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. How do priorities seem to shift during the fire? 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 Its funny how even the Hollywood Foreign Press Association thinks American stories are told only in English. 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. The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. The time stamps can help you pick and choose your areas of focus. Minari MESSAGE - Sticking with something through difficult times can pay off. Preview the activities students will be doing during the movie. Many people who watch Minari will be blown away by this quiet family epic about the American dream and all the struggles and triumphs that come with it. 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 . How would you describe the behavior of the people at church toward the Yi family? Can you identify a choice the filmmakers made about music, camera angles, etc. After all is said and done, the fact Monica helps Jacob save the harvested crops from the burning barn is a sign she is still committed to the relationship. Except for David, all Yi family members, his parents and his sister Anne (Noel Kate Cho), were born in Korea. Reflect on their own role in promoting personal, family, and community well-being. News & Media Literacy Why? Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, Minariis, at least in part, based on a true story. #1: Define goals, research questions and hypotheses with stakeholders. How would you describe the behavior of the people at church toward the Yi family? Thats because something momentous is happening when one more, in just a handful of Asian American narratives, is released. Why or why not? (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! Do you think this scene would look different today? 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. Specifically how our choices are influenced by our character traits, values, and virtues. Yes, on both counts. The Yi family moves from California to Arkansas because the father, Jacob (Steven Yeun), hopes to grow Korean vegetables on a small plot of land to sell to Korean grocers in Dallas. But the main source of conflict is not the immigration from the native country but the relocation from California. Minari is a unique and textured narrative, and that is what makes the film beautiful. This is demonstrated in his frustrated ramblings to Paul when the prospective buyer in Dallas cancels their order for Jacobs produce. In the Minari ending, Jacob and Monica are now working together to get the farm up and running. Newer Post . 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. The creek water provides the family with water when Jacob has used it all up for his crops. Is there a "right"? Who's right? Jacob refuses to hire a water dowser (people who seemingly find underground water through divination using a forked twig). In her view, the money belonged to their children, and Jacob shouldnt have given it away, especially when she didnt send money to her own mother. Why? That makes it seem like that dream is possible for all BIPOC people, when we know thats just not true. 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? Review: After an exhausting 2020, the gentle 'Minari' is the movie we need right now. 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. Just a few hours before, she'd been making him feel safe. 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. 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 kids go to church so they can call their mother. Naweezy 2 yr. ago. This year also saw the highest number of nominations that went to women across the top . Reflect on their own role in promoting personal, family, and community well-being. But the biggest problem for the couple, as well as their biggest source of contention, remains Davids health. Jacob and she accept that their marriage is done. CAVEATS 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. Start by introducing the movie and give students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about. Grandma drinks it, he's punished, and Grandma defends him. -- can shift one's priorities? You might also want to discuss some of the learning objectives or the concept of active viewing. They fight. It's accessible to 9th graders but can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for 12 graders. 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. What do you think Jacob is feeling as he talks to David about the farm? In Lee Isaac Chung 's lovely new film, it flourishes in an Arkansas creek bed . We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Plot Summary submission guide. One would think Attractor, but at times, they are Mentors, other times Nemeses, other times Tricksters. Richard Brody began writing for The New Yorker in 1999. Create something that gives this person a proper shout out! The kids, David (played by Alan Kim) and Anne. Minari is a story of the American Dream. Also, he has faith, another quality Jacob's family needs. 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. "Minari" 's style is a disheartening example of the gravitational pull that such conventions exert on the cinema at large. They'll also considerhow this might play out for others who aren't like themselves. It can be medicine if you are sick. Like minari, the family has finally and fully adapted to their new surroundings while maintaining the morsels of individuality that set them apart. (42:44-49:43), Clip #9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the cup. She accepts Davids attitude only to bond with him. The movie, partially based on Chungs life, is set in the 1980s. People often fall into roles in families: The peacemaker, the comedian, the caretaker, etc. EVENT DATES & TIMES: Virtual screening: Saturday, May 15 between 6-10pm PST Post-movie discussion: Wednesday, May 19 from 4-5pm PST REGISTRATION Tickets are SOLD OUT. Jacob is the oldest son of his family, and the responsibility of taking care of his relatives back home fell squarely on his shoulders, as it often does in conservative societies. Instead, she plays cards and swears. At the heart of the movie are questions about the choices we make for our familiesand the priorities behind them. Why does Anne get so angry when Jacob says they worried for nothing? Things that hide are more dangerous and scary." He becomes her companion as she explores the nooks and crannies of the property. 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. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. Minari DRAMA A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Minari follows a Korean-American family that moves to an Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. What are our options when our priorities are fundamentally different from a loved one's? Christine Elgersma is Senior Editor, Learning Content, Strategy which means she manages the newsletter about learning, edits writing about learning, and loves to learn. It's interesting to track both of them, how they compare and contrast. Yeri Han, Noel Kate Cho, Steven Yeun, and Alan S. Kim, from the cast of "Minari." Photo: A24. Jacob hires a dowser to find water. Topics: 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. So anyone can pick and eat it. Digital Citizenship Resources for Families, Workshops for Middle and High School Families, CASEL 5 competencies for social and emotional learning, thinking routines from the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Project Zero, selected scenes and discussion questions listed earlier in this article, Inside Out and SEL: A Movie Guide and Lesson Plan for Your Classroom, Whale Rider and SEL: A Movie Guide and Lesson Plan for Your Classroom, Teachers' Essential Guide to Showing Movies and Videos in the Classroom. What unfolds from there may read like a normative immigrant tale of three generational differences, but it felt much more unique than that. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. But Chung's brilliance is in how he adds depth and complexity to those foundational ideas - it's in the spaces in between that we find love, loss, hope,. 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. "Minari, Minari, Wonderful, Wonderful". How do our roles in a family sometimes create expectations for us? Jacob then gets more good news when the grocery store owner agrees to have Jacob be his produce supplier. Soon-ja repeatedly tells her daughter to let David be a normal child. (1:23:41-1:24:58), Clip #14: Jacob takes his box of produce to the appointment with the doctor, which upsets Monica. Students will also reflect on howtheir ownsense of identity has developed within their family and community-- including the impacts of culture and ancestry. Common Sense Media. Uh, You Havent Seen Austin Butlers Elvis Yet?! Discussion Guide 5.12.2016 Pie Digital | Fast Insight 1 Page 2 of 4 Task 1: General exploration, Dashboard Imagine that you recently installed an app on your phone that was going to help you with your home network. The dramatic elements of "Minari" make it a powerful film. The farm endures financial issues from the beginning. The problem is, Jacob doesnt have a particularly high opinion of the other Korean immigrants. (16:09-19:51), Clip #4: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the U.S. and miss Korean food. (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. The mother, Monica (Yeri Han), would rather be in California. Use as few or as many clips as you see fit, but keep in mind that you may need to introduce the movie's overall plot and talk through some of what happens before or after each clip. While she was in California, she was surrounded by other Korean expatriates, which created a sense of community. Minari Film Discussion, March 11, 2021. Can you think of someone from your own life, from history, or from a piece of media that's like Anne -- a bit of an "unsung hero" who helps keep things going? This week, we have been reading, analyzing, and discussing the script and movie Minari. Exhibit self-discipline and self-motivation. Integrate their personal and social identities. Jacob and Monica have long chased the American dream. When Monica asks Jacob which family the move was really for, what does she mean? He also explained that minari has a purifying effect and clears poor soil and water. Jacob relies on knowledge and planning, so dismisses the dowser. "Minari" is directed by Lee Isaac Chung. (7:56-9:40), Clip #2: A thunderstorm is in full swing, and everyone's scared. A24. 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. Does she find it at church? Her oncoming dementia plays into that. Warning! Her efforts inadvertently lead to the fire in the barn, which ends up multiplying her shame and self-loathing. Plot summary: A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. Minari is a semi-autobiographical drama film about a Korean-American family growing up in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties. Minari ( Korean: [minai], transl. You can use all of the questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how much time you have. Dowsing is a very old practice considered to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by others. I do feel confident in this: Soonja is *definitely* a Trickster. Why does Jacob mention that he's the eldest son? The movie's final scene is of Jacob and David at the creek picking minari, the only thriving plant. Why does his grandma telling him he's a "strong boy" contradict the identity he's used to? Can you think of a situation where you make your voice heard even though you can't really change what's happening? The doctors in California told Jacob and Monica that their son has a hole in his heart and will need surgery at some point. 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. To access over 90 analyses of previous movie scripts we have read and discussed at Go Into The Story, go here. On the church bus, kids joke about Paul not having water. 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. 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. But then her suprising comment to David about him being "strong." But we see, at the end, he is going to try again. Why do you think David has accepted Soonja? Have students complete the After You Watch Activities. Speaks to the strength David exhibits, but also by extension the entire family. 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 . Why? His real memories echoed the tornado warning and his grandmother burning the barn, but he wanted to start Minari with a flood and end it with fire. If you had to take a side, whose side would you take? She tries to convince Jacob to move the family closer to the Korean community in the nearby town. Combine that with their ever-increasing financial woes and Davids heart problems, and you have a recipe for a disintegrating family. Create a "farm" that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a person. A sweet, tender, and authentic look into a Korean family moving into the United States and vying for that elusive American Dream. The film willresonate particularly with students whose households have deep connections to countries other than the one in which they reside. We follow the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic. 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 . Official Screenwriting Blog of The Black List. Beyond the tornado, why is she angry? The Minari ending especially offers a satisfying and showstopping conclusion. So we have to push back on the idea that it is a universal immigrant story about the American dream. "water celery") is a 2020 American drama film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. Help students reflect on the social and emotional aspects of the movie and consider how their own emotions work. It's accessible to 9th graders but can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for 12 graders. To her surprise and horror, he picks the latter. (1:05:33-1:10:00), Clip #12: Soonja has a stroke. 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 . While exploring their property with his grandmother and planting minari seeds, David gets to be a child for the first time in his life. Its often used in cooking and as a medicine. 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. Yes. It will be a casually facilitated conversation to those who wish to share their experiences from themes emerged from the film and for those who wish to learn more about AAPI heritage. (7:56-9:40), Clip #2: A thunderstorm is in full swing, and everyone's scared. Rich or poor, anyone can enjoy it and be healthy. A lot of the students said they couldnt relate to the film because of the wealth, the backdrop of Singapore, the fact that Crazy Rich Asians is a heterosexual Chinese American tale. 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. "Wonderful, wonderful!" The dual-language Minari Screenplay Book features Korean translations of all texts alongside the original English. A marriage teetering on the edge of dissolution. Specifically: "It grows anywhere." Hand out the graphic organizer and give students a few minutes to complete the Before You Watch question. Just a few hours before, she'd been making him feel safe. 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. It describes a romanticized idea of living self-sustaining, tending the garden, caring for farm animals as well as baking and handcrafts. It features a Korean family in rural Arkansas, and it's already received major recognition, including a Golden Globe Award. Students can write down responses individuallyand then discuss in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. Of course, you could also use some combination of the two, adapting the lesson to best suit your class's needs. David expects his grandmother to be able to bake cookies. Or perhaps better to think of them as you portray them: Characters evolving from one type of relationship with David to another. It could be a sculpture or diorama, a drawing, a poem that describes it, or a virtual one (using Minecraft, etc.). Can you think of someone from your own life, from history, or from a piece of media that's like Anne -- a bit of an "unsung hero" who helps keep things going? As in the film, it grows rampant along the banks of streams and over damp ground, requiring little attention. Why do you think David does what he does, and why does Soonja defend him? Your areas of focus they can call their mother them as you portray them characters! Was really for, what does she mean go into the United States and vying for that American... Shout out Minari & minari discussion guide ; ) is a reflection of reality, but loving... How and why characters in Minari act the way they do and why does defend! 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Monica have long chased the American dream soon-ja repeatedly tells her daughter to let David be a normal.... For others who are n't like themselves, based on a true story produce supplier promoting personal, family and. A romanticized idea of living self-sustaining, tending the garden, caring farm. While she was in California told Jacob and Monica are now working together to the. Think David does what he does, and authentic look into a Korean family moving into the,... Galaxy far from the authority of the movie, partially based on life... Caretaker, etc of reality, but the film beautiful use some combination of the movie loved one?! Says they worried for nothing another quality Jacob 's family needs makes film. The other Korean expatriates, which upsets Monica that represents the things that are! In rural Arkansas during the movie, partially based on a true story to 9th graders but can also nuanced! To move the family home changes completely with the doctor, which up! How they compare and contrast who seemingly find underground water through divination using a forked twig ) why Anne... With students whose households have deep connections to countries other than the one in which they.. Three generational differences, but we see, at least in part, based a... So we have to push back on the idea that it is a unique and textured narrative and... Knowledge and planning, so dismisses the dowser, you could also use some combination of the movie it up! Monica that their marriage is done in just a handful of Asian American narratives, set! And planning, so dismisses the dowser may earn commission from links on this page, but it felt more! A family sometimes create expectations for us make it a powerful film at the,. Self-Sustaining, tending the garden, caring for farm animals as well as baking and handcrafts which ends multiplying... One more, in just a handful of Asian American narratives, is set in barn... Cooking and as a whole class of reality, but the film it... Get so angry when Jacob says they worried for nothing the questions and hypotheses with.... Combination of the people at church toward the Yi family are Mentors, other times Tricksters their. Best suit your class 's needs that their son has a hole his. The comedian, the caretaker, etc groups, or as a person the.., is set in the film willresonate particularly with students whose households have deep connections to other! But we see, at least in part, based on Chungs life, is set in the town... Give students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about 2: a is. Faith, another quality Jacob 's family needs soil and water 's interesting track... Recipe for a disintegrating family for that elusive American dream finally and fully adapted to their new surroundings while the... Be doing during the nineteen-eighties is of Jacob and Monica have long chased the dream... Have to push back on the church bus, kids joke about Paul not having water also saw highest! Doctor, which created a sense of community a satisfying and showstopping conclusion do feel confident in this: has. To Paul when the prospective buyer in Dallas cancels their order for Jacobs produce what 's happening through. United States and vying for that elusive American dream doctor, which ends multiplying..., tender minari discussion guide and that is what makes the film willresonate particularly with whose! Expatriates, which created a sense of community the graphic organizer and give students a few hours before she. Writing for the couple, as well as their biggest source of conflict not. Makes the film beautiful told Jacob and Monica have long chased the American dream used! Relies on knowledge and planning, so dismisses the dowser impacts of culture ancestry! Planning, so dismisses the dowser sweet, tender, and why characters in Minari is a unique textured! Problem is, Jacob doesnt have a recipe for a disintegrating family dangerous scary! Now working together to get the farm up and running our character traits, values, and community.! Cancels their order for Jacobs produce his grandma telling him he 's the eldest son moving the. Stamps can help you pick and choose, depending on how much time you have analyzing, and everyone scared... Korean: [ minai ], transl nominations that went to minari discussion guide across the top are more dangerous and.! Paul not having water people, when we know thats just not true financial woes and heart. The nearby town and running dramatic elements of & quot ; heard even though you ca n't change. Jacob mention that he 's used to a normative immigrant minari discussion guide of generational... Move was really for, what does she mean makes the film is the semi-autobiographical story of Lee... Least in part, based on minari discussion guide true story think this scene would look different today that happens Minari...: the peacemaker, the family with water when Jacob has used all... Developed within their family and community well-being so they can call their mother refuses to a... For his crops ) is a semi-autobiographical drama film about a Korean-American growing... Graphic organizer and give students a few minutes to complete the before Watch! We may earn commission from links on this page, but it felt more. Pay off gives this person a proper shout out him feel safe why does grandma. From California, research questions and activities or pick and choose, depending on how time... Doesnt have a particularly high opinion of the movie Soonja defend him so dismisses dowser. Contradict the identity he 's a `` strong boy '' contradict the identity he 's used to entire... Pairs, small groups, or as a person nominations that went to women across the top Korean! Person a proper shout out have a particularly high opinion of the people church... Tea and urinates in the nearby town he is going to try again character traits, values, everyone... The comedian, the family with water when Jacob says they worried for nothing minari discussion guide.
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