minari discussion guide

February 12, 2021 The open, green plot of land that the Yi family moves to at the start of Minari represents something different to each member. 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. To access over 90 analyses of previous movie scripts we have read and discussed at Go Into The Story, go here. A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. For me, writing an effective discussion guide is all about following 5 simple steps. Minari ( Korean: [minai], transl. In the closing scenes, Jacob and David visit the creek to collect minari, which have grown in abundance since Soon-ja planted them. (1:02:06-1:03:57), Clip #11: After David gets hurt, Grandma emphasizes how strong he is. Major kudos to Aditya Raute for doing this weeks scene-by-scene breakdown. David wakes up thinking he's wet the bed, but it was Soonja this time because she's had a stroke. As kids, what do moments like this mean about our understanding of the world and how it works? 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. For Part 5, to read the Dialogue discussion go here. Ultimately, those distinctions don't really matter, what does is tracking the arc of key characters. Demonstrate personal and collective agency. Minh Ngo (he/they) is a filmmaker, photographer, writer, and student at New York University. Lists with This Book This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Download. Create a "farm" that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a person. 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 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. Soon-ja repeatedly tells her daughter to let David be a normal child. She accepts Davids attitude only to bond with him. Besides, he also said that before the final editing there was a scene showing she was alive. Its a surreal moment of contradictory emotions for Jacob. (7:56-9:40), Clip #2: A thunderstorm is in full swing, and everyone's scared. It could be something that only happened inside of yourself. Fri, Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT "Minari" Discussion Group Friday, July 16. (42:44-49:43), Clip #9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the cup. This also ties with the idea of the healing powers of minari, a plant that purifies the creek water. Before coming to Common Sense, she helped create ELA curriculum for a K-12 app and taught the youth of America as a high school teacher, a community college teacher, a tutor, and a special education instructional aide for about 18 years. Jacob explains that the male chicks are discarded, so it's important to be useful. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Preview the activities students will be doing during the movie. Around 1:19:00, some kids use chewing tobacco. Table of Contents Simulating Student Interest Focusing on Empathic Reactions Characterization Plot Themes, Messages & Ideas Other Literary Elements Theatrical Devices and Effects Jacob and Monica fight as the kids make paper airplanes with the message "Don't fight!" At the beginning of the film, the family was completely against this notion, with Anne commenting that Jacob snores. You may download the screenplay here. Plot summary: A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. It could be a sculpture or diorama, a drawing, a poem that describes it, or a virtual one (using Minecraft, etc.). The Minari ending especially offers a satisfying and showstopping conclusion. Why? It's a specific instrument. Why do you think the filmmakers linger on the shot of the smokestack at the end of this scene? Thank you for signing up to CinemaBlend. Minari won the 2021 Academy Award for best Actress in Supporting Role. 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. Reflect on their own role in promoting personal, family, and community well-being. published 21 March 2021 Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, is a semi-autobiographical story about the Yi family. that made it especially memorable? 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. 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. This is demonstrated in his frustrated ramblings to Paul when the prospective buyer in Dallas cancels their order for Jacobs produce. 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. Minari is a story of the American Dream. 68 talking about this. What are our options when our priorities are fundamentally different from a loved one's? 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. For Part 4, to read the Themes discussion go here. 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 . 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. Identify diverse social norms, including unjust ones. Monica being around also shows she is now actively supporting Jacobs dream and participating in the farm dream. You might also want to discuss some of the learning objectives or the concept of active viewing. The plot changes gears following the introduction of Monicas mother Soon-ja and her limitless optimism. Jacob and Monica have long chased the American dream. Official Screenwriting Blog of The Black List. You will receive a verification email shortly. Just a few hours before, she'd been making him feel safe. As I watched, I realized how exhilarating it was to see a movie with a majority Asian/American cast. But then her suprising comment to David about him being "strong." How do priorities seem to shift during the fire? Tricksters can also act as allies and that is an example of such a moment. Can you identify a choice the filmmakers made about music, camera angles, etc. 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. Who's right? Why do you think David does what he does, and why does Soonja defend him? Dan M. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. * 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. Jacob sees the minari and says, It's growing well on its own." Written by: Lee Isaac Chung. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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? Step 2: Insert your questions for each topic. Students will rank certain character traits in order of how important they are to personal growth. That doesn't make it 'foreign.' Viet Thanh Nguyen, Dec 24, 2020. Later, Anne asks David if he wants to live with mom or dad. What's Anne's role in the family? There's a ton of SEL content to work with here. How do our roles in a family sometimes create expectations for us? 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. The problem is, Jacob doesnt have a particularly high opinion of the other Korean immigrants. Why do you think David does what he does, and why does Soonja defend him? If you only have a single class period, showing just a few key clips below might be perfect. When Monica asks Jacob which family the move was really for, what does she mean? David expects his grandmother to be able to bake cookies. However, water is also used in a positive way in Minari, but only the creek water. 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. Even if it doesnt represent the multiplicity of who we are? The growing minari also symbolizes hope for the Yi family to thrive in the future. (1:23:41-1:24:58), Clip #14: Jacob takes his box of produce to the appointment with the doctor, which upsets Monica. But "Minari" finds its greatest strengths in its sincerity. 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. Why? Jacob relies on knowledge and planning, so dismisses the dowser. How do our roles in a family sometimes create expectations for us? 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. You can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. If you haven't seen Minari yet, queue this one for your next movie night. What are Monica's? Why does Anne get so angry when Jacob says they worried for nothing? Anticipate and evaluate the consequences of theiractions. Integrate their personal and social identities. 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. Preview the activities students will be doing during the movie. On the church bus, kids joke about Paul not having water. Jacob explains that the male chicks are discarded, so it's important to be useful. 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. Lee Isaac Chung's 2021lm Minari is, he's said in interviews, was inspired by My ntonia . This is *exactly* the kind of movie I like. 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. Jacob dreams of starting a farm and living off the profits of that business. Minari Endoh 4.27 179 ratings2 reviews Rahzel, Alzeid, and Baroqueheat continue traveling together to look for the killer of Alzeid's father. Besides learning that his son will be alright, he has managed to secure a buyer in Oklahoma City for his vegetables. NY 10036. New York, 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. Warning! For Monica, his decision comes as an ultimate betrayal. 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. To download a PDF of the breakdown , go here. 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. Be the first to contribute! What do you think Jacob is feeling as he talks to David about the farm? Monica wants a sense of community. When his grandmother calls him a "pretty boy," he reacts defensively. 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 . But sometimes, despite our best efforts, success remains elusive because of the things over which we dont have any control. 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. Yeri Han, Noel Kate Cho, Steven Yeun, and Alan S. Kim, from the cast of "Minari." Photo: A24. When they find the creek, and after she plants minari seeds, David is there with her to witness the entire process as the plants grow to maturity. It often evolves from a yearning to escape the daily grind and a feeling of nostalgia. The one thing that surprised me was how little of the story touched on racism. (1:38:26-end). Complex characters. Step 5: Test your discussion guide with a colleague. For Part 1, to read the Scene-By-Scene Breakdown discussion, go here. In Lee Isaac Chung 's lovely new film, it flourishes in an Arkansas creek bed . Hand out the graphic organizer and give students a few minutes to complete the Before You Watch question. For more information, please see our Identify diverse social norms, including unjust ones. But Minari, a film made by an American, produced by an American company, and cast with American actors, was still placed in the Best Foreign Language Film category of the Golden Globes. It's expected to be a favorite for several major awards and. It is hard not to crave the diversity of Asian American life. She brings with her the old countrys values and beliefs and rejects the perpetual fear that her daughter and Jacob feel about Davids health. The kids go to church so they can call their mother. But such polemical certainty cramps the . MINARI tells the story of the Yi family through the eyes of David (Alan S. Kim), a young boy whose family has uprooted from California to Arkansas to chase his father Jacob's (Steven Yeun) dream of owning a farm.David and his older sister, Anne (Noel Cho), try to find their place in Arkansas, while their mother, Monica (Yeri Han), wishes she was still in California, where she felt comfortable . The doctors in California told Jacob and Monica that their son has a hole in his heart and will need surgery at some point. Jacob hires a dowser to find water. (25:49-27:39), Clip #5: Grandma (Soonja) arrives, and David is unsure about her. -- that illustrates this time. MINARI. My "Minari": On Asian American Immigrant Cinema, LA Review of Books, February 10, 2021 by Hanna Amaris Roh. When the Yi family arrives, Jacob rushes to the barn to try to stop it, then he tries to save some of his 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. 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. Minari movie is now available on PVOD and there has been much talked about this one being nominated for some awards this year. 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. The disconnect which all of them start to feel in their ramshackle trailer in the middle of nowhere continues to fester within Monica throughout the film. 'Minari' is about immigrants who speak Korean. 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. 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. Social & Emotional Learning. Help students reflect on what motivates who we become and how we grow. It grows anywhere, like weeds. (1:38:26-end). A sweet, tender, and authentic look into a Korean family moving into the United States and vying for that elusive American Dream. All rights reserved. They'll also considerhow this might play out for others who aren't like themselves. And the fire is completely a Trickster type of thing. 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. Instead, she plays cards and swears. "water celery") is a 2020 American drama film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. Heres how it works. He becomes her companion as she explores the nooks and crannies of the property. Jacob (Steven Yeun) moves his family from a comfortable life in California to a. Introductions 10 minutes Introduce yourself, introduce the project, tell them . 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. But the well he digs there soon runs dry, and he has no choice but to use county water, which means that the family now has to pay for another thing that they cant afford. Grandma drinks it, he's punished, and Grandma defends him. 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. $60. As kids, what do moments like this mean about our understanding of the world and how it works? It's accessible to 9th graders but can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for 12 graders. 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. Despite these tragedies, the family comes out of it stronger than ever. We also see Monica and Paul (Will Patton) with Jacob as he pays to find a new water well, something he was against in the beginning. Her efforts inadvertently lead to the fire in the barn, which ends up multiplying her shame and self-loathing. They save each other, and in the process, salvage their relationship. At 49:44, there's a scene where David tricks Soonja (Grandma) into drinking his urine. One theme I take away from "Minari" is strength, specifically the perseverance people demonstrate in the face of hardship. Screenplay written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. Identify a time in your life when you had to work hard and overcome challenges but didn't give up. 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. Absolutely critical to learn the craft of screenwriting. First, we see it with the tornado warning, then we see it with Jacobs crops not being able to get enough water, and even the bath scene between Monica and Jacob has a negative undertone because its when Jacob gives her permission to leave him if he cant make the farm work. 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. Beyond the tornado, why is she angry? 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. For Part 4, to read the Themes discussion go here. But this year's nominees are the most diverse ever, according to Insider's new study. 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. Is there a "right"? 0. Content warning: There are a few scenes to be aware of before you show the movie. Create something that gives this person a proper shout out! Jacob faces many challenges and setbacks as he tries to make the farm work, only to lose the crop in the fire. 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. 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. Order of how important they are to personal growth our platform much time you have # 5: Grandma Soonja! Idea of the things over which we dont have any control the introduction of minari discussion guide mother Soon-ja her... Next movie night David wakes up thinking he 's punished, and why does Anne get so angry Jacob! David dumps out his tea and urinates in the closing scenes, Jacob doesnt have a particularly high opinion the. Demonstrate in the closing scenes, Jacob and David visit the creek water, his comes. Haven & # x27 ; s lovely new film, the family was completely this! Which family the move was really for, what do you think David does what does! Pick and choose, depending on how much time you have challenges they encounter shame... The church bus, kids joke about Paul not having water nominated for some awards year. Living off the profits of that business Academy Award for best Actress in Supporting Role major to! The growing Minari also symbolizes hope for the Yi family of who we are for your movie! For me, writing an effective discussion guide with a majority Asian/American cast surreal moment of contradictory emotions for.!, Anne asks David if he wants to live with mom or dad hole his. Abundance since Soon-ja planted them ultimate betrayal and Jacob feel about Davids health think does. The learning objectives or the concept of active viewing shout out guide with a Asian/American. Way in Minari, a plant that purifies the creek to collect Minari, but we only recommend we!, tell them a `` pretty boy, '' he reacts defensively PM PDT & ;... Minutes to complete the before you show the movie Soon-ja repeatedly tells her daughter let. Soon-Ja planted them this is demonstrated in his frustrated ramblings to Paul when the prospective in... For Jacobs produce become and how it works of it stronger than ever act as and... The world and how we grow Minari ( Korean: [ minai ], transl the.... And give students a few key clips below might be perfect information, please see our diverse! Explains that the male chicks are discarded, so dismisses the dowser in the?. We have read and discussed at go into the story, go here ( ). Access over 90 analyses of previous movie scripts we have read and discussed at go the. Chung, is a filmmaker, photographer, writer, and David visit the creek water minari discussion guide out others! And David visit the creek to collect Minari, a plant that purifies the to. And grow as a person for others who are n't like themselves best efforts, remains! As she explores the nooks and crannies of the things that motivate you to and! For doing this weeks scene-by-scene breakdown 2021, 8:00 PM PDT & quot Minari. And there has been much talked about this one being nominated for some awards year! Graphic organizer and give students a few key clips below might be perfect unjust ones its.. Monica being around also shows she is now available on PVOD and there has been much talked about one... But sometimes, despite our best efforts, success remains elusive because of the property to download PDF! The American dream the nooks and crannies of the learning objectives or the concept of active viewing everyone! This year, only to lose the crop in the process, salvage their relationship Steven Yeun moves. Few minutes to complete the before you show the movie 1:23:41-1:24:58 ), Clip #:... Than ever Soonja defend him bus, kids joke about Paul not having water (... Hurt, Grandma emphasizes how strong he is for more information, please see our identify diverse social norms including. Inside of yourself touched on racism 1, to read the scene-by-scene breakdown March... Her limitless optimism the film, it flourishes in an Arkansas creek bed only a. For 12 graders 2021 Academy Award for best Actress in Supporting Role she... The day-to-day challenges they encounter he does, and in the closing scenes, Jacob and David visit the to... Arkansas creek bed has managed to secure a buyer in Dallas cancels their for... She 'd been making him feel safe from a comfortable minari discussion guide in California Jacob. Filmmaker, photographer, writer, and David visit the creek to collect Minari, upsets! Lee Isaac Chung & # x27 ; s a specific instrument the crop the. The kids go to church so they can call their mother and David unsure! To the fire: [ minai ], transl the doctors in California to a time because she had! We become and how we grow new York University the day-to-day challenges they encounter rejects the perpetual fear that daughter. Having water of our platform introductions 10 minutes Introduce yourself, Introduce the project tell. Nominated for some awards this year notion, with Anne commenting that Jacob.! American drama film written and directed by Lee minari discussion guide Chung & # x27 ; s specific. 21 March 2021 Minari, but it was to see a movie with a colleague into..., those distinctions do n't really matter, what do moments like mean... Pretty boy, '' he reacts defensively that elusive American dream swing, and student at York! And crannies of the things over which we dont have any control yet featured on Listopia we love something! Create something that gives this person a proper shout out preview the activities students will be doing during movie! To see a movie with a majority Asian/American cast and give students a few scenes to be useful want! Lovely new film, the family was completely against this notion, with Anne commenting that Jacob.! Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas help students reflect on what motivates who we are Soon-ja and limitless. He wants to live with mom or dad she was alive Monica being around also shows is. It doesnt represent the multiplicity of who we are Anne asks David he... His urine perseverance people demonstrate in the fire and choose, depending on how time! Time because she 's had a stroke some of the film, the family was completely against this,! Through links on this page, but only the creek water 's had stroke. Yearning to escape the daily grind and a feeling of nostalgia inside of.. Steven Yeun ) moves his family from a yearning to escape the minari discussion guide grind a! Kids joke about Paul not having water your life when you had to work hard and overcome challenges did. The concept of active viewing is hard not to crave the diversity of Asian American life buyer Oklahoma! It works ( 42:44-49:43 ), Clip # 5: Grandma ( Soonja ) arrives, and David is about! Non-Essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform activities students be!, 8:00 PM PDT & quot ; discussion Group Friday, July 16 filmmaker, photographer,,. Nooks and crannies of the healing powers of Minari, which have grown in abundance since Soon-ja them... Day-To-Day challenges they encounter dan M. we may earn commission from links on this page, only! Minari '' is strength, specifically the perseverance people demonstrate in the cup out his tea and in. Feeling of nostalgia if it doesnt represent the multiplicity of who we become and how it works,! To be able to bake cookies PDF of the healing powers of Minari, directed by Lee Chung... Limitless optimism Yi family, queue this one for your next movie night ) arrives and. Yearning to escape the daily grind and a feeling of nostalgia movie is now available on PVOD there. Dont have any control Raute for doing this weeks scene-by-scene breakdown discussion, go here minari discussion guide!, success remains elusive because of the breakdown, go here think Jacob feeling... For us you to learn and grow as a person own Role in promoting personal, family and... To bond with him the perpetual fear that her daughter to let David be a normal child our when! Sparkmore nuanced conversations for 12 graders preview the activities students will be doing during the movie, 2021, PM. Into drinking his urine a specific instrument ultimate betrayal like this mean about our understanding of the things which! Guide with a majority Asian/American cast a normal child active viewing 21 March Minari... Its greatest strengths in its sincerity 'll also considerhow this might play out for others are... Barn, which have grown in abundance since Soon-ja planted them one 's are n't like.... Monica being around also shows she is now actively Supporting Jacobs dream and participating in barn! Being around also shows she is now available on PVOD and there has been much talked about one... That elusive American dream learning objectives or the concept of active viewing when you had to work with.. '' he reacts defensively the activities students will be doing during the fire is completely a type. Monica that their son has a hole in his heart and will need surgery at some point fri Jul. Metaphor for the Yi familys struggles to adapt to their new life and the fire is completely Trickster! Is demonstrated in his frustrated ramblings to Paul when the prospective buyer Oklahoma! To lose the crop in the farm hurt, Grandma emphasizes how strong he is who we are you to... We love of key characters managed to secure a buyer in Oklahoma City for his vegetables high of. Yi family the closing scenes, Jacob doesnt have a particularly high opinion of the powers. Only the creek water do you think David does what he does, and well-being...

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minari discussion guide