Students can write down responses individuallyand then discuss in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. The Collected Regrets of Clover: A Novel by Mikki Brammer Summary: From the day she watched her kindergarten teacher drop dead during a dramatic telling of Peter Rabbit, Clover Brooks has felt a stronger connection with the dying than she has with the living. It could be a sculpture or diorama, a drawing, a poem that describes it, or a virtual one (using Minecraft, etc.). Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Plot Summary submission guide. The problem is, Jacob doesnt have a particularly high opinion of the other Korean immigrants. At 49:44, there's a scene where David tricks Soonja (Grandma) into drinking his urine. (16:09-19:51), Clip #4: Jacob tells Anne that Koreans immigrate to the U.S. and miss Korean food. Exhibit self-discipline and self-motivation. The movie taps into common family dynamics that most students will connect with,while complicating those dynamics through a story of migration and cultural displacement. * The fire: A major reversal, indeed, the destruction of what Jacob had worked so hard to build, the barn a symbol of what the farm *could* be. harrysonhuang 2 yr. ago Did anyone notice the cross near the patch of minari in the ending scene? Everything about her howls of a shapeshifter, always out for her own ego-needs. You can use these additional prompts (which don't appear on the student handout) to guide students in a writing project or a more comprehensive discussion about the movie's major themes. The farm endures financial issues from the beginning. This is demonstrated in his frustrated ramblings to Paul when the prospective buyer in Dallas cancels their order for Jacobs produce. For example, the clash between David and his grandmotherDavid has to share his room with her and thinks she smells like Korea, and she entertains him by teaching him card games that have Korean swear wordsis a diverse representation of Asian/American identities: The grandmother is funny and quirky. On the church bus, kids joke about Paul not having water. When the kids on the bus make fun of Paul because he doesn't have water at his house, David realizes that's true about his family, too. I'm not sure what to make of David's relationship with his mother and father. His real memories echoed the tornado warning and his grandmother burning the barn, but he wanted to start Minari with a flood and end it with fire. In her view, the money belonged to their children, and Jacob shouldnt have given it away, especially when she didnt send money to her own mother. NY 10036. Description. Jacob relies on knowledge and planning, so dismisses the dowser. Complex characters. At the end of Minari, the family is struggling financially and now have no product because their barn burned down, but this fire has basically regenerated the family. Besides learning that his son will be alright, he has managed to secure a buyer in Oklahoma City for his vegetables. Table of Contents Simulating Student Interest Focusing on Empathic Reactions Characterization Plot Themes, Messages & Ideas Other Literary Elements Theatrical Devices and Effects But sometimes, despite our best efforts, success remains elusive because of the things over which we dont have any control. Is there a "right"? Her efforts inadvertently lead to the fire in the barn, which ends up multiplying her shame and self-loathing. But Jacob had his own share of disappointments with their lives in the Golden State. But then her suprising comment to David about him being "strong." What are the challenges of maintaining a culture while being a part of another one? ONLINE MEETING INFO: Join us for a discussion of Minari and Asian American representation! Do you agree with her? choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. A marriage teetering on the edge of dissolution. In a recent roundtable of Asian American directors in the .css-tjvzc4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;border-bottom:thin solid #6F6F6F;}.css-tjvzc4:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}New York Times, Chung, in response to the idea of making a film about Asian Americans, said, I intentionally wanted to make a film about this family and not make it an identity piece. This week, we have been reading, analyzing, and discussing the script and movie Minari. Why do you think David does what he does, and why does Soonja defend him? Discuss. As professor of ethnic studies, I teach a class on Asian American literature and film. Identify a time in your life when you had to work hard and overcome challenges but didn't give up. Minh Ngo (he/they) is a filmmaker, photographer, writer, and student at New York University. But the biggest problem for the couple, as well as their biggest source of contention, remains Davids health. Chung tells this semi-autobiographical story from Davids perspective, effectively using the young character as the filmmakers surrogate. Instead, he finds water by figuring out the low grounds. What do you think is the significance of Jacob hiring a dowser? What do you think this statement shows about Jacob's motivations? Recognize situational demands and opportunities. As the constant bouts of the spousal arguments reveal, the Yis dont have much to show for their decade-long hard work, doing a job that they dont necessarily like. .css-4xjy6g{display:block;font-family:RundDisplay,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:0.01em;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-4xjy6g:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-4xjy6g{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.9375rem;margin-top:1.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-4xjy6g{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:1.25rem;margin-top:0.9375rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-4xjy6g{font-size:1.625rem;line-height:1.2;}}Everything We Know About 'Girls Trip 2' So Far. In a sense, the marketing for the film makes sense. Monica wants a sense of community. Social & Emotional Learning. In the meantime, I am sharing some of the best and most heartwarming quotes from the film. Minor spoilers ahead for Minari.. (49:44-55:13), Clip #10: After Jacob learns a deal fell through with a Korean business owner, there's a shot of the smoke stack for "discarded" useless male chicks. It can be medicine if you are sick. Why? Jacobs refusal to choose his family over the farm compels Monica to say that she wants separation. My students and I wanted to be seen by others and to see ourselvesthe hope that the diversity of who we are would finally be reflected, but theres only so much room for Asian American representation in Hollywood. Jacob (Steven Yeun) moves his family from a comfortable life in California to a small town in Arkansas. Why do you think the filmmakers linger on the shot of the smokestack at the end of this scene? The film also has many instances where water causes destruction for the Yi family. Why does Jacob mention that he's the eldest son? You can use these additional prompts (which don't appear on the student handout) to guide students in a writing project or a more comprehensive discussion about the movie's major themes. 119. Things that hide are more dangerous and scary." Monica explains that her mom has no other family because her father died in the war. Minari also symbolizes the Yis story. Major kudos to Aditya Raute for doing this weeks scene-by-scene breakdown. Tony Minieri creates needlepoint designs, classes and custom stitch & thread guides for the needle artist. Not everything that happens in Minari is a reflection of reality, but the film is the semi-autobiographical story of writer/director Lee Isaac Chung. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. Minari DRAMA A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Minari follows a Korean-American family that moves to an Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. Cinemablend is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. And although her requests are shot down every time, that is exactly what she does when she is alone with her grandson. This lesson is designed to align with the CASEL 5 competencies for social and emotional learning as well as various Thinking Routines from the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Project Zero. Paul feels like a Mentor figure. A discussion guide is more than a list of questions. (27:40-31:25), Clip #6: Grandma (Soonja) makes David a special tea, and he complains about a "Korea" smell in his room. Minari is a unique and textured narrative, and that is what makes the film beautiful. A species of water dropwort, minari, also known as Korean watercress, water celery, water parsley, or Java water dropwort, is a vegetable found in temperate and tropical climes across Asia. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, The plot changes gears following the introduction of Monicas mother Soon-ja and her limitless optimism. We see this theme of strength played out with David's character. (1:05:33-1:10:00), Clip #12: Soonja has a stroke. Again, demonstrating his growing strength. Tricksters can also act as allies and that is an example of such a moment. It speaks to the very human threads of hope, struggles, and perseverance. Though it wasn't hugely popular among teens, it's possible that some of your students have seen it, so it's helpful to make a strict "If you know it, don't blow it" rule to prevent spoilers. If you decide to help students delve deeper into the topic, you might show the entire film and have more extensive discussions over multiple days. Soon-ja also serves as a link between Monica and Korea by bringing traditional medicines (for David) and native spices. Things that hide are more dangerous and scary." Create a "farm" that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a person. Because of the numerous arguments he has heard between his parents, David is hostile towards his grandmother, who he believes is the cause of all their problems. And an interesting exploration of two subcultures: Korean home life and the rural south. Demonstrate personal and collective agency. This was early December, and we were supposed to talk about Yeun's latest starring role, in "Minari," a film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung about a Korean immigrant family that takes up. Despite one challenge after another which pushes Jacob and Monica's relationship to the brink of dissolution, they persist. What scene, and why does it stick out in your mind? Create a "farm" that represents the things that motivate you to learn and grow as a person. But we see, at the end, he is going to try again. Students will also reflect on howtheir ownsense of identity has developed within their family and community-- including the impacts of culture and ancestry. While she was in California, she was surrounded by other Korean expatriates, which created a sense of community. (42:44-49:43), Clip #9: David dumps out his tea and urinates in the cup. For Part 3, to read the Character discussion, go here. David wakes up thinking he's wet the bed, but it was Soonja this time because she's had a stroke. Show a few specific clips along with discussion questions. Recognize situational demands and opportunities. Review: After an exhausting 2020, the gentle 'Minari' is the movie we need right now. In an interview with Cinemablend, various cast and director Chung spoke about how minari is special because its a plant that thrives even in rough soil. Why? David wakes up thinking he's wet the bed, but it was Soonja this time because she's had a stroke. Use as few or as many clips as you see fit, but keep in mind that you may need to introduce the movie's overall plot and talk through some of what happens before or after each clip. What do you think about the tension between Jacob's approach and the dowser's approach? Films like Crazy Rich Asians, The Farewell, The Half of It, and Always Be My Maybe are great and they are a start, sure, but it still feels like a momentous event when one of these films comes out. Underdog story of trying to make a dream come true. The film willresonate particularly with students whose households have deep connections to countries other than the one in which they reside. The kids, David (played by Alan Kim) and Anne. What are the challenges of maintaining a culture while being a part of another one? A discussion guide is a set of questions/tasks/topics that you, the researcher, wish to walk a research participant through in order to reach your learning objectives. Plot summary: A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. What are Jacob's priorities? Of course, you could also use some combination of the two, adapting the lesson to best suit your class's needs. Sometimes that Dream can be so intoxicating that it can get in the way of family and the failure can be devastating. In Jacobs mind, he has invested too much and sacrificed too much to back out now from this specific trajectory of his life, no matter the consequences. Content warning: There are a few scenes to be aware of before you show the movie. She embraces her new life with a certain childlike wonder that is absent even in Jacob. Much of the movie has subtitles, so if you have students that can benefit from ita simple transcriptand the full screenplay are both available. Then, of course, the line from Soon-ja to David, as noted previously: "Strong boy." (35:37-37:58), Clip #8: The family goes to church, and people there react in various ways to them being Korean. You can also use these in conjunction with the longer lesson plan below. Students can write down responses individuallyand then discuss in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. Minari follows the journey of a Korean-American family building a new life on a farm. What's Anne's role in the family? (34:04-35:56), Clip #7: Grandma can't bake, but she shows the kids what she can do by teaching them a card game. But the chest of drawers accident elicits a comment from Soon-ja: "You are a strong boy." Start by introducing the movie and give students some context as to why its worth thinking more deeply about. And yet, eventually, he manages to discard that obsession at the right time. Dowsing is a very old practice considered to be pseudoscience by some and legitimate folk wisdom by others. If you decide to help students delve deeper into the topic, you might show the entire film and have more extensive discussions over multiple days. Young David and his family move from California to Arkansas to settle in a mobile home on vacant land, which the father hopes to farm. This affects his productivity at the local hatchery, where both he and Monica work. Jacob is the oldest son of his family, and the responsibility of taking care of his relatives back home fell squarely on his shoulders, as it often does in conservative societies. It's accessible to 9th graders but can also sparkmore nuanced conversations for 12 graders. Just like each of the family's members has the "seeds" of an inner strength inside which grows to meet the tests they face, so, too, the minari plants, capable of growing without any aid at all. In March 2021, Minari earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, and star Steven Yeun and Korean film legend Youn Yuh-jung both earned acting nominations. -- that illustrates this time. They will facilitate the . When she's not putting on a spontaneous vaudeville show with her daughter, Christine loves nature,music, and almost any form of dark chocolate. The film willresonate particularly with students whose households have deep connections to countries other than the one in which they reside. Reading scripts. She says American kids don't like sharing their room and Monica says, "He's a Korean kid." Why does his grandma telling him he's a "strong boy" contradict the identity he's used to? Students will also reflect on how their own sense of identity has developed within their family and community -- including the impacts of culture and ancestry. "Wonderful, wonderful!" The dual-language Minari Screenplay Book features Korean translations of all texts alongside the original English. Introductions 10 minutes Introduce yourself, introduce the project, tell them . As a family car travels through a green American landscape, the earth itself seems to be speaking to the characters, and through them, to us. If you only have a single class period, showing just a few key clips below might be perfect. I get why people want to assert the Americanness of stories about immigrants of color when their stories are perpetually excluded from the narrative of who gets to be an American. Why or why not? Since the diagnosis, the distraught parents have consciously provided David with a sheltered existence. Though she's not avery dynamiccharacter, she plays a huge role in holding everything together. How do our roles in a family sometimes create expectations for us? Topics: Screenplay written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR USE WITH ANY FILM THAT IS A WORK OF FICTION Select the questions that will work best with your students and promote your educational goals. Theyll build something better from the ashes of their original missteps. The mother, Monica (Yeri Han), would rather be in California. Identify diverse social norms, including unjust ones. I only noticed how prevalent fire and, especially, water are in Minari because of the brilliant Bong-Joon-ho pointing it out in his interview with Lee Isaac Chung for Variety. (34:04-35:56), Clip #7: Grandma can't bake, but she shows the kids what she can do by teaching them a card game. The Minari ending shows the Yi family getting good news, first with Davids heart murmur, and then with Jacob finding a grocer, but the second good news is immediately followed by bad news. This year also saw the highest number of nominations that went to women across the top . She says American kids don't like sharing their room and Monica says, "He's a Korean kid." Identify diverse social norms, including unjust ones. Later, Anne asks David if he wants to live with mom or dad. They'll also considerhow this might play out for others who aren't like themselves. Lets deep dive into the Minari ending. 0. Why do you think David does what he does, and why does Soonja defend him? Students will be writing down notes about one character's motivations. Create something that gives this person a proper shout out. Today you noticed your phone was acting kind of weird so you open up this app to see what . Minari DISCUSSION TOPICS - Dreams, goals, life plans, death of a loved one, loneliness, disappointment, failure, follow-through, guilt, immigration, farming, Ronald Reagan, Korean War, losing faith in someone. Jacob faces many challenges and setbacks as he tries to make the farm work, only to lose the crop in the fire. Monica sends the children away and Jacob and her have a passionate confrontation. I' ve had the feeling of following the film Minari around for a few months now since the first time I saw the trailer last year. Life in Arkansas is far from what Jacob and his wife Monica (Yeri Han) hoped. Can you think of a situation where you make your voice heard even though you can't really change what's happening? Jacob sees the minari and says, It's growing well on its own." Beyond the tornado, why is she angry? She tries to convince Jacob to move the family closer to the Korean community in the nearby town. Chung has spoken in many interviews, especially in the Reset interview, about creating a personal story that would leave a legacy for his daughter, but he also wanted a story that everyone saw themselves and got out of it different things. We also see Jacob possibly understanding Monica better when she also tries to save the produce. $60. (27:40-31:25), Clip #6: Grandma (Soonja) makes David a special tea, and he complains about a "Korea" smell in his room. My "Minari": On Asian American Immigrant Cinema, LA Review of Books, February 10, 2021 by Hanna Amaris Roh. Anne is a quiet force in the movie, taking care of David and trying to make things easier for her parents. 'Minari' is about immigrants who speak Korean. If . CAVEATS Importantly, theyll return to this after the movie and reflect on it. 18. Simple plot. Anne's strategy when her parents are fighting is to send messages with paper airplanes, which is a creative way to find some control over a situation where she's powerless. The Oscars have a long history of diversity issues, including that they were dominated by white men. Alan S. Kim, left, Steven Yeun, Noel Kate Cho and Yeri Han star in "Minari.". Minari is a semi-autobiographical drama film about a Korean-American family growing up in rural Arkansas during the nineteen-eighties. Grandma sees David as an American kid and Monica asserts that he's a Korean kid. By marketing the movie as a universal story, it loses part of what makes it so special. Meanwhile, grandma Soonja (Youn Yuh-jung) faces a trash fire that becomes uncontrollable. Is she what David expected? This guide offers two different approaches to teaching Minari: Feel free to use either approach, or even combine the two into one lesson (or an entire unit) based around the movie. As in the film, it grows rampant along the banks of streams and over damp ground, requiring little attention. In Minari, writer-director Lee Isaac Chung (Munyurangabo) documents a South Korean immigrant familys pursuit of happiness in rural Arkansas. For Monica, his decision comes as an ultimate betrayal. Reading scripts. Its often used in cooking and as a medicine. I hope to see you in the RESPONSE section about this week's script: Minari. Many people who watch Minari will be blown away by this quiet family epic about the American dream and all the struggles and triumphs that come with it. This is *exactly* the kind of movie I like. Instead, she plays cards and swears. And again, the event in the plotline spurs trouble within the family as Soonja disappears, a crisis the family has to deal with. After living in America for a few years, sexing chickens for below minimum wage, the family decides to pack their bags and head from California to Arkansas to start a farm.
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