Minari follows Jacob (Steven Yuen) and a korean-American family that moves to a tiny Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed but incredibly loving grandmother. Amidst the instability and challenges of their new life in the rugged Ozarks, Minari shows the undeniable resilience of family and what really makes a home.
Just in case your wondering why were excited its because at the time of writing Lee Isaac Chung's Minari is up for 6 Oscars (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Score and Best original Screenplay). Steven Yuen just get the nod for his very human portrayal of Jacob in this heartwarming and compelling family drama that is just delightful. But a big shout out goes to Yuh-Jung Youn (Whose a been a korean actress for more than five decades) that almost steals the film from under him playing the foul mouthed and yet lovable Grandma.
The entire cast though are superb with Yeri Han playing the wife whose not sure that moving to America was the best plan and their son Alan S.Kim (Is it just me or can Korean children just act really dam well) just smashing his role as a kid out of water but adapting to life in a foreign land. With a great performance from Will Patton who looks like he really enjoyed the role of the somewhat eccentric and God loving Paul who helps Jacob on his farm.
Just a wonderful piece of cinema that will pull you into their world and let you join them as the family chases the American Dream and nobody ever said it was going to be easy.