Minari

Minari

Year: 2020

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Lee Isaac Chung

Drama

A Korean-American family moves to rural Arkansas in the 1980s to start a farm, pursuing their own version of the American Dream. The family's dynamic is further impacted by the arrival of the stern but loving grandmother, who brings a sense of tradition and connection to their new life. Set against the backdrop of the Ozark hills, the story tenderly portrays the challenges and joys of cultural assimilation, the importance of family, and the search for belonging in a new land.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Minari (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Minari (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1983

The events of the film transpire during 1983, a time when many immigrant families in America faced challenges in adapting to a new culture while pursuing the American Dream. The period was marked by significant economic changes and an increasing interest in diverse agricultural practices, reflecting the broader struggles of immigrant communities in rural America.

Location

Arkansas, Oklahoma City

The movie is set primarily in rural Arkansas, where the Yi family tries to establish a new life on a remote plot of land. This area is known for its agriculture and natural beauty, offering both challenges and opportunities for farming. Additionally, Oklahoma City is featured as a locale for critical medical appointments and potential business dealings, emphasizing the family's reliance on urban resources.

🌾 Rural 🌆 Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:40

Main Characters – Minari (2020)

Meet the key characters of Minari (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jacob

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.

👨‍🌾 Farmer 💪 Determined

Monica

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.

👩‍👧‍👦 Mother 😟 Concerned

David

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.

👦 Child 💔 Vulnerable

Soon-Ja

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.

👵 Grandmother 🌍 Cultural Bridge

Paul

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.

🧑‍🌾 Local 😂 Quirky

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:40

Major Themes – Minari (2020)

Explore the central themes of Minari (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌱 Resilience

Resilience is a central theme in 'Minari', as the Yi family navigates the hardships of rural living and cultural dislocation. Despite numerous setbacks, including health challenges and financial struggles, the family's determination to thrive represents the spirit of perseverance. This theme is poignantly symbolized by the Minari plant, which thrives in various conditions, paralleling the family's quest for stability and growth.

❤️ Family Struggles

The film vividly portrays the complexities of family dynamics amid external pressures and internal conflicts. Jacob and Monica's disagreements highlight the strains of their new lifestyle, while their children, David and Anne, experience their own challenges fitting into this new world. Despite these tensions, the ultimate message is one of love and unity, as the family learns to support one another through their trials.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:40

Unlock the Full Story of Minari

Don't stop at just watching — explore Minari in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Minari is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Minari Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Minari, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Minari Summary

Minari Timeline

Track the full timeline of Minari with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Minari Timeline

Minari Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Minari? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Minari Ending Explained

More About Minari

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Minari: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Minari

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