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A beautiful and tender tale of the harmonious bond between family and nature

Inspired by his own childhood experiences, Lee Issac Chung’s Korean-American drama is a heartfelt parable on the healing and uniting power of family and nature. Determined to grab their own slice of the American Dream the Yi family arrive in Arkansas from California having bought a plot of land that father Jacob (Steven Yeun) plans to turn into a farm. His wife Monica (Yeri Han) has doubts from the start not helped by her surprise new abode, a mobile home propped up on blocks with an unreliable supply of water and power. Together with their young son David (Alan Kim), who suffers from a heart condition, and his big sister Anne (Noel Kate Cho), they struggle to adjust to their new surroundings and community. As Jacob toils on the farm, Monica has no choice but to take a job at a poultry factory sexing chickens. To tackle her feelings of stress and isolation, and to help with childcare, the family brings her widowed mother, Soonja (Yuh-jung Youn), over to live with them. With a unique zest for life and penchant for profanity, Soonja forms an unlikely bond with David with whom she shares a room. As a small gesture to help their plight she quietly plants some Korean Minari seeds, an edible celery-like plant, on the banks of a neighbouring stream. A family trip to the city to see a heart specialist for David, and for Jacob to meet a prospective client brings their marriage to breaking point. But with Soonja left alone at the farm their love and faith meets it’s true test with the scene they encounter on their return home.

On the face of it Minari is a humble tale of a family trying to lay down roots and start a new life for themselves. However, its success lies in the cracks and complexities found in the clashes in culture, age and faith that simmer away under the surface. Born and raised in America the children know little of the Korean traditions and beliefs imparted by their grandmother. Monica grapples with her own identity and values as she reconnects with in the face of Jacob’s relentless drive for financial success. Religion also plays its part as the family attempts to integrate with a god-loving community in the bible heartland of America. What’s so rewarding is that with every hardship we watch them suffer, and with every relationship that is challenged, there are always the hidden green shoots of rejuvenation that ultimately bind the family together. The cinematography perfectly brings to life the extreme wilds of Arkansas, from the freeing beauty of it’s endless vistas and big skies, to the stifling heat and the punishing storms. The ensemble cast are fantastic, ably led by Steven Yeun who many will know from The Walking Dead TV series, and with standout performances from the young Alan Kim and the renowned Korean actress Yuh-jung Youn.

Those that like their drama dialled up to the max may struggle to tune into this more gentle and tender tale, with an open ending that some may find wanting. But for those willing to immerse themselves a little deeper will find Minari a hugely rewarding and award worthy film.

4.5/5

Fun A GOOD READ: WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING

When a young man is found dead on the North Carolina coast the local police – and local residents – start looking for the culprit. It doesn’t take long before they turn their attention to Kya, also known as the Marsh Girl. But is she guilty of anything more than being an outsider? What follows is actually two stories intertwined. As the hunt for the murderer continues we learn of Kya’s life in the marsh. At the age of 6 she watched Ma walk away from their shack with a blue case and high heeled shoes. Though Kya waited, her mother never returned and over the following months her siblings left as well, leaving her alone with Pa. He was often drunk or absent, so it was up to Kya to survive, until he finally left when she was 10.

To some extent, this is a coming-of-age story. It is an unforgettable novel; a celebration of nature and some of the most engaging parts are the descriptions of the marsh world through which Kya glides effortlessly in her canoe. It becomes a character in its own right. There is no denying that this novel will stay with you long after you finish it and feel as if you have been along the journey though the marsh with Kya.