7. Minari
Minari is written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. In it, Steven Yeun plays Jacob, the patriarch of a Korean family moving to Arkansas in search of the American dream.
A modestly crafted film, Minari still manages to strike a chord with audiences. That being said, it’s not for everyone. The pacing is slow, and not an awful lot happens in the way of major plot beats. But the movie hinges on the family dynamic, which is where it truly succeeds.
The cast all excel in their roles, and the two child actors never distract but instead impress with their surprisingly acute emotional awareness. Youn Yuh-jung is a clear standout however, adding much of the movie’s emotional warmth and welcome humor. She at least deserves the nomination for Best Supporting Actress, if not the win.
Minari is a soft, touching glimpse into the life of a family that feels earnest in its presentation.
