Minari
| 2020Directed by: Lee Isaac Chung
Main Plot
"Minari," directed by Lee Isaac Chung, follows a Korean-American family that moves to rural Arkansas in the 1980s to start a farm. The father, Jacob, dreams of growing Korean produce to sell to vendors in Dallas, while his wife, Monica, is skeptical and concerned about their financial stability. Their children, David and Anne, navigate the challenges of their new environment, and the arrival of their unconventional grandmother from Korea adds both tension and warmth to their lives. The family faces numerous hardships, including crop failures and health issues, but they also find moments of joy and resilience. The film explores themes of family, identity, and the immigrant experience, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of pursuing the American Dream.
Characters
- Steven Yeun plays Jacob Yi, a determined father who moves his family to rural Arkansas to start a farm, seeking a better future and grappling with cultural challenges.
- Han Ye-ri plays Monica, the resilient wife and mother who supports her husband's dream while grappling with the challenges of their new life in rural Arkansas.
- Alan Kim plays David Yi, a young boy whose family moves to rural Arkansas to start a farm, facing cultural and generational challenges while pursuing the American Dream.
Ending Explained
In the concluding scenes of "Minari," directed by Lee Isaac Chung, the Yi family faces a pivotal moment. After a series of challenges, including financial struggles and health issues, the family's dream of establishing a successful farm seems within reach. However, a devastating fire breaks out in their barn, destroying their produce and threatening their livelihood. This incident forces the family to confront their resilience and unity. Despite the setback, the family comes together, symbolizing their enduring hope and determination. Jacob Yi, the father, realizes the importance of his family's well-being over his personal ambitions. Meanwhile, Soonja, the grandmother, who had suffered a stroke earlier, inadvertently starts the fire but also becomes a catalyst for the family's reconciliation. In the aftermath, the family begins to rebuild, with Jacob and Monica, his wife, reaffirming their commitment to each other and their children. The film concludes on a hopeful note as the family plants minari, a resilient Korean herb, by a nearby creek. This act symbolizes their perseverance and the potential for new beginnings, despite the hardships they have faced.