Minari

UK Release Date: 17 May 2021

Certification: 12A
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Cast: Noel Kate Cho, Alan Kim, Han Yeri, Steven Yeun, Youn Yuh-jung

Rating: 95%

                                                                                                                                                   

Review:

A24 does it again. To quote the film itself, 'Minari is wonderful.' Minari is worthy of being one of the best films of the past decade. I adored this film. 

Minari centres around a Korean family moving from California to Arkansas after emigrating to America. It's a relatable scenario to many audiences but nonetheless this is a story that transcends culture. Themes of familial love, the film left me utterly heartbroken. An up-to-date rendition of the American dream. Minari constantly asks the question of what is more important - unconditional love or selfish ambition in the hope of being perceived as successful? And by the end the answer is resounding, although it never feels certain until then. 

The film packs that emotional punch largely due to its extraordinary ensemble cast. Steven Yeun is the man - he is rarely involved in a project that isn't great. An insanely talented and remarkable actor that is finally beginning to get the praise he rightfully deserves (Beef, Burning and Nope). There's a sense of devastation behind his portrayal of a desperate father that feels incredibly sincere. Yeun absolutely kills it, nonetheless the relationship between David (Alan Kim) and his grandma (Youn Yuh-jung) is the soul of Minari. It's genuine - David feels apprehensive of his new family member, not really understanding her role. By the end the two are nothing short of wonderful together.  Youn Yuh-jung won an Academy Award for her performance but it is an atrocity that Kim wasn't nominated for supporting actor. I don't care that he was only eight when the film released, he is phenomenal. His performance reduced me to floods of tears, an outstanding achievement at such a young age. 

Lachlan Milne's cinematography is so peaceful. It's perfect. The way he frames the sky is appealing giving the setting a striking representation of nature. Vibrant greens that pop off the screen. Also, the use of background sounds is brilliant. The slithering of snakes, chirping of crickets and eventually the brutal burn of fire. It's a beautiful indication of the true power of nature. 

A lovely score from Emile Mosseri. Tender. It captures the wonder of childhood, the struggle of parenting and the bewilderment of old age with a quiet piano and acoustic guitar. 'Jacob and the Stone' is quite possibly the most moving piece of music I've ever heard, excluding Max Richter's 'On the Nature of Daylight'.