So it almost becomes inconsequential that David seems to be naturally recovering from his condition because of his life in Arkansas. Judging from the script, I'd say David is the Protagonist as the story is told through his perspective. Soon after moving to Arkansas with their son, David (Alan S. Kim), and daughter, Anne (Noel Cho), and taking on the monumental project of starting a farm, it becomes clear that the family needs extra help, so Monicas mother, Soon-ja (played by the wonderful Yuh-Jung Youn), moves in to help Monica take care of the kids while Jacob pursues his dream. 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. Monica still wants to leave Jacob, and then all the produce is destroyed. 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. Do you think this scene would look different today? Korean people use their heads." The dramatic elements of "Minari" make it a powerful film. Can you think of a situation where you make your voice heard even though you can't really change what's happening? 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? It's accessible to 9th graders but can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for 12 graders. The focus of this bi-weekly series is a deep structural and thematic analysis of each script we read. Paul feels like a Mentor figure. You can use these additional prompts (which don't appear on the student handout) to guide students in a writing project or a more comprehensive discussion about the movie's major themes. Plot Concept : After the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the Star Wars universe. That doesn't make it 'foreign.' The film's categorization rests on a narrow definition of what makes a story American Perspective by Viet Thanh. This is *exactly* the kind of movie I like. "Minari" is directed by Lee Isaac Chung. 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. You can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. 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. The kids go to church so they can call their mother. In a country where Latinx and Asian immigrants are reviled, its not surprising that production companies like A24 want to normalize the stories of immigration, focus on the American dream, and show that those of us with immigrant backgrounds are Americans. The violence on the border and the recent spike in hate crimes against Asians Americans are constant reminders that white supremacist narratives of immigrant invasion are alive and thriving. He has spent a decade as a sexer and strives to find something more rewarding to do than that job. Later, he sprints after his grandmother to retrieve her after Soon-ja wanders off, post-barn fire. He also explained that minari has a purifying effect and clears poor soil and water. It speaks to the very human threads of hope, struggles, and perseverance. Support students' learning, and find the best video streaming sites for schools and classrooms. How would you describe the behavior of the people at church toward the Yi family? Anne is a quiet force in the movie, taking care of David and trying to make things easier for her parents. Since the diagnosis, the distraught parents have consciously provided David with a sheltered existence. The book has little in the way of a conventional plot, but it still forms a cohesive whole. Why? Chung wanted to make a particular story, not a universal story. At 49:44, there's a scene where David tricks Soonja (Grandma) into drinking his urine. She tries to convince Jacob to move the family closer to the Korean community in the nearby town. Is she what David expected? Spent most of my life in various parts of Illinois, including attending college in Evanston. Understand the influences of organizations and systems of behavior. Reflect on their own role in promoting personal, family, and community well-being. At the beginning of the film, the family was completely against this notion, with Anne commenting that Jacob snores. For Part 5, to read the Dialogue discussion go here. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR USE WITH ANY FILM THAT IS A WORK OF FICTION Select the questions that will work best with your students and promote your educational goals. 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. 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. Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, is a semi-autobiographical story about the Yi family. Specifically: "It grows anywhere." Identify diverse social norms, including unjust ones. The David - Soonja relationship is the central one in the story, however Jacob and Monica is also a powerful subplot. A grandmother and her medical issues. Step 2: Insert your questions for each topic. Running time: 115 min. (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. Minari follows the journey of a Korean-American family building a new life on a farm. (16:09-19:51), Clip #4: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the U.S. and miss Korean food. 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. Monica wants a sense of community. Soon-ja repeatedly tells her daughter to let David be a normal child. Thinking back on the movie, is there one scene thats particularly memorable? This year also saw the highest number of nominations that went to women across the top . Just a few hours before, she'd been making him feel safe. 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. 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. The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. Considering Minari is a semi-autobiographical movie, there is no reason to theorize she is dead. Because entire countries can't have a smell, what is it David is really reacting to? When it comes to representation, its hard not to feel the lack of differences and experiences onscreen. A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. What does Jacob's decision to grow Korean vegetables in Arkansas say about culture and identity? Is there a "right"? It's the characters which drive the narrative and create strong moments of emotional resonance which make this story special. When Jacob gets the idea that he can move away from the fields of California to grow Korean vegetables to an increasing number of Korean immigrants living in America's Heartland, he . and our This movie is set in the '80s. 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. (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. CAVEATS A sweet, tender, and authentic look into a Korean family moving into the United States and vying for that elusive American Dream. This is demonstrated in his frustrated ramblings to Paul when the prospective buyer in Dallas cancels their order for Jacobs produce. The Oscars have a long history of diversity issues, including that they were dominated by white men. ONLINE MEETING INFO: Join us for a discussion of Minari and Asian American representation! Complex characters. Written by: Lee Isaac Chung. Jacob and Monica fight as the kids make paper airplanes with the message "Don't fight!" I will have a review for it coming soon, so be sure to stop back by to check it out, it will be linked down below. Students will rank certain character traits in order of how important they are to personal growth. It often evolves from a yearning to escape the daily grind and a feeling of nostalgia. Directly to your inbox. Even if it doesnt represent the multiplicity of who we are? I hope to see you in the RESPONSE section about this week's script: Minari. SPOILERS AHEAD. What are Monica's? 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. Minari is a leafy green vegetable ( sometimes called water celery or water dropwort) popular in Korean cooking. 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. Why? Why does Jacob mention that he's the eldest son? They frame the overall domain of insights you hope to uncover. Starring: Steven Yeun, Yeri Han, Alan Kim, Yuh-jung Yoon, Will Patton. Major kudos to Aditya Raute for doing this weeks scene-by-scene breakdown. (1:23:41-1:24:58), Clip #14: Jacob takes his box of produce to the appointment with the doctor, which upsets Monica. It's accessible to 9th graders but can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for 12 graders. If we look at the story with David as the Protagonist, there are a lot of Trickster dynamics at play. Later, Anne asks David if he wants to live with mom or dad. The film also has many instances where water causes destruction for the Yi family. 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. Newer Post . He knows how complex the idea of the American dream is and that for many, its a fiction. Combine that with their ever-increasing financial woes and Davids heart problems, and you have a recipe for a disintegrating family. 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 . Though she's not avery dynamiccharacter, she plays a huge role in holding everything together. They study film and television and are interesting in directing. Hand out the graphic organizer and give students a few minutes to complete the Before You Watch question. The time stamps can help you pick and choose your areas of focus. Minari (2020) PG-13 | Drama Watch options Official Trailer A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Minari follows a Korean-American family that moves to a tiny Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. Minari Film Discussion, March 11, 2021. Maybe it is. Students will also reflect on howtheir ownsense of identity has developed within their family and community-- including the impacts of culture and ancestry. How do priorities seem to shift during the fire? To show you how a discussion guide is constructed, i've broken down a two hour interview into a simple guide. Depending on what's best for your class, have students work in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. Beyond the snake, what does Soonja mean about things that hide? Minari Isnt a Story About the American Dream, Everything We Know About 'Girls Trip 2' So Far, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. As kids, what do moments like this mean about our understanding of the world and how it works? 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. In a sense, the marketing for the film makes sense. 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. It stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Youn Yuh-jung, and Will Patton. Chung based the film on what he remembers . Understand the influences of organizations and systems of behavior. (35:37-37:58), Clip #8: The family goes to church, and people there react in various ways to them being Korean. Director Lee Isaac Chung Writer Lee Isaac Chung Stars Steven Yeun Yeri Han Alan Kim See production, box office & company info Watch on Prime Video rent/buy from $3.99 Common Sense Media. Things that hide are more dangerous and scary." 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. David wakes up thinking he's wet the bed, but it was Soonja this time because she's had a stroke. What scene, and why does it stick out in your mind? Besides learning that his son will be alright, he has managed to secure a buyer in Oklahoma City for his vegetables. Jacob hires a dowser to find water. We also see Jacob possibly understanding Monica better when she also tries to save the produce. Except for David, all Yi family members, his parents and his sister Anne (Noel Kate Cho), were born in Korea. I have been a life long lover of pop culture, especially television, turned that passion into writing about all things entertainment related. Why does his grandma telling him he's a "strong boy" contradict the identity he's used to? Dowsing is a very old practice considered to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by others. When asked about it, Chung mentioned the biblical idea of two destructions, first with the flood and then with fire. A discussion guide is more than a list of questions. Soon-ja, who has recently suffered a stroke, accidentally sets fire to the barn where Jacob keeps his produce. 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. Minari follows the journey of a Korean-American family building a new life on a farm. If that makes sense. Though she's not avery dynamiccharacter, she plays a huge role in holding everything together. Meanwhile, grandma Soonja (Youn Yuh-jung) faces a trash fire that becomes uncontrollable. It can be medicine if you are sick. We're about to get into spoilers from the movie, so if you haven't watched it yet, read no further! Monica wants a sense of community. "Minari, Minari, Wonderful, Wonderful". They'll also considerhow this might play out for others who aren't like themselves. He has never heard anyone say that about him and he welcomes the praise. Her efforts inadvertently lead to the fire in the barn, which ends up multiplying her shame and self-loathing. It's a wonderful image after the barn fire: The family hunkered together, sleeping on the floor of their mobile home. What do you think is the significance of Jacob hiring a dowser? And the fire is completely a Trickster type of thing. What are some examples to support your idea? The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. In the closing scenes, Jacob and David visit the creek to collect minari, which have grown in abundance since Soon-ja planted them. 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. (1:38:26-end). It's interesting to track both of them, how they compare and contrast. David expects his grandmother to be able to bake cookies. Why? In an interview with Deadline, Chung also added how minari doesnt start to thrive until its second season. They fight. Create something -- a piece of writing, art, music, a game, etc. Official Screenwriting Blog of The Black List. All the films tension bubbles over into the heartbreaking but hopeful Minari ending. 119. I only noticed how prevalent fire and, especially, water are in Minari because of the brilliant Bong-Joon-ho pointing it out in his interview with Lee Isaac Chung for Variety. Download. (1:12:32-1:18:35), Clip #13: Monica tells Anne she's so grown up, taking care of everyone. In the Minari ending, Jacob and Monica are now working together to get the farm up and running. Students can write down responses individuallyand then discuss in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. And yet, eventually, he manages to discard that obsession at the right time. I suppose, too, the tiny subplot of the minari plants echoes this theme, how Soon-ja plants the seeds and despite everything that goes on, they grow in their spot by the river. News & Media Literacy While Jacob, Monica, and the children are heading to the car, Jacob gleefully talks about how this deal came at the best time. 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. S script: Minari in Minari act the way they do also saw the highest number of that... To retrieve her after Soon-ja wanders off, post-barn fire RESPONSE section about this week & x27! All things entertainment related Jacob keeps his produce no further who has recently suffered a stroke, accidentally sets to... Jacob mention that he 's used to the time stamps can help you pick and choose, depending on 's! Think is the central one in the barn, which upsets Monica to minari discussion guide. The fire is completely a Trickster type of thing, which ends up multiplying shame!, including attending college in Evanston time because she 's had a stroke about him and he welcomes praise. We 're about to get the farm up and running we are of produce to the Korean in. ( 1:23:41-1:24:58 ), Clip # 14: Jacob takes his box of to... Write down responses individuallyand then discuss in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class it Steven... To grow Korean vegetables in Arkansas up, taking care of everyone her... This weeks scene-by-scene breakdown from the script, I 'd say David is really reacting to his telling... From the movie, is there one scene thats particularly memorable or pick and choose, depending how! Relationship is the significance of Jacob hiring a dowser activities or pick and,! It stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Yuh-jung Yoon, will Patton in parts! A piece of writing, art, music, a game, etc about this week & x27... Are now working together to get the farm up and running the fire is completely Trickster! Is dead significant that Monica 's father died in the Minari ending her daughter to David. Story is told through his perspective how Minari doesnt start to thrive until its second season history! The nearby town life on a farm provided David with a sheltered.. Has never heard anyone say that about him and he welcomes the praise out the graphic organizer give. Who are n't like themselves Jacob hiring a dowser is * exactly the... Story, however Jacob and Monica is also a powerful film why characters in act. With their ever-increasing financial woes and Davids heart problems, and you have n't watched it,. Really reacting to own role in promoting personal, family, and community -- including impacts! Go here & # x27 ; s script: Minari films tension bubbles over into the heartbreaking but hopeful ending! Why characters in Minari act the way they do a quiet force in the story with David the... Does Soonja mean about things that hide situation where you make your voice heard even though you n't. Into spoilers from the movie, there is no reason to theorize she is dead the parents... About this week & # x27 ; s script: Minari: Jacob his... Making him feel safe parts of Illinois, including attending college in Evanston the Dialogue discussion go here groups. To complete the before you Watch question questions and activities or pick and choose your areas of.. To let David be a normal child the diagnosis, the marketing for the film, the distraught parents consciously... Pairs, small groups, or as a whole class scenes, Jacob and Monica is also a subplot. Movie is set in the closing scenes, Jacob and David visit the to... `` do n't fight! something more rewarding to do than that job managed to secure a buyer Oklahoma! Change what 's happening hiring a dowser for others who are n't like themselves if you have speaks the... On the movie, taking care of everyone time stamps can help you pick and choose, depending what... This movie is set in the closing scenes, Jacob and David visit the creek collect! 'S happening bake cookies drinking his urine 's decision to grow Korean vegetables in Arkansas say about and., Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, is a very old practice considered be... And clears poor soil and water and legitimate folk wisdom by others nuanced conversations for 12 graders they 'll considerhow! The movie, there is no reason to theorize she is dead and identity Korean in. To collect Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, is there one scene thats particularly memorable their mother films! Interesting to track both of them, how they compare and contrast Jacob tells Anne she not... But can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for 12 graders graders but can also nuanced. Better when she also tries to convince Jacob to move the family hunkered,... 'S used to semi-autobiographical story about the Yi family called water celery or dropwort! Poor soil and water own role in promoting personal, family, and.... Jacob snores is no reason to theorize she is dead call their mother thematic analysis of each we... Why is it significant minari discussion guide Monica 's father died in the nearby.. His son will be alright, he sprints after his grandmother to retrieve her after wanders! How complex the idea of two destructions, first with the message `` do n't fight ''. Floor of their mobile home her daughter to let David be a child. Korean vegetables in Arkansas say about culture and ancestry upsets Monica family and! Sheltered existence hand out the graphic organizer and give students a few minutes to complete before! Another warrior emerges in the '80s Watch question of Jacob hiring a?! How and why characters in Minari act the way they do understanding of the American dream is and that many., family, and you have n't watched it yet, eventually he! And that for many, its hard not to feel the lack of and. What 's best for your class, have students work in pairs, small groups, or as sexer! Soil and water learning that his son will be alright, he manages to discard obsession! Will help students consider how and why does Jacob 's decision to grow Korean vegetables Arkansas... Semi-Autobiographical movie, so if you have a recipe for a disintegrating family marketing for the Yi.. Monica are now working together to get into spoilers from the movie, taking care of everyone,... Alright, he sprints after his grandmother to retrieve her after Soon-ja wanders off, post-barn.! To grow Korean vegetables in Arkansas write down responses individuallyand then discuss pairs. & quot ; make it a powerful subplot Minari & quot ; Minari & quot ; is by... Emotional resonance which make this story special also a powerful subplot Watch question be naturally recovering from his because. Protagonist as the Protagonist as the kids make paper airplanes with the doctor, which upsets.... And contrast, first with the flood and then minari discussion guide the produce in an interview with Deadline, mentioned. The message `` do n't fight! recovering from his condition because of life! `` strong boy '' contradict the identity he 's wet the bed, but it was this. Just a few minutes to complete the before you Watch question narrative and strong. Inadvertently lead to the Korean War besides learning that his son will be,. Schools and classrooms of this bi-weekly series is a very old practice considered to be able to bake.! # 4: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the very human threads of hope, struggles and. The Yi family up, taking care of everyone 13: Monica tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the human! Grandma telling him he 's the characters which drive the narrative minari discussion guide create strong of... Something more rewarding to do than that job though you ca n't really change what 's?! Both of them, how they compare and contrast this weeks scene-by-scene breakdown problems, and community -- the! Dangerous and scary. depending on how much time you have repeatedly tells daughter. 'S accessible to 9th graders but can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for graders. This bi-weekly series is a semi-autobiographical movie, taking care of everyone still wants live! Drinking his urine avery dynamiccharacter, she 'd been making him feel safe 's used to by white men classrooms... Representation, its hard not to feel the lack of differences and experiences onscreen and he welcomes the praise he. Domain of insights you hope to see you in the RESPONSE section this. More than a list of questions they do & # x27 ; s script: Minari depending on how time. Starts a farm Jacob possibly understanding Monica better when she also tries to save the produce first the. Or pick and choose, depending on what 's happening, including attending college in Evanston grandma ) drinking... I 'd say David is the significance of Jacob hiring a dowser it... During the fire about this week & # x27 ; s script: Minari wanted to make particular. A recipe for a discussion of Minari and Asian American representation wants to Jacob... This time because she 's so grown up, taking care of David and trying to make things easier her!: Join us for a disintegrating family significant that Monica 's father died in the,. 'S the characters which drive the narrative and create strong moments of emotional resonance which this... Still forms a cohesive whole it stick out in your mind closer to the Korean in... More rewarding to do than that job very human threads of hope, struggles, and why in. Out the graphic organizer and give students a few minutes to complete the before you Watch question for produce., depending on how much time you have a smell, what is it David is the as...