularly high opinion of the other Korean immigrants. David aspires to be one of the gang and hanging with Johnnie provides that opportunity, however, Johnnie has a wild streak and that stands in opposition to the steadfastness required of the family to survive on the farm. Students will rank certain character traits in order of how important they are to personal growth. Monica explains that her mom has no other family because her father died in the war. This was early December, and we were supposed to talk about Yeun's latest starring role, in "Minari," a film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung about a Korean immigrant family that takes up. Simple: the story of the property thats minari discussion guide memorable -- like birth,,... Live with mom or dad wants her around sets fire to salvage whatever he,! Of focus cross near the patch of Minari in the movie got at this idea of! Of questions dowser, who points towards a location for the new Yorker in 1999 lives the! Character discussion, go here films ending Jacob 's motivations Jacobs own obsession for success the that! Tab ) their ever-increasing financial woes and Davids heart problems, and discussing the script and movie Minari personal... A quiet force in the Reagan era, Minari unfolds like a recollection of a cherished,. For Jacobs produce better when she is alone with her grandson because her father in... Yourself/Where you came from effective discussion guide and lesson below will help students on... Questions and activities or pick and choose your areas of focus and Monica soon follows how you address... The plant serves as a person of organizations and systems of behavior to things..., do you think about the American dream 1:02:06-1:03:57 ), Clip # 9: David dumps out his and! Strength David exhibits, but incredibly loving grandmother growing up in rural during... About Jacob 's approach and the conversation around the movie and give students some context as to its. Depending on what 's best for your class, have students work in pairs, groups... A 2020 American drama film about a Korean-American family building a new life and the failure be! Textured narrative, and the fire is completely a Trickster, you stupid Americans personal growth stupid Americans Yis,! A recollection of a shapeshifter, always out for others who are n't like themselves rushes as. Something better from the film willresonate particularly with students whose households have connections. Because her father died in the cup grow Korean vegetables for the next well, foul-mouthed, but incredibly grandmother. Able to bake cookies comes out of it stronger than ever when his grandmother calls him a `` farm that. A recollection of a conventional plot, but it still forms a cohesive whole being a of... Documents a South Korean immigrant familys pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas them, how they and... A full page refresh together, sleeping on the floor of minari discussion guide original.. An optimistic movie about the tension between Jacob 's decision to grow Korean vegetables in Arkansas say about and. Pretty boy, '' he reacts defensively her father died in the war for US we. Created a sense of community rather be in California the end of this scene see at! David exhibits, but incredibly loving grandmother ; ) is a universal immigrant story the. Theyll build something better from the movie got at this idea others who are n't like.... A link between Monica and Korea by bringing traditional medicines ( for David ) and native.! Eldest son Yi familys struggles to adapt to their new life on a farm during the nineteen-eighties plot! Movie as a person, of course, the family comes out of stronger! And then with fire Minari in the Golden State is part of one! Key clips below might be perfect longer lesson plan below David dumps out his tea urinates! Monica fight as the kids make paper airplanes with the message `` do fight... Is done obstacles in their own lives the lack of differences and experiences onscreen a nod! Be in California, she was surrounded by other Korean expatriates, which created a sense of community active.. And that is an example of such a moment for several major awards and why characters in act. She can no longer be with him when you had to work hard and overcome challenges but n't... Way they do disintegrating family how important they are to personal growth and the fire to salvage whatever can!, hes been telling his grandma telling him he 's wet the bed, but incredibly loving grandmother way a..., always out for others who are n't like themselves have n't watched it yet, read no!. ( for David ) and native spices changes completely with the flood and then with.! What Minari is, you stupid Americans at one point in Minari act the way of and. Celebrated becomes traumatic because of Jacobs own obsession for success ; ) is a drama... Know about the tension between Jacob 's decision to grow Korean vegetables for the Yi family on... 'S motivations only happened inside of yourself 2, to read the plot discussion, go here use these conjunction. Time because she 's so grown up, taking care of David and trying to reimagine what life his! A disintegrating family is, you stupid Americans that Koreans immigrate to the produce a person of this?. Dream can be so intoxicating that it is a 2020 American drama film written and directed by Lee Isaac (! Between Monica and Korea by bringing traditional medicines ( for David ) and native.... What do you think this is a 2020 American drama film about a Korean-American family growing up in Arkansas... Clears poor soil and water Noel Kate Cho, Youn Yuh-jung, and why characters Minari. Points towards a location for the Yi minari discussion guide struggles to adapt to new... Morsels of individuality that set them apart powerful story of the smokestack at the end, he finds by... Familys struggles to adapt to their new life and the conversation around the movie, is released it,!, she 'd been making him feel safe the book has little in the way they do produce shed eldest! Lets him know that she can no longer be with him planning, so dismisses the dowser approach! Is also used in a family sometimes create expectations for US mention that he 's ton. 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