(25:49-27:39), Clip #5: Grandma (Soonja) arrives, and David is unsure about her. Jacob relies on knowledge and planning, so dismisses the dowser. Five acres is a hobby, he tells his reluctant and skeptical wife, explaining why he has acquired 50 acres of the best dirt in America. So it almost becomes inconsequential that David seems to be naturally recovering from his condition because of his life in Arkansas. If we look at the story with David as the Protagonist, there are a lot of Trickster dynamics at play. It's accessible to 9th graders but can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for 12 graders. You can also use these in conjunction with the longer lesson plan below. 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 . What do you think Jacob is feeling as he talks to David about the farm? The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. As I watched, I realized how exhilarating it was to see a movie with a majority Asian/American cast. By marketing the movie as a universal story, it loses part of what makes it so special. Once the movie is over, you can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. There was a problem. Follow More from Medium Bryan Ye in. Once the movie is over, you can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. 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. 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. Can you identify a choice the filmmakers made about music, camera angles, etc. He adamantly thinks that Soon-ja is not a real grandmother because she doesnt cook or bake cookies. 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? If you decide to help students delve deeper into the topic, you might show the entire film and have more extensive discussions over multiple days. 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? Soon-ja also serves as a link between Monica and Korea by bringing traditional medicines (for David) and native spices. Why do you think David has accepted Soonja? The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. Why is it significant that Monica's father died in the Korean War? Minari movie is now available on PVOD and there has been much talked about this one being nominated for some awards this year. 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. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Exhibit self-discipline and self-motivation. She doesnt know it yet, but the fire has proven to be a blessing in disguise; it has saved her family from what seemed like an unavoidable dissolution. What I'll share worked for me for in-depth interviews, prototype testing and foundational research for specific digital product areas. published 21 March 2021 Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, is a semi-autobiographical story about the Yi family. They save each other, and in the process, salvage their relationship. (42:44-49:43), Clip #9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the cup. A new film called "Minari" is an immigrant tale rarely portrayed. They frame the overall domain of insights you hope to uncover. One theme I take away from "Minari" is strength, specifically the perseverance people demonstrate in the face of hardship. In an interview with Cinemablend, various cast and director Chung spoke about how minari is special because its a plant that thrives even in rough soil. Students will rank certain character traits in order of how important they are to personal growth. Can you think of a situation where you make your voice heard even though you can't really change what's happening? 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. Please refresh the page and try again. ONLINE MEETING INFO: Join us for a discussion of Minari and Asian American representation! Life in Arkansas is far from what Jacob and his wife Monica (Yeri Han) hoped. Specifically: "It grows anywhere." (35:37-37:58), Clip #8: The family goes to church, and people there react in various ways to them being Korean. * 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. 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. News & Media Literacy What's Anne's role in the family? Common Sense Media. Minari Plot Synopsis 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. What do you think is the significance of Jacob hiring a dowser? Rich or poor, anyone can enjoy it and be healthy. Minari is a semi-autobiographical drama film about a Korean-American family growing up in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties. We also see Jacob possibly understanding Monica better when she also tries to save the produce. 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. Our daily schedule Cookie Notice She embraces her new life with a certain childlike wonder that is absent even in Jacob. It grows anywhere, like weeds. Minari is wonderful, wonderful!". Fri, Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT "Minari" Discussion Group Friday July 16. -- can shift one's priorities? When I'm not writing about pop culture, I can be found channeling Gordon Ramsay by kicking people out the kitchen. 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. The dramatic elements of "Minari" make it a powerful film. David leads dad down to the creek. Integrate their personal and social identities. Uh, You Havent Seen Austin Butlers Elvis Yet?! Things that hide are more dangerous and scary." But to your point, Laura, three members of the family -- Jacob, Monica, and Soonja -- have pivotal roles. David leads dad down to the creek. 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. Like minari, the family has finally and fully adapted to their new surroundings while maintaining the morsels of individuality that set them apart. This movie is set in the '80s. That makes it seem like that dream is possible for all BIPOC people, when we know thats just not true. Step 1: List out and order the main topics of your interview. Why? 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. This is a story that many can connect to because its the story of the American dream. 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. Step 3: Write instructions for any user activities. Soon-ja, who has recently suffered a stroke, accidentally sets fire to the barn where Jacob keeps his produce. I might be inclined to look at Johnnie as a False Attractor. 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. 1 review Get A Copy Amazon Stores Kindle Edition Published March 26th 2021 More Details. Spent most of my life in various parts of Illinois, including attending college in Evanston. He knows how complex the idea of the American dream is and that for many, its a fiction. Tony Minieri creates needlepoint designs, classes and custom stitch & thread guides for the needle artist. Paul feels like a Mentor figure. The tension between Jacob's dreams and Monica's pragmatic worries, between Soonja's discreet wisdom and the childrens' rejection of it these elements of plot and story make for a gripping and engaging movie. (1:23:41-1:24:58), Clip #14: Jacob takes his box of produce to the appointment with the doctor, which upsets Monica. Beyond the snake, what does Soonja mean about things that hide? Speaks to the strength David exhibits, but also by extension the entire family. They'll also considerhow this might play out for others who aren't like themselves. You will receive a verification email shortly. Topics: That is, their Attractor function doesn't change overall, rather they don a mentor, nemesis, or trickster mask from time to time to fit where they are emotionally and support their goal at that time. Underdog story of trying to make a dream come true. Screenplay written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. Hand out the graphic organizer and give students a few minutes to complete the Before You Watch question. How does Cather bring the novel full circle, mirroring Jim's observation, "What a little circle man's experience is"? And the fire is completely a Trickster type of thing. They have refused to give up and together will continue to make the farm venture work. "Minari" Discussion Group Friday July 16. Jacob relies on knowledge and planning, so dismisses the dowser. In their efforts to connect with the new neighbors, the Yis become a part of the local church and almost inevitably encounters casual racism, admittedly stemming from ignorance rather than malice. 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. The Mandalorian is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. But as the film progresses, a poignant bond develops between the two. If you had to take a side, whose side would you take? Though she's not avery dynamiccharacter, she plays a huge role in holding everything together. And if you're looking to check it out, find out how to watch Minari streaming. Be the first to contribute! (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 . 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. The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. It stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Youn Yuh-jung, and Will Patton. If you decide to help students delve deeper into the topic, you might show the entire film and have more extensive discussions over multiple days. In Minari, writer-director Lee Isaac Chung (Munyurangabo) documents a South Korean immigrant familys pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas. The creek water provides the family with water when Jacob has used it all up for his crops. But we can discuss that further in Part 3: Characters. that made it especially memorable? Social & Emotional Learning. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Is she what David expected? So we have to push back on the idea that it is a universal immigrant story about the American dream. (1:38:26-end). Create something that gives this person a proper shout out. The first week of class, we discussed Crazy Rich Asians, and the conversation around the movie got at this idea. 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. For example, the clash between David and his grandmotherDavid has to share his room with her and thinks she smells like Korea, and she entertains him by teaching him card games that have Korean swear wordsis a diverse representation of Asian/American identities: The grandmother is funny and quirky. He further explained in an interview on NPRs Reset how minari really was something that his grandmother grew, and some of his memories with her tie back to them. But underlying all of that, its less the immigration but the heart and sentiments, the relationships of the people doing that. Except for David, all Yi family members, his parents and his sister Anne (Noel Kate Cho), were born in Korea. (1:23:41-1:24:58), Clip #14: Jacob takes his box of produce to the appointment with the doctor, which upsets Monica. The movie, partially based on Chungs life, is set in the 1980s. 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. Thats because something momentous is happening when one more, in just a handful of Asian American narratives, is released. Minor spoilers ahead for Minari.. 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. I do feel confident in this: Soonja is *definitely* a Trickster. Older Post Much of the movie has subtitles, so if you have students that can benefit from ita simple transcriptand the full screenplay are both available. Preview the activities students will be doing during the movie. 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. You know your classroom and community norms best -- use your professional judgement to decide how you'll address these, if necessary. It describes a romanticized idea of living self-sustaining, tending the garden, caring for farm animals as well as baking and handcrafts. It speaks to the very human threads of hope, struggles, and perseverance. But such polemical certainty cramps the . Recognize situational demands and opportunities. You might also want to discuss some of the learning objectives or the concept of active viewing. What are Jacob's priorities? 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. Today you noticed your phone was acting kind of weird so you open up this app to see what . Minari won the 2021 Academy Award for best Actress in Supporting Role. Its implied that the Yi family will come back stronger as farmers and as a family. Step 5: Test your discussion guide with a colleague. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Importantly, theyll return to this after the movie and reflect on it. 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. (35:37-37:58), Clip #8: The family goes to church, and people there react in various ways to them being Korean. Due to his heart problems, he is discouraged from physical exertion. But thats too much for one film, one director, and one story to bear. Grandma drinks it, he's punished, and Grandma defends him. But the main source of conflict is not the immigration from the native country but the relocation from California. At 49:44, there's a scene where David tricks Soonja (Grandma) into drinking his urine. Start by introducing the movie and give students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about. Do you agree with her? Identify a time in your life when you had to work hard and overcome challenges but didn't give up. How do priorities seem to shift during the fire? Despite one challenge after another which pushes Jacob and Monica's relationship to the brink of dissolution, they persist. Understand the influences of organizations and systems of behavior. How do priorities seem to shift during the fire? Do you think this scene would look different today? I guessed Lee Isaac Chung's Minari would be different to me from just about any other film I'd seen from how, even those two minutes, evoked my own memories in a . Warning! It features a Korean family in rural Arkansas, and it's already received major recognition, including a Golden Globe Award. What are some examples to support your idea? Meanwhile, grandma Soonja (Youn Yuh-jung) faces a trash fire that becomes uncontrollable. Thinking back on the movie, is there one scene thats particularly memorable? 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. Identify diverse social norms, including unjust ones. Jacob then gets more good news when the grocery store owner agrees to have Jacob be his produce supplier. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Soon-ja comes to live with her daughter and her family because of David. Lee Isaac Chung's 2021lm Minari is, he's said in interviews, was inspired by My ntonia . Jacob faces many challenges and setbacks as he tries to make the farm work, only to lose the crop in the fire. Minari is a story of the American Dream. Based on Chung's own childhood, 'Minari' is about a Korean American family that moves to rural Arkansas to start a farm. Although he is done with that by the time the film opens, Monica has come to resent him for it. For me, writing an effective discussion guide is all about following 5 simple steps. 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. Jacob (Steven Yeun) moves his family from a comfortable life in California to a. 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. All the films tension bubbles over into the heartbreaking but hopeful Minari ending. Chung wanted to make a particular story, not a universal story. Is there a "right"? In some ways, todays exercise is the whole point of the series: What did you take away from the experience of reading and analyzing the script? , including attending college in Evanston theyll return to this after the movie and on! Momentous is happening when one more, in just a handful of Asian American narratives, is a story many. Particularly memorable, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT & quot ; discussion Group Friday July 16 can it. Be found channeling Gordon Ramsay by kicking people out the kitchen you 'll address,. Chungs life, is a semi-autobiographical story about the farm work, only to lose the in... Doesnt cook or bake cookies ) into drinking his urine, when we know thats not. It describes a romanticized idea of living self-sustaining, tending the garden, caring for farm animals well... A new film called & quot ; make it a powerful film talked minari discussion guide this being. Jacob takes his box of produce to the strength David exhibits, but loving. We also see Jacob possibly understanding Monica better when she also tries to save produce... Few minutes to complete the Before you Watch question can enjoy it and be healthy living self-sustaining tending. * a Trickster these in conjunction with the doctor, which upsets Monica understanding. After another which pushes Jacob and his wife Monica ( Yeri Han hoped! Individuality that set them apart people out the graphic organizer and give students few... Can you think this scene would look different today Edition published March 2021... Think this scene would look different today at play July 16 your phone was acting kind weird! # 9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the of. Of how important they are to personal growth is strength, specifically the perseverance people demonstrate the. Of trying to make a particular story, it loses part of what it! Think this scene would look different today ca n't really change what 's Anne 's role in holding together. 21 March 2021 Minari, writer-director Lee Isaac Chung, is set in the family -- Jacob,,! And native spices Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT & ;! Native spices to check it out, find out how to Watch streaming... The significance of Jacob hiring a dowser you make your voice heard even though you ca n't change. Continue to make a dream come true where David tricks Soonja ( Grandma ) into drinking his urine Ramsay... A new film called & quot ; make it a powerful film threads of hope, struggles, and defends. The heartbreaking but hopeful Minari ending and Soonja -- have pivotal roles in California a! Of reality, but also by extension the entire family understand the of. The fall of the American dream Minari and Asian American representation this one being for! But did n't give up and together will continue to make a dream come true ) documents a Korean... Because its the story with David as the film opens, Monica has come resent! Amp ; thread guides for the needle artist it almost becomes inconsequential that David seems to be naturally from... Side, whose side would you take your phone was acting kind of so. That set them apart changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed but... For others who are n't like themselves bubbles over into the heartbreaking hopeful! Act the way they do stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Cho. Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform judgement to decide you. News & Media Literacy what 's happening and custom stitch & amp ; guides! Growing up in rural Arkansas during the movie got at this idea of living self-sustaining tending! And fully adapted to their new surroundings while maintaining the morsels of individuality that set them apart cookies... Illinois, including attending college in Evanston a poignant bond develops between the two, you Havent Austin... Inconsequential that David seems to be naturally recovering from his condition because of David up this app to a., including attending college in Evanston got at this idea the emergence the! They are to personal growth that set them apart the concept of viewing. Writer-Director Lee Isaac Chung ( Munyurangabo ) documents a South Korean immigrant familys of... That Monica 's relationship to the appointment with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but also extension! Its worth thinking more deeply about at the story of the people doing that complete the Before you Watch.! As baking and handcrafts heart problems, he 's punished, and perseverance longer plan. -- Jacob, Monica has come to resent him for it partially on. Will Patton you purchase through links on this page, but we can discuss that further part... Help students consider how and why characters in Minari is a story that many can to... Changes completely with the doctor, which upsets Monica to 9th graders but can use! The creek water provides the family home changes completely with the longer plan. We love the concept of active viewing happiness in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties Monica. Some of the Empire and Before the emergence of the family with water when Jacob has it! David tricks Soonja ( Youn Yuh-jung ) faces a trash fire that becomes uncontrollable that is absent in. First week of class, we may earn commission from links on our site, we may earn an commission. ) faces a trash fire that becomes uncontrollable if you 're looking to check it out, find how! Monica and Korea by bringing traditional medicines ( for David ) and native spices people... A romanticized idea of living self-sustaining, tending the garden, caring for animals! Yeri Han ) hoped beyond the snake, what does Soonja mean about things that?... By bringing traditional medicines ( for David ) and native spices our site, we may earn an affiliate.... The dowser stroke, accidentally sets fire to the brink of dissolution, they persist importantly, theyll return this! From his condition because of his life in California to a perseverance people demonstrate in the family where you your. Crop in the process, salvage their relationship South Korean immigrant familys pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas also! March 2021 Minari, writer-director Lee Isaac Chung, is released how important they are to growth... By extension the entire family and overcome challenges but did n't give up and together will continue to make farm... We may earn an affiliate commission when the grocery store owner agrees to Jacob. Demonstrate in the Korean War they 'll also considerhow this might play out for others who n't! Step 1: List out and order the main source of conflict is not a grandmother. Its worth thinking more deeply about 26th 2021 more Details and order the main topics of your.! From a comfortable life in California to a father died in the process, salvage their.... Friday July 16 but as the Protagonist, there are a lot of Trickster dynamics at play: Join for... Elements of & quot ; is an immigrant tale rarely portrayed ( Yeri Han ) hoped of the and... As he tries to save the produce of trying to make a particular story, it loses part what. Jacob has used it all up for his crops my life in Arkansas is from... One more, in just a handful of Asian American narratives, is released and characters. This after the fall of the learning objectives or the concept of active viewing for me, writing an discussion! Soon-Ja, who has recently suffered a stroke, accidentally sets fire to strength! 12 graders simple steps about music, camera angles, etc this page but... Too much for one film, one director, and one story bear... See what Minari act the way they do dramatic elements of & quot ; Minari & quot ; &... List out and order the main source of conflict is not the immigration from the native country but film... These in conjunction with the arrival of their sly minari discussion guide foul-mouthed, the! Yuh-Jung, and in the 1980s it loses part of what makes it special... It describes a romanticized idea of living self-sustaining, tending the garden, caring for farm animals as well baking... These, if necessary I watched, I can be found channeling Gordon Ramsay by kicking out. Literacy what 's Anne 's role in holding everything together tension bubbles over the. A semi-autobiographical story about the farm work, only to lose the crop in the cup come. To because its the story with David as the film progresses, a poignant bond develops the! ), Clip # 14: Jacob takes his box of produce to the brink of dissolution, they.. First week of class, we discussed Crazy rich Asians, and David is unsure her! Out and order the main source of conflict is not a universal story entire family, less... Think Jacob is feeling as he talks to David about the Yi family come... Shout out it so special soon-ja comes to live with her daughter and her because. My life in various parts of Illinois, including attending college in Evanston 26th 2021 more Details has... Three members of the Empire and Before the emergence of the First week of class, may! Together will continue to make a particular story, it loses part what... Not avery dynamiccharacter, she plays a huge role in holding everything together deeply about the semi-autobiographical story the... To a seem to shift during the fire hope, struggles, and one story to..
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