Minari

Dir. Lee Isaac Chung · United States of America · English, Korean

A winning story about the pursuit of the American Dream

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Our take by Oppie A

Minari is a film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, about a Korean-American family in search of the so-called American Dream. It is an intimate drama that is powerful yet quiet, and filled with moments of innocence. With dreamlike scoring, unique characters, and a captivating climax, this movie tugs on the heartstrings, and serves as a great reminder of the beauty of gratitude.

Thanks to these, plus winning performances across the board, Minari earned plenty of nominations at the 2021 Oscars, with Youn Yuh-jung eventually bagging the Best Supporting Actress award—a monumental first for South Korea.

What happens

A Korean American family moves to an Arkansas farm in search of its own American dream. Amidst the challenges of this new life in the strange and rugged Ozarks, they discover the undeniable resilience of family and what really makes a home.

What the critics said

Notable Critics

"A moving portrayal of the pains of assimilation, bolstered by Chung's writing and direction."

— Kambole Campbell

Awards

Oscars

1 win · 6 noms

Won: Best Supporting ActressNominated: Best ActorNominated: Best DirectorNominated: Best Original ScoreNominated: Best Original ScreenplayNominated: Best PictureNominated: Best Supporting Actress

Golden Globes

1 win

Won: Best Motion Picture: Foreign Language

BAFTA

1 win · 6 noms

Won: Supporting ActressNominated: Best DirectionNominated: Best Film not in the English LanguageNominated: CastingNominated: Original ScoreNominated: Supporting ActorNominated: Supporting Actress

SAG Awards

1 win · 2 noms

Won: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting RoleNominated: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureNominated: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

DGA

1 nom

Nominated: Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film

Spirit Awards

1 win · 5 noms

Won: Best Supporting FemaleNominated: Best DirectorNominated: Best FeatureNominated: Best Male LeadNominated: Best ScreenplayNominated: Best Supporting Female