Minari

As the Yi family settles into their new life in rural Arkansas, Father Jacob (Steven Yeun) sets his sights on cultivating a Korean produce empire, undeterred by the harsh realities of his new surroundings. The family's sprawling trailer home becomes the focal point for Jacob's optimistic endeavors, much to the dismay of his wife Monica (Han Ye-Ri), who despairs at the prospect of trading in their California lifestyle for a more rustic existence.

As Jacob delves into the world of farming, he enlists the help of Paul (Will Patton), an eccentric local veteran with a penchant for water divination. Despite initial reservations, Jacob chooses to forego professional well-diving services and instead takes matters into his own hands, digging a well on his own land. Monica, however, is skeptical of their new home's stability, citing the ever-present threat of tornadoes and the family's reliance on a single source of water.

As tensions rise between Jacob and Monica, the couple's disagreements are mirrored in the daily struggles of their children. David (Alan Kim), beset by his heart condition, is forced to navigate the constraints placed upon him, including the constant reminders not to run. His sister Anne (Noel Kate Cho) serves as a silent observer, eavesdropping on her parents' arguments and struggling to understand the complexities of family dynamics.

To alleviate some of the burden, Monica's mother Soon-Ja (Youn Yuh-Jung) arrives from South Korea, bearing gifts and a wealth of Korean wisdom. Despite initial awkwardness, Soon-Ja proves a determined and loving presence in the children's lives, even if her unconventional methods of care occasionally raise eyebrows.

As Jacob's farm begins to take shape, the family faces numerous setbacks, including the cancellation of their produce order at the last minute. The well that Jacob dug runs dry, forcing him to confront the reality of his financial losses and the fragility of his new life in Arkansas.

As Jacob's tenacity in the face of adversity continues to drive him forward, despite Monica's ardent desire to return to California, their marriage teeters on the brink of collapse. The couple's diverging priorities become increasingly apparent as Jacob refuses to yield, his sense of duty to send money back to his parents in Korea a non-negotiable aspect of his identity. Meanwhile, the harsh realities of their tiny house with no running water, where every drop is reserved for the crops, serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices they've made.

In this context, Soon-Ja's gentle guidance and nurturing nature begin to have a profound impact on David, who starts to warm up to her after she teaches him card games, tenders to his wounds, and soothes his emotions. Her encouragement to engage in physical activity, something his parents discourage, resonates deeply with the young boy, as he begins to discover his own strength and resilience.

However, Soon-Ja's sudden stroke leaves the family reeling, its aftermath marked by her impaired movement and speech. Jacob, Monica, Anne, and David make the journey to Oklahoma City for David's heart appointment and a meeting with a vendor to sell Jacob's produce, but the visit is bittersweet. They learn that David's condition has shown significant improvement, and Jacob secures a deal to supply vegetables to a Korean grocer. Yet, in the midst of this success, Jacob's priorities become crystal clear: his crops are paramount, eclipsing the stability of their family.

The emotional argument that ensues ends with Monica and Jacob tacitly agreeing to separate. But fate has other plans, as Soon-Ja's carelessness sets the barn ablaze while they're away. Upon their return, Jacob rushes in to save the produce, only to be joined by Monica, who shares his determination to salvage what's left. As the fire spreads, they decide to prioritize each other, leaving the burning barn behind.

In the aftermath of this chaos, Soon-Ja wanders off, lost and confused, her grandchild Anne and David calling out to her in vain. It is David, driven by concern for his grandmother, who sprints to intercept her, blocking her path. For a fleeting moment, Soon-Ja seems to recognize him, reaching out with a desperate grasp before allowing the grandchildren to guide her back home.

As the family slumbers on the floor, exhausted from their ordeal, Soon-Ja sits vigil in a chair above them, her expression a poignant blend of sorrow and acceptance. The weight of the night's events hangs heavy, but in this quiet moment, she is surrounded by the love and resilience that has defined their journey thus far.

As the seasons pass, Jacob (_____) and Monica's resolve to establish a thriving homestead only intensifies. With the wise guidance of their local water diviner, they pinpoint an ideal location for a well, marking the site with a sturdy stone monument that serves as a testament to their commitment to building a life on this land. Meanwhile, Jacob and David (_____) venture forth to the nearby creek, where they reap the rewards of Soon-Ja's (_____) astute choice in selecting the perfect spot to plant the Minari. As Jacob surveys the lush, verdant harvest, he can't help but marvel at the fortuitous decision that has yielded such a bounty, his thoughts no doubt drifting back to the humble beginnings of their agricultural experiment and the quiet confidence that had fueled Soon-Ja's initial foray into farming.