Hope takes root.|Feb. 12, 2021|USA|115 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Drama
Description: The Korean American Yi family relocates from California to a rural plot of land in Arkansas. Jacob, the father, dreams of growing Korean produce to sell to vendors in Dallas. He decides to dig his own well instead of hiring a water diviner and enlists the help of Paul, a local religious man. While optimistic, his wife Monica is doubtful and worries about their son David’s heart condition, which restricts him from physical activities. Jacob and Monica work at a nearby hatchery, often arguing while their children, David and Anne, listen in.
To assist with childcare, Monica’s mother, Soon-ja, moves from Korea to live with them. David initially avoids her because she doesn’t match his expectations of a grandmother, but Soon-ja gradually bonds with the children. She takes them to plant minari seeds by the creek, explaining the plant’s resilience and usefulness. David begins to warm up to her as she teaches him card games, tends to his wounds, and encourages him to be more active, contrary to his parents’ restrictions.
Jacob faces challenges when the well he dug runs dry, and he’s forced to pay for county water. Further setbacks, like a canceled order from the Dallas vendor, strain his marriage as Monica expresses a desire to return to California.
Tragedy strikes when Soon-ja suffers a stroke, leaving her with impaired movement and speech. Despite the hardships, the family continues to navigate their new life, with the minari plant symbolizing hope and resilience.
Cast director: Lee Isaac Chung
Cast actor: Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Youn Yuh-jung, Will Patton, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Scott Haze, Darryl Cox, Esther Moon, Ben Hall
Original name: Minari