MINARI
Released by A24
Review by Adam Mast
MINARI was the best movie of 2020. Let’s put that out there right up front. Now, it could be argued that this is actually a 2021 release but since I saw it in 2020 and since it did receive a late-December limited release to qualify for the Oscars let’s just put that particular argument aside for a minute. What truly matters is that MINARI is every bit as special as you’ve been hearing.
This poignant gem tells the story of a Korean family that relocates from California to the Arkansas countryside in an effort to start anew by way of a potentially risky farming venture. Upon arrival, eager Jacob (Steven Yeun) and his conflicted wife Monica (Yeri Han) don’t initially see eye to eye on the prospects of their recent endeavor while their children Ann (Noel Cho) and David (Alan S. Kim) simply look to adjust to their new surroundings. An already difficult situation becomes slightly more complicated when grandma Soonja (Yuh-jung Youn) arrives for an extended visit. What follows is a lovely, heartfelt, funny, and touching portrait of family and the American dream.
The semi-autobiographical MINARI was elegantly written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. Among many other strong attributes, Chung has a real gift for recalling the 80s of his youth in pitch-perfect fashion. Much of the story is told from David’s perspective as this precocious youngster attempts to not only adjust to new people, a new environment, and obvious cultural changes but to the arrival of a loving, childlike, and slightly eccentric grandmother. In fact, it’s this central bond that gives MINARI a great deal of heart not to mention a large dose of humor. Beyond that, Chung is able to bring a real sense of authenticity to the proceedings.
The cast here is positively stellar. Yeun (who many will recognize from AMC’s “The Walking Dead”) is outstanding as a driven father looking to provide for his family all while earning their respect. Likewise, Han is wonderful as Jacob’s supportive but concerned wife. She too wants what’s best for the family but questions whether or not their big move was the right choice. Cho is terrific as young Ann while an endearing Kim hits all the right notes as an adorable and rambunctious David. Rounding out a stellar ensemble are a good-hearted Will Patton as Jacob’s Pentecostal farmhand and a scene-stealing Youn as the world’s most lovable grandmother. This terrific actress is an award-worthy standout amongst a brilliant cast and if she doesn’t steal your heart as Soonja, you may not have a pulse.
Adding to the overall quality of this outstanding film are the exquisite cinematography by Lachlan Milne and an exceptional score by Emile Mosseri. At the end of the day, though, this well-balanced, honest, and undeniably moving immigration story is all about the tiny nuances. Chung’s eye for character detail is next to none and the fashion in which the title of this gentle movie sums up the overall theme of the piece is near perfect. It should also be noted that while MINARI is certainly sensitive and heartfelt, it never feels overly sentimental or cloying. Further still, while the richly-textured characters in this winning film clearly have obstacles to overcome, MINARI steers clear of cynicism and that only aids in making this lovely motion picture experience an absolute must-see!
MINARI is currently in theaters and it’s also available to stream at a premium price on multiple streaming services including Amazon Prime.
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