Minari

Jacob is the determined patriarch of the Yi family, driven by his dreams of farming Korean produce. His ambition often blinds him to the emotional needs of his family, creating tension in his marriage with Monica. Beneath his stubborn exterior, however, lies a deep love for his family, as he ultimately seeks to build a better life for them.

Monica is Jacob's wife and mother to David and Anne. Struggling to adapt to their new life, she often feels isolated and frustrated by their living conditions. Her concerns about their son's health and well-being add to her stress, but her love for her family remains a driving force as they confront their challenges.

David, the young son of Jacob and Monica, faces unique challenges due to his heart condition, which limits his physical activities. He grapples with feelings of alienation and the pressures of cultural expectations, especially as his grandmother Soon-Ja arrives from Korea. Throughout the film, he learns valuable lessons about resilience and family bonds.

Soon-Ja is Monica's mother, who comes from South Korea to help with the children. She embodies the traditional values of her culture but struggles to connect with David due to their generational and cultural differences. Her character brings warmth and wisdom to the family while also highlighting the challenges faced by immigrant elders.

Paul is a quirky local resident and Korean War veteran who becomes a friend and helper to Jacob. His eccentricity and kind-hearted nature provide comic relief in the film, and he represents a bridge between Jacob's immigrant experience and the local community. His presence adds warmth to the challenges the Yi family faces.