Minari (Amazon Prime)
Minari is the American immigrant story of hope, despair and fortitude.
The Yi family moved from California to Arkansas hoping of start a farm specializing in Korean vegetables.
There are four family members plus a grandmother. Jacob the father, played by Steven
Yuen, bought a parcel of land in rural Arkansas and a trailer home. The kids though
a home on wheels was funny but their mother Monica, played by Han Ye-ri , was saddened by its
desperate condition. This would be one of
many hardships they endure. Their performance is emotive arising from the challenges
of their new life.
Three other cast members are of note. Their son David played
by eight year old Alan Kim is amazing. He is a big part of the movie and
carries it off with poise and humor. He is adorable with very pinchable cheeks.
As a child it is easier for him to acclimate to the new culture since his ties
to Korea are less than his parents.
The grandmother is played by Youn Yuh-jung. She is not the stereotypical dour Asian
grandmother. She has unkempt hair, curses and does not really care how she
looks. David rejects her as a grandmother since she wears men’s underwear. She
is the generational bridge to home. She does not speak English and cooks
traditional meals. She plants minari (water celery) in a perfect location by a river.
The flourishing crop is a sign of hope
and literally a transplanting into American soil.
Will Patton is a veteran actor. He plays Paul who works with
Jacob on the farm. He is eccentric and a religious fanatic but good hearted. Patton
captures the intensity of a fervent believer and someone outside of the norm. His
presence with family is awkward but the family accepts him as a friend. It is a
challenging role which he does well.
This is a heartfelt story worth watching.
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