Minari was not a film, it was an experience. Set against the backdrop of a small town in 80s Arkansas, we’re introduced to David, a seven-year-old Korean-American boy and his family as they navigate a fresh start in a new county in pursuit of the American dream.
When Jacob and Monica and their two children, David and Anne, move from California to Arkansas, Jacob reveals his plan to start a farm growing Korean fruits and vegetables. Jacob has hopes of owning his own farm, but in the meantime both Jacob and Monica hold chicken-sexing jobs at a local hatchery, and soon Monica’s mother, Soonja, arrives from Korea to help out. At first David is extremely apprehensive about granny Soonja, telling her she’s not a normal grandma and being uncertain of Korean food and culture she brings along with her. Throughout the 115-minute run-time we watch as this family feud over the way Jacob throws his marriage, finances and the stability of his family into extreme vulnerability as he is hell-bent on creating a farm with their limited resources.
A beautiful story of family and dreams, we’re witness to Jacob’s idealistic ways, Monica’s realism, Soonja’s comfort and both David and Anne’s child-like wonder as they navigate their way through long days on the farm. However, if your attention span requires more excitement and action in order to stay engaged, then this is not the film for you, as Minari is a slow-paced and gentle, yet extraordinary, story. With beautiful cinematography and shots of dreamy green garden landscapes, Minari feels both soft and comforting in a way that warms your soul.
Despite Steven Yeun shockingly being the first Asian-American actor nominated for the Best Actor award at the 93rd Academy Awards, it is no surprise that he was nominated, I couldn’t think of a better candidate for the award. His performance as the brooding, farm-loving, and caring father of two was beyond spectacular. Even though Steven Yeun was Oscar nominated, it was Alan Kim’s performance as the charmingly adorable, cowboy boot wearing David that stole my heart. His resistance to trying new things and curiosity of the strange new world around him is something that felt both relatable and endearing and often very comical. David brings a much-needed ray of sunshine to the situation in which the family have landed themselves in. It’s a shame that their other child, Anne, did not receive the same kind of warmth and comedy in her role as it often felt like she was being left out, as though she was only featured in the film to give David another child to frequently interact with.
Watching Minari is a rewarding experience that I highly recommend to anyone. With a remarkable cast, delightful story, lovely cinematography and dreamy soundtrack, Minari is well deserving of all six of its Oscar nominations.
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