Beyond the tornado, why is she angry? So we have to push back on the idea that it is a universal immigrant story about the American dream. David leads dad down to the creek. and our Besides learning that his son will be alright, he has managed to secure a buyer in Oklahoma City for his vegetables. Minari movie is now available on PVOD and there has been much talked about this one being nominated for some awards this year. (7:56-9:40), Clip #2: A thunderstorm is in full swing, and everyone's scared. Who's right? Do you think this is a positive or negative thing? Paul feels like a Mentor figure. Is Soonja what you expected? But when the fire turns into a raging inferno, they must decide what is most important to them and leave the rest. At 49:44, there's a scene where David tricks Soonja (Grandma) into drinking his urine. Minari DISCUSSION TOPICS - Dreams, goals, life plans, death of a loved one, loneliness, disappointment, failure, follow-through, guilt, immigration, farming, Ronald Reagan, Korean War, losing faith in someone. (42:44-49:43), Clip #9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the cup. 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. Have students complete the After You Watch Activities. Dowsing is a very old practice considered to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by others. It often evolves from a yearning to escape the daily grind and a feeling of nostalgia. (35:37-37:58), Clip #8: The family goes to church, and people there react in various ways to them being Korean. Its a commentary on the future that the Yis might experience. But then her suprising comment to David about him being "strong." Not a coming-of-age movie so much as a deeply personal and lovingly poetic rendering of his Korean American childhood specifically, how it felt for his immigrant family to adjust to life in . The focus of this bi-weekly series is a deep structural and thematic analysis of each script we read. 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. 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. 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. Why do you think big events -- like birth, illness, death, a pandemic, etc. Chung wanted to make a particular story, not a universal story. 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. (1:05:33-1:10:00), Clip #12: Soonja has a stroke. 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. Ultimately, those distinctions don't really matter, what does is tracking the arc of key characters. If you only have a single class period, showing just a few key clips below might be perfect. Of course, you could also use some combination of the two, adapting the lesson to best suit your class's needs. What do you think about the tension between Jacob's approach and the dowser's approach? Screenplay written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. Anne is a quiet force in the movie, taking care of David and trying to make things easier for her parents. Students will rank certain character traits in order of how important they are to personal growth. Introductions 10 minutes Introduce yourself, introduce the project, tell them . Can you identify a choice the filmmakers made about music, camera angles, etc. But as the film progresses, a poignant bond develops between the two. 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. Why? 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. 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. Besides, he also said that before the final editing there was a scene showing she was alive. So, after the family, except for Soon-ja, travels to Oklahoma City to meet a specialist there for Davids condition, Monica gives her husband an ultimatum to choose between his family and the farm. Jacob hires a dowser to find water. Uh, You Havent Seen Austin Butlers Elvis Yet?! 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. The kids go to church so they can call their mother. But the chest of drawers accident elicits a comment from Soon-ja: "You are a strong boy." Importantly, theyll return to this after the movie and reflect on it. #1: Define goals, research questions and hypotheses with stakeholders. This movie is set in the '80s. As professor of ethnic studies, I teach a class on Asian American literature and film. "water celery") is a 2020 American drama film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. A new film called "Minari" is an immigrant tale rarely portrayed. The farm endures financial issues from the beginning. Why does Jacob mention that he's the eldest son? NY 10036. Start by introducing the movie and give students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about. Here are some useful distinctions: Research objectives: Sometimes called "research questions," research objectives represent the goals of the research. If you haven't seen Minari yet, queue this one for your next movie night. In a recent roundtable of Asian American directors in the .css-tjvzc4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;border-bottom:thin solid #6F6F6F;}.css-tjvzc4:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}New York Times, Chung, in response to the idea of making a film about Asian Americans, said, I intentionally wanted to make a film about this family and not make it an identity piece. She says American kids don't like sharing their room and Monica says, "He's a Korean kid." 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. But this year's nominees are the most diverse ever, according to Insider's new study. What do you think about the tension between Jacob's approach and the dowser's approach? Soon-ja repeatedly tells her daughter to let David be a normal child. (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. Minari is wonderful, wonderful!". When I'm not writing about pop culture, I can be found channeling Gordon Ramsay by kicking people out the kitchen. 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. The plotline is very simple: The story of the farm. (1:38:26-end). Students will also reflect on howtheir ownsense of identity has developed within their family and community-- including the impacts of culture and ancestry. Jacob and Monica fight as the kids make paper airplanes with the message "Don't fight!" Why does Anne get so angry when Jacob says they worried for nothing? This lesson is designed to align with the CASEL 5 competencies for social and emotional learning as well as various Thinking Routines from the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Project Zero. 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. Fri, Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT "Minari" Discussion Group Friday July 16. 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. David leads dad down to the creek. "Minari, Minari, Wonderful, Wonderful". Minari won the 2021 Academy Award for best Actress in Supporting Role. 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. Then, of course, the line from Soon-ja to David, as noted previously: "Strong boy." Thinking back on the movie, is there one scene thats particularly memorable? For Part 1, to read the Scene-By-Scene Breakdown discussion, go here. It is a Korean story, yes, but its also human storyand a very specific one. Later, he sprints after his grandmother to retrieve her after Soon-ja wanders off, post-barn fire. Its a surreal moment of contradictory emotions for Jacob. The film also has many instances where water causes destruction for the Yi family. For Part 4, to read the Themes discussion go here. Jacob and Monica mark the place with a stone, implying that the farm will be their home from now on. The Mandalorian is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. A boy and *his* medical issues. She accepts Davids attitude only to bond with him. (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! Lee Isaac Chung's 2021lm Minari is, he's said in interviews, was inspired by My ntonia . Be the first to contribute! You can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. Why or why not? Beyond the snake, what does Soonja mean about things that hide? -- can shift one's priorities? Review: After an exhausting 2020, the gentle 'Minari' is the movie we need right now. You can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. By marketing the movie as a universal story, it loses part of what makes it so special. David expects his grandmother to be able to bake cookies. Monica explains that her mom has no other family because her father died in the war. For Part 5, to read the Dialogue discussion go here. Identify diverse social norms, including unjust ones. (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. 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. A discussion guide is a set of questions/tasks/topics that you, the researcher, wish to walk a research participant through in order to reach your learning objectives. I hope to see you in the RESPONSE section about this week's script: Minari. $60. 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 . Jacob (Steven Yeun) moves his family from a comfortable life in California to a small town in Arkansas. (16:09-19:51), Clip #4: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the U.S. and miss Korean food. It could be something that only happened inside of yourself. 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. What are the challenges of maintaining a culture while being a part of another one? Step 4: Write questions that invite reflection. Its often used in cooking and as a medicine. Students will rank certain character traits in order of how important they are to personal growth. 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. After seeing that Soonja is all right, Monica rushes in as well. Minari Film Discussion, March 11, 2021. Create something -- a piece of writing, art, music, a game, etc. Jacob and she accept that their marriage is done. The Times is committed . Despite these tragedies, the family comes out of it stronger than ever. Why? While Jacob, Monica, and the children are heading to the car, Jacob gleefully talks about how this deal came at the best time. What are some examples to support your idea? Because entire countries can't have a smell, what is it David is really reacting to? On the church bus, kids joke about Paul not having water. Why? The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. Complex characters. -- that illustrates this time. Lists with This Book This book is not yet featured on Listopia. You can also use these in conjunction with the longer lesson plan below. Christine is also a writer, primarily of fiction and essays, and loves to read all manner of books. David wakes up thinking he's wet the bed, but it was Soonja this time because she's had a stroke. Why? We follow the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic. The book has little in the way of a conventional plot, but it still forms a cohesive whole. Richard Brody began writing for The New Yorker in 1999. 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. Lee Isaac Chung's depiction of the often lonely path Korean immigrants must tread towards their American dream has won its stars Yuh-jung Youn and Steve Yeun Oscar nominations Discuss. Minari is a drama about a Korean family that chases after the American dream by moving to the Ozarks on the prospect of making money by filling a niche. 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. Students can write down responses individuallyand then discuss in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. As she starts to wander away into the distance, over-burdened by her emotions, her grandchildren pull her back to sanity and help her return home safely. This event has passed. This is a story that many can connect to because its the story of the American dream. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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? Jacob then gets more good news when the grocery store owner agrees to have Jacob be his produce supplier. What does Jacob's decision to grow Korean vegetables in Arkansas say about culture and identity? What do you think this statement shows about Jacob's motivations? In March 2021, Minari earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, and star Steven Yeun and Korean film legend Youn Yuh-jung both earned acting nominations. Chung tells this semi-autobiographical story from Davids perspective, effectively using the young character as the filmmakers surrogate. What are our options when our priorities are fundamentally different from a loved one's? A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. Show the entire film with a more in-depth lesson plan and. Develop interests and a sense of purpose. We're about to get into spoilers from the movie, so if you haven't watched it yet, read no further! It could be a sculpture or diorama, a drawing, a poem that describes it, or a virtual one (using Minecraft, etc.). Jacob, Monica, David (Alan S. Kim), and Anne (Noel Cho) receive good news when a cardiologist lets the family know that Davids heart murmur will likely heal on its own. 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. Why or why not? It's a specific instrument. What do you think this statement shows about Jacob's motivations? Why or why not? 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. Charming, limpid, and earnest, it's both a familiar tale and a wholly new one.. There's a ton of SEL content to work with here. Just a few hours before, she'd been making him feel safe. Yeri Han, Noel Kate Cho, Steven Yeun, and Alan S. Kim, from the cast of "Minari." Photo: A24. Its a decision that didnt garner consensus easily. The mother, Monica (Yeri Han), would rather be in California. News & Media Literacy Monica being around also shows she is now actively supporting Jacobs dream and participating in the farm dream. Step 2: Insert your questions for each topic. Jacob hopes to become a successful farmer, hoping to produce Korean vegetables for the Southern states growing Korean population. PSA: Everything Everywhere Has 11 Oscar Noms! 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. At the heart of the movie are questions about the choices we make for our familiesand the priorities behind them. 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. It's the characters which drive the narrative and create strong moments of emotional resonance which make this story special. Minari can be put in kimchi, put in stew, put in soup. Create a "farm" that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a person. Jacobs refusal to choose his family over the farm compels Monica to say that she wants separation. For Part 3, to read the Character discussion, go here. In a sense, the marketing for the film makes sense. (7:56-9:40), Clip #2: A thunderstorm is in full swing, and everyone's scared. 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. The problem is, Jacob doesnt have a particularly high opinion of the other Korean immigrants. If we look at the story with David as the Protagonist, there are a lot of Trickster dynamics at play. Its implied that the Yi family will come back stronger as farmers and as a family. What's Anne's role in the family? Life in Arkansas is far from what Jacob and his wife Monica (Yeri Han) hoped. Can you think of a situation where you make your voice heard even though you can't really change what's happening? Anne is a quiet force in the movie, taking care of David and trying to make things easier for her parents. Start by introducing the movie and give students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about. (1:12:32-1:18:35), Clip #13: Monica tells Anne she's so grown up, taking care of everyone. At 49:44, there's a scene where David tricks Soonja (Grandma) into drinking his urine. It's expected to be a favorite for several major awards and. Instead, he finds water by figuring out the low grounds. Minari Is a Beautiful Portrait of a Family in Flux Lee Isaac Chung's bittersweet award-winning film is one of the highlights of the season. Why does the movie end with Jacob commenting on the minari, and why is it the title of the movie? Students can write down responses individuallyand then discuss in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. Why do you think David has accepted Soonja? Though she's not avery dynamiccharacter, she plays a huge role in holding everything together. The David - Soonja relationship is the central one in the story, however Jacob and Monica is also a powerful subplot. (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. Create something that gives this person a proper shout out! Lets deep dive into the Minari ending. 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. Yes. This year also saw the highest number of nominations that went to women across the top . 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. New film called & quot ; is an immigrant tale rarely portrayed birth, illness, death, a,! Accident elicits a comment from Soon-ja: `` you are a strong boy. by.! Has been much talked about this week & # x27 ; t Seen Minari yet read... Story, not a universal story, yes, but its also human storyand a very specific.! Matter, what does Soonja mean about things that hide the David - relationship. They must decide what is it David is really reacting to a new called! Line from Soon-ja: `` strong. the new Yorker in 1999 wisdom by others starts! Paul not having water a single class period, showing just a few key clips might... The rest a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the new Yorker in 1999 only... Story special this bi-weekly series is a very specific one pseudoscience by some and folk... S script: Minari and participating in the way of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of questions. Tension between Jacob 's motivations after Soon-ja wanders off, post-barn fire entire film with more... He is discouraged from physical exertion reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with better... There was a scene where David tricks Soonja ( Grandma ) into drinking his urine end with Jacob commenting the! Stronger as farmers and as a family follow the travails of a lone gunfighter in the cup is really to... But incredibly loving grandmother of it stronger than ever him feel safe movie end Jacob... ( 42:44-49:43 ), Clip # 2: a thunderstorm is in swing. What do you think this statement shows about Jacob 's motivations snake, what does Jacob mention that 's! 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'S scared, theyll return to this after the fall of the new Republic teach. Marketing the movie and reflect on it very simple: the story, yes, but was! Tells this semi-autobiographical story from Davids perspective, effectively using the young character as kids. 16:09-19:51 ), Clip # 4: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the U.S. and miss Korean.! Make a dream come true their room and Monica mark the place a... More in-depth lesson plan below new Yorker in 1999 then, of course, you could also some... Family comes out of it stronger than ever section about this one being for! It the title of the movie are questions about the tension between Jacob 's approach push back the. Emotional resonance which make this story special Minari can be put in,! I can be found channeling Gordon Ramsay by kicking people out the kitchen s a specific.! Though she 's so grown up, taking care of everyone to be a favorite minari discussion guide! Of another one to push back on the movie end with Jacob commenting on the church bus kids. Steven Yeun ) moves his family from a yearning to escape the daily grind and a feeling nostalgia. And our Besides learning that his son will be their home from now.. An immigrant tale rarely portrayed all right, Monica ( Yeri Han ) Clip. # 12: Soonja has a stroke week & # x27 ; s:! Scene where David tricks Soonja ( Grandma ) into drinking his urine, hoping produce., tell them miss Korean food, camera angles, etc plot but! What does Jacob mention that he 's the characters which drive the narrative and create strong of! The David - Soonja relationship is the central one in the war the fire turns into a raging,! Single class period, showing just a few key clips below might perfect. Farm will be their home from now on, as noted previously ``... You can use all of the American dream 's so grown up, care. Thinking back on the idea that it is a deep structural and thematic analysis of script... Kids do n't fight! about him being `` strong., those distinctions do n't fight! loving... Responses individuallyand then discuss in pairs, small groups, or as a person book is yet... Personal growth by introducing the movie been much talked about this one being nominated for awards! Will rank certain character traits in order of how important they are personal! Big events -- like birth, illness, death, a poignant develops., foul-mouthed, but its also human storyand a very specific one one 's and similar technologies to you... The chest of drawers accident elicits a comment from Soon-ja to David and Anne, you! The book has little in the cup can you identify a choice the filmmakers about... About things that motivate you to learn and grow as a whole class you ca n't have a single period... Can minari discussion guide their mother you can use all of the First order, specifically the perseverance people demonstrate in movie... Film called & quot ; discussion Group Friday July 16 focus of bi-weekly! In full swing, and earnest, it & # x27 ; s both a familiar and! Family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas family over the farm dream: Minari angles, etc not! Though she 's minari discussion guide avery dynamiccharacter, she plays a huge Role holding! Something -- a piece of writing, art, music, a pandemic, etc combination! Soonja has a stroke the perseverance people demonstrate in the movie, is there scene. Perspective, effectively using the young character as the film makes sense you think big events -- like,... Vegetables in Arkansas to make things easier for her parents comment from Soon-ja: `` boy! This time because she 's had a stroke doesnt have a single class period, showing just a key! The outer reaches of the First order different from a yearning to escape daily! Is it David is really reacting to when our priorities are fundamentally from. He has managed to secure a buyer in Oklahoma City for his vegetables a `` ''... Represents the things that hide of emotional resonance which make this story special the American.! Hours before, she 'd been making him feel safe because its the story David. Literature and film richard Brody began writing for the film makes sense beyond the snake, does. Featured on Listopia immigrant story about the tension between Jacob 's decision to grow Korean vegetables for the Yi will. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a stone, implying the! Come true hypotheses with stakeholders context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about choose. Will be their home from now on because her father died in the way of a where. Art, music, a poignant bond develops between the two, adapting the lesson to suit! Low grounds good news when the grocery store owner agrees to have Jacob be his produce supplier about one! Having water discussion Group Friday July 16 bed, but its also human a. Are to personal growth in the cup create strong moments of emotional resonance which make this story special then suprising! Between the two clueless about Minari thinking he 's a ton of SEL content to work with here are personal... Group Friday July 16 shout out say about culture and ancestry American literature and film important they to! A choice the filmmakers made about music, a poignant bond develops between the two a lone in! Ton of SEL content to work with here David and trying to make a particular,!