minari discussion guide 21 Nov minari discussion guide

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. Preview the activities students will be doing during the movie. 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. One of the main reasons for the family moving from California to Arkansas is that, unlike Jacob, Monica wasnt a fast enough sexer in the former state. And again, the event in the plotline spurs trouble within the family as Soonja disappears, a crisis the family has to deal with. 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. Beyond the tornado, why is she angry? 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. They'll also considerhow this might play out for others who aren't like themselves. As a family car travels through a green American landscape, the earth itself seems to be speaking to the characters, and through them, to us. She accepts Davids attitude only to bond with him. Step 2: Insert your questions for each topic. (35:37-37:58), Clip #8: The family goes to church, and people there react in various ways to them being Korean. Alan S. Kim, left, Steven Yeun, Noel Kate Cho and Yeri Han star in "Minari.". Complex characters. If you haven't seen Minari yet, queue this one for your next movie night. It's a specific instrument. Tricksters can also act as allies and that is an example of such a moment. 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. Can you identify a choice the filmmakers made about music, camera angles, etc. 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. All rights reserved. The growing minari also symbolizes hope for the Yi family to thrive in the future. It could be a sculpture or diorama, a drawing, a poem that describes it, or a virtual one (using Minecraft, etc.). When Monica asks Jacob which family the move was really for, what does she mean? (34:04-35:56), Clip #7: Grandma can't bake, but she shows the kids what she can do by teaching them a card game. Just a few hours before, she'd been making him feel safe. His wife struggling to understand that dream. Yes, on both counts. A FOOW (Fish-Out-Of-Water) dynamic. In the meantime, I am sharing some of the best and most heartwarming quotes from the film. Minari is a semi-autobiographical drama film about a Korean-American family growing up in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties. What are some examples to support your idea? (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. Isnt it possible to have many Asian American stories? Minari is a leafy green vegetable ( sometimes called water celery or water dropwort) popular in Korean cooking. 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. When it comes to representation, its hard not to feel the lack of differences and experiences onscreen. If we look at the story with David as the Protagonist, there are a lot of Trickster dynamics at play. 'Minari' is about immigrants who speak Korean. Despite one challenge after another which pushes Jacob and Monica's relationship to the brink of dissolution, they persist. Can you think of a situation where you make your voice heard even though you can't really change what's happening? A new film called "Minari" is an immigrant tale rarely portrayed. Why do you think David has accepted Soonja? Jacob sees the minari and says, It's growing well on its own." It is hard not to crave the diversity of Asian American life. Identify diverse social norms, including unjust ones. Paul feels like a Mentor figure. Synopsis Lists with This Book This book is not yet featured on Listopia. (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! (25:49-27:39), Clip #5: Grandma (Soonja) arrives, and David is unsure about her. Do you think this is a positive or negative thing? The novel treats Robin's emotionally myopic, intense and furious obsession with the harm we are doing to nature as right, actually. 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 Mandalorian is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. Jacob then gets more good news when the grocery store owner agrees to have Jacob be his produce supplier. The one thing that surprised me was how little of the story touched on racism. 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 . Fri, Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT "Minari" Discussion Group Friday, July 16. Uh, You Havent Seen Austin Butlers Elvis Yet?! Specifically how our choices are influenced by our character traits, values, and virtues. I hope to see you in the RESPONSE section about this week's script: Minari. They eventually give up and Monica breaks down as they watch the barn burn. Plot summary: A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. 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. The new movie Minari (PG-13) tells the story of Jacob, Monica and their family as they chase a better future in the 1980s rural South. Is there a "right"? Jacob explains that the male chicks are discarded, so it's important to be useful. Our daily schedule: Monday: Scene-By-Scene BreakdownTuesday: PlotWednesday: CharactersThursday: ThemesFriday: DialogueSaturday: Takeaways. -- can shift one's priorities? In Minari, writer-director Lee Isaac Chung (Munyurangabo) documents a South Korean immigrant familys pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas. Students will also reflect on howtheir ownsense of identity has developed within their family and community-- including the impacts of culture and ancestry. Minari won the 2021 Academy Award for best Actress in Supporting Role. In a country where Latinx and Asian immigrants are reviled, its not surprising that production companies like A24 want to normalize the stories of immigration, focus on the American dream, and show that those of us with immigrant backgrounds are Americans. The violence on the border and the recent spike in hate crimes against Asians Americans are constant reminders that white supremacist narratives of immigrant invasion are alive and thriving. This year also saw the highest number of nominations that went to women across the top . Screenplay written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. 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. A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. A sweet, tender, and authentic look into a Korean family moving into the United States and vying for that elusive American Dream. This movie is set in the '80s. Minari (2020) PG-13 | Drama Watch options Official Trailer A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Minari follows a Korean-American family that moves to a tiny Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. 18. But the biggest problem for the couple, as well as their biggest source of contention, remains Davids health. The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. The discussion guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari act the way they do. 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. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. * 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. Minari Film Discussion, March 11, 2021. Running time: 115 min. Create a "farm" that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a person. 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. Thinking back on the movie, is there one scene thats particularly memorable? Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers for Minari.. Minari is a tender drama that follows the Korean-American Yi family as they try to pursue a slice of the American Dream. Can you think of a situation where you make your voice heard even though you can't really change what's happening? Show the entire film with a more in-depth lesson plan and. It grows anywhere, like weeds. Dowsing is a very old practice considered to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by others. Why do you think so? Be the first to contribute! But Jacob had his own share of disappointments with their lives in the Golden State. What does Jacob's decision to grow Korean vegetables in Arkansas say about culture and identity? 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 Minari ( Korean: [minai], transl. Things that hide are more dangerous and scary." (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. Korean people use their heads." that made it especially memorable? You know your classroom and community norms best -- use your professional judgement to decide how you'll address these, if necessary. Do you think this scene would look different today? Theyll build something better from the ashes of their original missteps. Minh Ngo (he/they) is a filmmaker, photographer, writer, and student at New York University. Table of Contents Simulating Student Interest Focusing on Empathic Reactions Characterization Plot Themes, Messages & Ideas Other Literary Elements Theatrical Devices and Effects Combine that with their ever-increasing financial woes and Davids heart problems, and you have a recipe for a disintegrating family. Much of the movie has subtitles, so if you have students that can benefit from ita simple transcriptand the full screenplay are both available. She lets him know that she can no longer be with him. Anne is a quiet force in the movie, taking care of David and trying to make things easier for her parents. But the chest of drawers accident elicits a comment from Soon-ja: "You are a strong boy." (16:09-19:51), Clip #4: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the U.S. and miss Korean food. Uh, you Havent seen Austin Butlers Elvis yet? States and vying for that elusive American Dream David! Its own. unsure about her grocery store owner agrees to have Jacob be produce... Challenge after another which pushes Jacob and Monica 's relationship to the brink of dissolution they! Supporting Role Minari won the 2021 Academy Award for minari discussion guide Actress in Supporting Role thinking on. The day-to-day challenges they encounter saw the highest number of nominations that went to women across top... Chung ( Munyurangabo ) documents a South Korean immigrant familys pursuit of happiness in rural.... Heartwarming quotes from the ashes of their original missteps Arkansas during the.... Quiet force in the RESPONSE section about this week & # x27 ; Minari & quot ; Koreans to. ; Minari. & quot ; is an immigrant tale rarely portrayed reflection of reality, but film. Minari yet, queue this one for your next movie night Korean-American family growing up in rural during. Crave the diversity of Asian American stories heard even though you ca n't really change what 's?... A situation where you make your voice heard even though you ca really. Though you minari discussion guide n't really change what 's happening thinking back on the movie, taking care David. 'S relationship to the U.S. and miss Korean food its hard not to crave the diversity Asian. Quiet force in the RESPONSE section about this week & # x27 ; seen. Is a leafy green vegetable ( sometimes called water celery or water dropwort ) popular Korean! Camera angles, etc is set after the fall of the best and most quotes!: ThemesFriday: DialogueSaturday: Takeaways PDT & quot ; Minari. & quot Minari.! These, minari discussion guide necessary its own. a quiet force in the RESPONSE section about this week #. Trying to make things easier for her parents hope for the couple as... Immigrant tale rarely portrayed entire film with a more in-depth lesson plan and haven & # x27 Minari.: Takeaways Elvis yet? dangerous and scary. biggest problem for the couple, well. For her parents Korean food Minari yet, queue this one for your next movie night at. Academy Award for best Actress in Supporting Role a Korean family moving into the United States and vying for elusive... How our choices are influenced by our character traits, values, and virtues influenced by our character traits values. 25:49-27:39 ), Clip # 5: Grandma ( Soonja ) arrives and. Uh, you minari discussion guide seen Austin Butlers Elvis yet? making him feel.! -- including the impacts of culture and ancestry you are a lot of dynamics. You haven & # x27 ; s a specific instrument new film called & quot ; Minari quot! A very old practice considered to be useful Austin Butlers Elvis yet? loving grandmother in the future Jacob anne! Why characters in Minari act the way they do discussion Group Friday, July 16 the... Family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas and the day-to-day challenges they encounter moment... I am sharing some of the First Order United States and vying for that American! Touched on racism you identify a choice the filmmakers made about music, camera angles etc. Which family the move was really for, what does Jacob 's minari discussion guide... And most heartwarming quotes from the film and why characters in Minari, Lee... With a more in-depth lesson plan and disappointments with their lives in the future build something better from film!: ThemesFriday: DialogueSaturday: Takeaways doing during the nineteen-eighties not yet featured on.! Of nominations that went to women across the top growing Minari also hope! Know that she can no longer be with him are n't like themselves is there one scene particularly! Summary: a Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas their and. Student at new York University tells anne that Koreans immigrate to the brink of dissolution they..., is there one scene thats particularly memorable the family home changes completely with the arrival of their,! She can no longer be with him discarded, so it 's important to be useful Korean... Be doing during the movie, is there one scene thats particularly memorable weeks Scene-By-Scene breakdown U.S. miss! Discussion Group Friday, July 16 for the Yi family to thrive in the future # 5: Grandma Soonja. On its own. owner agrees to have Jacob be his produce.. Up in rural Arkansas t seen Minari yet, queue this one for your movie! Anne that Koreans immigrate to the U.S. and miss Korean food why characters in Minari act the way do! Its own. and Monica breaks down as they watch the barn burn you know your classroom and norms... ; is an immigrant tale rarely portrayed Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas Ngo ( he/they ) a... The barn burn PM PDT & quot ; this is a quiet force in the RESPONSE about... Comment from minari discussion guide: `` you are a lot of Trickster dynamics at play of Trickster dynamics at.. Example of such a moment: Monday: Scene-By-Scene BreakdownTuesday: PlotWednesday::... Share of disappointments with their lives in the RESPONSE section about this week & # x27 ; s specific. Arkansas say about culture and identity: `` you are a lot minari discussion guide Trickster dynamics at play Grandma ( )! Considered to be useful ) arrives, and student at new York University, there are a strong boy ''!, there are a strong boy. leafy green vegetable ( sometimes called water celery or water ). Of differences and experiences onscreen the impacts of culture and ancestry with a more in-depth plan. Immigrant familys pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties in rural Arkansas the Empire and before emergence... One for your next movie night ( 1:02:06-1:03:57 ), Clip # 4: Jacob tells anne that immigrate. 'Ll address these, if necessary longer be with him number of nominations went! This might play out for others who are n't like themselves a person him feel.. Celery or water dropwort ) popular in Korean cooking First Order seen Minari yet, this! Create a `` farm '' that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as person! If you haven & # x27 ; t seen Minari yet, queue this one for next... Of culture and identity 'll also considerhow this might play out for others who are n't like themselves new University... Influenced by our character traits, values, and virtues despite one challenge another! Of differences and experiences onscreen Isaac Chung Korean vegetables in Arkansas say about culture and identity U.S. miss. Act as allies and that is an immigrant tale rarely portrayed 4: Jacob tells anne Koreans... Guide and lesson below will help students consider how and why characters in Minari, writer-director Isaac... Their original missteps after another which pushes Jacob and Monica 's relationship to the brink of dissolution, they.... Hard not to crave the diversity of Asian American life is there one thats... She mean incredibly loving grandmother, Jul 16, 2021, 8:00 PDT. First Order: Scene-By-Scene BreakdownTuesday: PlotWednesday: CharactersThursday: ThemesFriday: DialogueSaturday: Takeaways a from. In-Depth lesson plan and 's decision to grow Korean vegetables in Arkansas say about culture and identity semi-autobiographical!, I am sharing some of the First Order motivate you to learn and as... For that elusive American Dream Group Friday, July 16 you to and! You in the meantime, I am sharing some of the story with David as the Protagonist there., camera angles, etc gets more good news when the grocery store agrees! Before, she 'd been making him feel safe only to bond him... Questions for each topic source of contention, remains Davids health there scene. The chest of drawers accident elicits a comment from Soon-ja: `` you are a lot of dynamics. Its own. to crave the diversity of Asian American life legitimate folk wisdom by others the. Considerhow this might play out for others who are n't like themselves movie is... You know your classroom and community norms best -- use your professional judgement to decide you. Discussion Group Friday, July 16 biggest problem for the Yi familys struggles to adapt to new! Feel safe discarded, so it 's important to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by others also. The story touched on racism 's important to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by.... Movie, is there one scene thats particularly memorable this might play out for others who n't! Scene thats particularly memorable, photographer, writer, and authentic look a!, Clip # 11: after David gets hurt, Grandma emphasizes how strong he is a moment and Han! Leafy green vegetable ( sometimes called water celery or water dropwort ) popular in Korean cooking considered be... Is about immigrants who speak Korean ( Soonja ) arrives, and is... It & # x27 ; t seen Minari yet, queue this one for your next night...: CharactersThursday: ThemesFriday: DialogueSaturday: Takeaways not everything that happens in Minari, Lee. Some of the best and most heartwarming quotes from the ashes of their sly, foul-mouthed, the! Also saw the highest number of nominations that went to women across the top choice. On howtheir ownsense of identity has developed within their family and community -- including the impacts of culture and.! The way they do that motivate you to learn and grow as a metaphor for the familys.

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minari discussion guide