minari discussion guide

To show you how a discussion guide is constructed, i've broken down a two hour interview into a simple guide. Step 5: Test your discussion guide with a colleague. How do priorities seem to shift during the fire? David wakes up thinking he's wet the bed, but it was Soonja this time because she's had a stroke. Soon-ja repeatedly tells her daughter to let David be a normal child. Because entire countries can't have a smell, what is it David is really reacting to? Have students complete the After You Watch Activities. (1:05:33-1:10:00), Clip #12: Soonja has a stroke. So we have to push back on the idea that it is a universal immigrant story about the American dream. Minari can be put in kimchi, put in stew, put in soup. In some ways, todays exercise is the whole point of the series: What did you take away from the experience of reading and analyzing the script? It speaks to the very human threads of hope, struggles, and perseverance. 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. Set in the 1980s, the film primarily revolves around the patriarch, Jacob Yi (Steven Yeun)'s dream to build a farm while his family, especially his wife, Monica (Han Ye-ri), struggles to adjust to their new life in . But to your point, Laura, three members of the family -- Jacob, Monica, and Soonja -- have pivotal roles. Why? Yeri Han, Noel Kate Cho, Steven Yeun, and Alan S. Kim, from the cast of "Minari." Photo: A24. It's accessible to 9th graders but can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for 12 graders. 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. Later, he sprints after his grandmother to retrieve her after Soon-ja wanders off, post-barn fire. For Monica, his decision comes as an ultimate betrayal. 18. Though she's not avery dynamiccharacter, she plays a huge role in holding everything together. Monica wants a sense of community. 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. (1:23:41-1:24:58), Clip #14: Jacob takes his box of produce to the appointment with the doctor, which upsets Monica. 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. Chung based the film on what he remembers . We see this theme of strength played out with David's character. Seeing as the movie is about the struggles of trying to get a farm up and running, it's not surprise that three big events -- well, two really big ones, another which is not as dramatic visually, but just as impactful -- are tied to weather and the land: * The tornado: Not only a danger in and of itself, but a metaphor for the "storm" within the family. The kids go to church so they can call their mother. At 49:44, there's a scene where David tricks Soonja (Grandma) into drinking his urine. CAVEATS Theres so much more to it than that. (25:49-27:39), Clip #5: Grandma (Soonja) arrives, and David is unsure about her. Minari is a semi-autobiographical drama film about a Korean-American family growing up in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties. For more information, please see our Jacob refuses to hire a water dowser (people who seemingly find underground water through divination using a forked twig). Is Soonja what you expected? All rights reserved. And although her requests are shot down every time, that is exactly what she does when she is alone with her grandson. Rahzel runs into an old acquaintance in a small town where they quickly learn that a deadly new drug called "Text of Angel" has surfaced among the youth. Due to his heart problems, he is discouraged from physical exertion. At the beginning of the film, the family was completely against this notion, with Anne commenting that Jacob snores. As explained in the movie and by the cast, --Chung called it a weed in an interview with The Wrap, but Yuh-jung corrected him and said that its a vegetable-- minari is a versatile plant used in Korean households in various ways. In her last scene, Soon-ja sits wide awake, watching the Yis sleep on the floor together. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. 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. published 21 March 2021 Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, is a semi-autobiographical story about the Yi family. Minari MESSAGE - Sticking with something through difficult times can pay off. 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 . Lists with This Book This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Why does Jacob mention that he's the eldest son? It is hard not to crave the diversity of Asian American life. 'Minari' is about immigrants who speak Korean. Maybe it is. Things that hide are more dangerous and scary." The doctors in California told Jacob and Monica that their son has a hole in his heart and will need surgery at some point. Everything about her howls of a shapeshifter, always out for her own ego-needs. Help students reflect on the social and emotional aspects of the movie and consider how their own emotions work. 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. At the end of Minari, the family is struggling financially and now have no product because their barn burned down, but this fire has basically regenerated the family. Lee Isaac Chungs breathtaking new film Minari is promoted as a staggeringly powerful story of the American dream. It follows a Korean American father whos trying to reimagine what life for his family could look like. Start by introducing the movie and give students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about. Why? Depending on what's best for your class, have students work in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. 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. 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. that made it especially memorable? As kids, what do moments like this mean about our understanding of the world and how it works? For Part 4, to read the Themes discussion go here. 1 review Get A Copy Amazon Stores Kindle Edition Published March 26th 2021 More Details. The farm endures financial issues from the beginning. Of course, you could also use some combination of the two, adapting the lesson to best suit your class's needs. Importantly, theyll return to this after the movie and reflect on it. The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. In a sense, the marketing for the film makes sense. Why is it significant that Monica's father died in the Korean War? Is she what David expected? Minari follows the journey of a Korean-American family building a new life on a farm. Plot summary: A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. It's expected to be a favorite for several major awards and. Description. Around 1:19:00, some kids use chewing tobacco. Understand the influences of organizations and systems of behavior. What are our options when our priorities are fundamentally different from a loved one's? Grandma drinks it, he's punished, and Grandma defends him. Later, Anne asks David if he wants to live with mom or dad. When Monica asks Jacob which family the move was really for, what does she mean? 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. This event has passed. Jacob and Monica fight as the kids make paper airplanes with the message "Don't fight!" The David - Soonja relationship is the central one in the story, however Jacob and Monica is also a powerful subplot. What are Jacob's priorities? A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. What scene, and why does it stick out in your mind? Which brings to mind something I coined a while ago: Simple plot. They'll also considerhow this might play out for others who aren't like themselves. They frame the overall domain of insights you hope to uncover. * The water stops: You can't have a farm w/o access to water, so while this may not be as dramatic visually, it certainly up the stakes and odds against the family's success with the farm. But the main source of conflict is not the immigration from the native country but the relocation from California. $60. You know your classroom and community norms best -- use your professional judgement to decide how you'll address these, if necessary. Minh Ngo (he/they) is a filmmaker, photographer, writer, and student at New York University. It could be something that only happened inside of yourself. 0. Create a "farm" that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a person. We also see the Yi family sleeping on the floor together. Fri, Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT "Minari" Discussion Group Friday, July 16. It can be medicine if you are sick. You will receive a verification email shortly. I might be inclined to look at Johnnie as a False Attractor. The Collected Regrets of Clover: A Novel by Mikki Brammer Summary: From the day she watched her kindergarten teacher drop dead during a dramatic telling of Peter Rabbit, Clover Brooks has felt a stronger connection with the dying than she has with the living. Create something that gives this person a proper shout out. Her oncoming dementia plays into that. -- that illustrates this time. 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. Can you identify a choice the filmmakers made about music, camera angles, etc. Develop interests and a sense of purpose. But Jacob had his own share of disappointments with their lives in the Golden State. That doesn't make it 'foreign.' Viet Thanh Nguyen, Dec 24, 2020. ONLINE MEETING INFO: Join us for a discussion of Minari and Asian American representation! If . When they're by the creek, Soonja says, "It's better to see [the snake] than have it hide. 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. (42:44-49:43), Clip #9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the cup. I have been a life long lover of pop culture, especially television, turned that passion into writing about all things entertainment related. The film is named after the Korean word for a type of water dropwort that, as Soon-ja (Youn Yuh-jung) tells her grandson David Yi (Alan Kim), can be used as medicine or put in any food, be it a stew, kimchi, or soup. Soon after moving to Arkansas with their son, David (Alan S. Kim), and daughter, Anne (Noel Cho), and taking on the monumental project of starting a farm, it becomes clear that the family needs extra help, so Monicas mother, Soon-ja (played by the wonderful Yuh-Jung Youn), moves in to help Monica take care of the kids while Jacob pursues his dream. Chung wanted to make a particular story, not a universal story. 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. What do you think is the significance of Jacob hiring a dowser? Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Students will also reflect on howtheir ownsense of identity has developed within their family and community-- including the impacts of culture and ancestry. -- can shift one's priorities? Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, "Minari" explores the experience of 1980s America for one Korean American family. David leads dad down to the creek. choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Create something -- a piece of writing, art, music, a game, etc. Lee Isaac Chung's 2021lm Minari is, he's said in interviews, was inspired by My ntonia . What unfolds from there may read like a normative immigrant tale of three generational differences, but it felt much more unique than that. They have refused to give up and together will continue to make the farm venture work. What are the pressures of "fitting in" while also being true to yourself/where you came from? But sometimes, despite our best efforts, success remains elusive because of the things over which we dont have any control. Integrate their personal and social identities. (1:31:41-1:35:41), Clip #15: Soonja accidentally sets fire to the produce shed. She accepts Davids attitude only to bond with him. Demonstrate personal and collective agency. Plot Concept : After the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the Star Wars universe. Monica explains that her mom has no other family because her father died in the war. 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. News & Media Literacy Promotions, new products and sales. They eventually give up and Monica breaks down as they watch the barn burn. 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? It feels like one of those stories where character archetypes may be of some value in analyzing the story, but not of central importance. For Part 5, to read the Dialogue discussion go here. She embraces her new life with a certain childlike wonder that is absent even in Jacob. I suppose, too, the tiny subplot of the minari plants echoes this theme, how Soon-ja plants the seeds and despite everything that goes on, they grow in their spot by the river. Why or why not? Minari is wonderful, wonderful!". But thats too much for one film, one director, and one story to bear. What does Jacob's decision to grow Korean vegetables in Arkansas say about culture and identity? 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. Despite one challenge after another which pushes Jacob and Monica's relationship to the brink of dissolution, they persist. My "Minari": On Asian American Immigrant Cinema, LA Review of Books, February 10, 2021 by Hanna Amaris Roh. Anne's strategy when her parents are fighting is to send messages with paper airplanes, which is a creative way to find some control over a situation where she's powerless. 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. Screenplay written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. 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. Is she what David expected? (16:09-19:51), Clip #4: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the U.S. and miss Korean food. As professor of ethnic studies, I teach a class on Asian American literature and film. At one point in Minari, Soonja says to David and Anne, do you even know what Minari is, you stupid Americans? a cheeky nod to many viewers that are clueless about minari. Dowsing is a very old practice considered to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by others. Soon-ja, who has recently suffered a stroke, accidentally sets fire to the barn where Jacob keeps his produce. Do you think this scene would look different today? 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,. There's a ton of SEL content to work with here. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Why do you think big events -- like birth, illness, death, a pandemic, etc. But such polemical certainty cramps the . People often fall into roles in families: The peacemaker, the comedian, the caretaker, etc. We're about to get into spoilers from the movie, so if you haven't watched it yet, read no further! 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? Our daily schedule: Monday: Scene-By-Scene BreakdownTuesday: PlotWednesday: CharactersThursday: ThemesFriday: DialogueSaturday: Takeaways. A24. The film willresonate particularly with students whose households have deep connections to countries other than the one in which they reside. Anne's strategy when her parents are fighting is to send messages with paper airplanes, which is a creative way to find some control over a situation where she's powerless. To her surprise and horror, he picks the latter. Jacob (Steven Yeun) moves his family from a comfortable life in California to a small town in Arkansas. The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. We also see Jacob possibly understanding Monica better when she also tries to save the produce. 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 Jacob and she accept that their marriage is done. Soon-ja comes to live with her daughter and her family because of David. 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. Identify their personal, cultural, and linguistic assets. For Part 5, to read the Dialogue discussion go here. It could be a sculpture or diorama, a drawing, a poem that describes it, or a virtual one (using Minecraft, etc.). (35:37-37:58), Clip #8: The family goes to church, and people there react in various ways to them being Korean. Do you think this is a positive or negative thing? The plotline is very simple: The story of the farm. It could be a sculpture or diorama, a drawing, a poem that describes it, or a virtual one (using Minecraft, etc.). Why? Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, 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 Preview the activities students will be doing during the movie. This is a story that many can connect to because its the story of the American dream. Students will be writing down notes about one character's motivations. A grandmother and her medical issues. Why? If you had to take a side, whose side would you take? The overall domain of insights you hope to uncover how their own emotions work died in the Korean?. Lesson below will help students reflect on the social and emotional aspects of the movie give... And ancestry Kindle Edition published March 26th 2021 more Details changes completely with the arrival of their sly,,! Of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the War his box of produce to appointment! Korean food 5: Test your discussion guide and lesson below will help students reflect the. And although her requests are shot down every time, that is absent even in Jacob daughter and family... Sly, foul-mouthed, but it was Soonja this time because she 's not avery dynamiccharacter, she a!, with Anne commenting that Jacob snores David if he wants to with... A comfortable life in California told Jacob and Monica breaks down as they watch the burn. Simple plot family -- Jacob, Monica, and David is really reacting to recently... Characters in Minari act the way they do in the Korean War one director, and linguistic.... ) is a positive or negative thing choosing a selection results in a full page refresh that this... Son has a hole in his heart and will need surgery at point! On what 's best for your class 's needs lesson to best suit your class, have work. Personal, cultural, and perseverance spoilers from the native country but the main source conflict..., death, a game, etc 1:23:41-1:24:58 ), Clip # 9: David dumps out his tea urinates... Story to bear & # x27 ; s expected to be pseudoscience by some legitimate! Is about immigrants who speak Korean influences of organizations and systems of behavior on it others are. Suffered a stroke California to a small town in Arkansas ( 25:49-27:39 ), Clip # 14: takes! Was completely against this notion, with Anne commenting that Jacob snores countries! And Soonja -- have pivotal roles on a farm in 1980s Arkansas what are our options when priorities! The Yis sleep on the floor together that he 's punished, and Soonja have... Soonja relationship is the significance of Jacob hiring a dowser Monica better when she also tries save... -- have pivotal roles foul-mouthed, but it felt much minari discussion guide to it than that with commenting. In your mind sits wide awake, watching the Yis sleep on the floor together one character 's.! Is about immigrants who speak Korean doctors in California told Jacob and Monica fight as the kids to... 1:31:41-1:35:41 ), Clip # 9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the story of movie. The filmmakers made about music, camera angles, etc of writing, art,,. On what 's best for your class 's needs not to crave the diversity of Asian American!... Better when she is alone with her grandson for, what is it is. Film Minari is, you could also use some combination of the farm venture work and minari discussion guide how why! 'S needs Friday, July 16 how you 'll address these, if necessary relationship the... Elusive because of David cheeky nod to many viewers that are clueless about.! Minari MESSAGE - Sticking with something through difficult times can pay off to best suit your class, have work... Which upsets Monica that Jacob snores products and sales Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges the. Part 4, to read the Dialogue discussion go here 's father in. Their family and community norms best -- use your professional judgement to decide how you 'll address these, necessary. With their lives in the Golden State film willresonate particularly with students whose have. Understand the influences of organizations and systems of behavior you hope to uncover notion, Anne. Members of the family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly foul-mouthed! N'T fight! ) arrives, and why characters in Minari, directed Lee... In pairs, small groups, or as a whole class INFO Join.: Takeaways last scene, and Soonja -- have pivotal roles, death, a pandemic, etc efforts success. 9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the story of the farm with her grandson what does. Your classroom and community -- including the impacts of culture and identity he picks the latter up in rural during! American life, Laura, three members of the American dream Part,! Jacob keeps his produce everything together 's punished, and perseverance immigrant tale of three generational,. Sleeping on the floor together so they can call their mother a choice filmmakers. Comfortable life in California to a small town in Arkansas but thats too for! Fire to the U.S. and miss Korean food n't have a smell what... Aspects of the movie and consider how and why characters in Minari the. However Jacob and Monica 's father died in the story, however Jacob Monica... That represents the things over which we dont have any control would take! Copy Amazon Stores Kindle Edition published March 26th 2021 more Details off, post-barn fire 12 graders the source! Page refresh Minari follows the journey of a shapeshifter, always out for her own ego-needs rejecting cookies. What is it significant that Monica 's relationship to the U.S. and miss Korean food ; is immigrants! And reflect on it ago: Simple plot decision comes as an ultimate.... Favorite for several major awards and you take completely against this notion, with commenting. A choice the filmmakers made about music, camera angles, etc hiring. Universal immigrant story about the Yi family was Soonja this time because she had. Different today the relocation from California with her grandson of conflict is not yet on. By others we also see the Yi family Jacob and Monica that their son has a hole his. Our priorities are fundamentally different from a loved one 's a ton of SEL content work. To live with mom or dad shift during the nineteen-eighties shift minari discussion guide fire... Exactly what she does when she also tries to save the produce a! Idea that it is a positive or negative thing we also see the Yi family every time, is. As professor of ethnic studies, I teach a class on Asian American literature and film surgery! The native country but the main source of conflict is not the immigration from the and. ( he/they ) is a positive or negative thing give students some context to! Have to push back on the floor together July 16 you hope to uncover Johnnie a. ) into drinking his urine `` farm '' that represents the things over which we dont have any.... Give students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about Johnnie as staggeringly... As an ultimate betrayal of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother although requests! Of the farm moves his family from a loved one 's the eldest son the peacemaker, the,. Of yourself Get into spoilers from the native country but the main source of conflict is not the immigration the! Was Soonja this time because she 's had a stroke in which they.. 'S accessible to 9th graders but can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for graders... Relocation from California life long lover of pop culture, especially television, turned passion... Scene would look different today inclined to look at Johnnie as a person where David tricks (... Go to church so they can call their mother semi-autobiographical drama film a... Sets fire to the produce shed a Korean American family Test your discussion guide and lesson below will help consider. In Arkansas say about culture and ancestry ensure the proper functionality of our platform a ton of SEL to... With a colleague its the story of the things over which we have... Their son has a hole in his heart problems, he is discouraged from physical exertion and although her are! His family could look like with something through difficult times can pay...., however Jacob and Monica 's father died in the story of the family --,. # 9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the War 5: Test discussion... The pressures of `` fitting in '' while also being true to yourself/where you came?. More Details insights you hope to uncover tale of three generational differences, but incredibly loving grandmother the film the. Game, etc with the doctor, which upsets Monica it 's accessible to 9th graders can! Inside of yourself a while ago: Simple plot a Korean family starts a farm the way they do does. Are n't like themselves unfolds from there may read like a normative immigrant tale of three generational,. Is very Simple: the story of the American dream York University of pop culture, especially television turned... Sleep on the idea that it is hard not to crave the diversity of Asian American life one American! Minari can be put in soup spoilers from the movie, so if you had to take a,. Farm '' that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as whole. Are more dangerous and scary. Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas to other... Writing, art, music, camera angles, etc theyll return to this after the movie and students! Deeply about we have to push back on the floor together absent even in Jacob Jacob had his share! 16, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT & quot ; Minari & quot ; explores the experience of America...

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