Minari 미나리 [VOD]

 

What a great movie! A simple telling of the classic American dream but make it in Korean.

Simply told but endlessly heartwarming, featuring brilliant performances by Steven Yeun and Han Ye-ri, and scene-stealers Youn Yun-jung and Alan Kim as one of the best grandmother/grandson duos on screen. 

Ostensibly, writer/director Lee Isaac Chung's film was about family and the bonds between them that get tested by the obstacles that Life throws at them. However, it also chronicled the quintessential ideal of the Amercian dream, but told through an Asian perspective. Asian audiences will surely relate to the many Asian qualities exhibited by the fictional family, and because of the way it is told - by an Asian film-maker and an Asian cast - it never seemed cloying, false or mocking. 

Chung's story-telling never seemed rushed nor indulgent with each new development in the characters' life given sufficient time to unfold. The only exception was the foray into religion that seemed distracted and underbaked. It seemed to be a facet of Han's character but it gave her no added depth nor complexity and only seemed to serve as a plot device in scaring children to behave. If it wasn't for Han's nuanced performance, it could easily have devolved her character into a caricature. 

Like Han, Yeun also gave one of his best performances as he converts his The Walking Dead fame to serious indie credentials, following his outstanding turn in Burning with this archetypical American dad role. Yeun portrayed his character - a Korean immigrant - as an Asian, with all the typical Asian sensibilities, that wants to be American but yet unable to fully relinquish his sense of self and identity. It was a delicate balance between being American and Korean that made his performance so riveting and relatable.

Yeun's also had great chemistry with Han which helped to successfully convince the audience of the couple's love for each other and also made their struggles and conflicts authentic and believable. Ultimately, it was their chemistry which really helped to sell the film's final act and denouement. 

However, the best performance in the film belonged to veteran South Korean actress Youn. Her grandmother was a hoot and yet she brought so much warmth and unspoken love in her portrayal. Her relationship with the very cute and very endearing Alan Kim was a highlight of the film. They both stole the show at very opportunity. That penultimate scene was simple and absolutely gut-wrenching. Solidified with a SAG award nomination, Youn's Best Support Actress Oscar nomination should also be more or less assured. 

The soulful score was by Emile Mosseri and Lachlan Milne was the cinematographer behind much of the period-appropriate camera work.

Minari was an exquisite film. An example of simple storytelling coupled with an assured directing and bolstered by a stellar cast. But up against Nomadland, its chances of replicating Parasite's success is slimmed. It will most likely be up for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress, with Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor as likely possibilities.