Minari Reviews
What “American dream,” “story of immigrants,” and “assimilation” is everybody talking about? The lead actor wants to start farming so he can quit his boring, low-paying job and create a better life for his family. Literally the only thing that has *anything* to do with “immigrants” is that he wants to grow Korean vegetables so he can serve a niche market. OK, well, there’s an American kid who seems to have seen a non-American kid for the first time; the kids speak for a total of two minutes. With the snap of a finger, you could replace the main character with a random American factory worker who wants to start growing certain specialty vegetables — and Bang: All the “American dream” and “immigrant” aspects of the story are gone.
Great acting and very touching about a family trying to create a new life in America. A father‘s aspiration to prove himself to his family versus a mother’s need for safety insecurity for her children. I felt the ending was rushed and could’ve been expanded. I’m anxious to explore other films by this director.
A film as beautiful in spirit as it is in visuals, Minari tells the story of the American Dream through the lens of 1980s immigrants. Yet, its true emotional resonance lies with the everyday, hardworking people who share in its quiet struggles and hopes.
I powerful and touching film. One about family, one that should not be passed up.
Too small and slow to stand out although sweet and gorgeous.
A story about a dysfunctional family that has an open ending.
From the very first 30 minutes of this movie, I knew it was going to be one of my all-time favorites. It shines a light on the untold stories of people who migrate not simply for the “American Dream,” but because they have a deeper purpose for themselves and their families. They’re willing to do whatever it takes to play the game of life. Every single actor in this movie was incredible. Beautiful story.
Sweet, sort of. I feel strange about the movie. Frankly, I'm so revolted by one person causing another to drink urine that that is most of what I remember about the movie. I didn't love it. But I loved the actress' and the Director's speeches during the Oscars. My rating would have been a little higher but I can't seem to get past the urine.
A beautiful heartfelt film, wonderfully shot, with amazing performances, and a beautiful score. Really loved it
How people enjoyed this, I don't know. It was realistic etc. - but up to a point and then we see the artists interpretation of their life - which many critic and audience seem to agree with. Yes an immigrant life is deeply miserable - but this film had very little new to say about it. Its almost a cry for help in film form but I can't see it as entertainment.
Relentlessly depressing, the only upside is they didn’t kill off the kid.
With its beautiful cinematography, the soft glow of the sun or the lights in the house, the peaceful yet sorrowful score, Minari is dreamlike, but not necessarily a dream. My tears could hydrate their farm, and scenes like the end or paper airplanes broke my heart. David is precious and unstoppable in his little cowboy boots, fueled by Mountain Dew. His relationship with Grandma is definitely a highlight, and their combination brings some of the most touching and most funny moments.
What a beautiful film with a very engaging storytelling, ‘Minari’ is definitely worth watching by everyone.
Such an authentic film of an Korean family becoming farmers in America. Wonderful storytelling and acting, told by a director who knows this life intimately since it is his own family's story.
The slow pace of this film is an admirable act of radical resistance. The relationship between the mother and father was complex and touching. I enjoyed this movie.
Heartwarming movie and beautiful cinematography. Very good performance for all the cast.
Truly a masterpiece. The movie is so full of life, so full of emotion, that it glues you to the screen and drags you along with it.
I was required to watch this for a class and it fell flat to me, as there wasn’t really any resolution at the end. Also, I grew up in the rural midwest so this was too much like the mundane life for me to call it entertainment. Some people may appreciate it for it’s pretty setting or emotional relatability but it didn’t really do it for me. Aside from the cute little boy and his quirky relationship with his grandmother, I would have rather passed on it.
Fairly depressing film about Korean immigrants struggling to run a small farm in Arkansas in the 1980’s, while balancing family. I absolutely loved Yuh-Jung Youn as the feisty grandma who isn’t a “real grandma.” She is the bright spot in the film and definitely deserved her award for Best Supporting Actress.