More Koreans take Hollywood by storm, and I’m absolutely here for it. A24 proves yet again that they are the mighty force of quiet masterpieces, and Minari could be the one to take home this year’s top awards.
If you think Minari is just a cute little farm movie (as I did), here’s what you need to know.
For years, Jacob (Steven Yeun) has been working in California as a successful chicken sexer before saving enough money to buy his own land out west, in an attempt to start his own farm. This is met by hesitation from his wife, Monica (played by the beautiful Han Ye-ri), who fears for the health of her sickly son and is left desolate by her new surroundings.
Best described as a film about assimilation and the American dream, Minari follows a Korean-American family as they try and make do with their new lives in rural Arkansas. Told by the gentle hands of writer/director Lee Isaac Chung, Minari features a slew of memorable performances, dreamy cinematography, and lush score. All of which has translated to a hefty six nominations.
Minari is heartbreaking and beautiful, a conclusion made easy by critical consensus. Anyone capable of a quick google search could tell you that Minari is already a beloved immigrant story within film circles. Without a doubt worth the time of film lovers and casual viewers alike.
Much of the discourse around the film centers around the cultural implications and messages that the film captures, but I’m not an expert in Asian diaspora or the immigrant experience so I won’t attempt to unravel them.
But what I do want to bring attention to is the GENIUS that is Youn Yuh-Jung, who plays the rambunctious grandma that is Soonja. Her interactions with David are key to what brings vitality to the movie. Every scene with them aroused an audible “aw” from me, I honestly could watch an entire 120 minutes of just them. She is that good.
I mean, how can you not adore this? Youn Yuh-Jung is a sure winner at the Academy Awards, having already wracked several top prizes including a BAFTA and SAG for best-supporting actress. A vote for Youn is a vote for grandmas everywhere, the Academy will be sure to remember that.
Even if Minari doesn’t get all the Oscars, it for sure got my heart.
My feelings are summarized with this emotioncon: 😌
