Minari is a film about all of us – told through the unique perspective of a Korean-American family.
Starring, Steven Yeun, best known for the Walking Dead, and Burning, the film depicts what life is like for an immigrant family just trying to live the American Dream.
At its core, this movie is about trying to seize an opportunity and build a legacy, while continuing to hit unexpected roadblocks at every turn.
Background
In the early 80’s, a Korean-American family purchases a small plot of farmland in Arkansas – hoping to become a food supplier for local grocery stores. The parents in this close knit family make ends meet by working factory jobs by day, then working late into the night and on weekends cultivating the farm.
In an effort to help, the grandmother assists with the children, so even more hours can be devoted to farm life. Over time, the family becomes part of the community, the children adjust, and the father can finally see the vision he initially had coming together. Then, he learns: the American Dream is easy to ponder, but very difficult to attain.
Wait…What’s the American Dream, Again?
Whenever someone mentions “the American Dream” my mind immediately goes back to black and white 1950’s films. Most often, the middle class family living the American Dream was depicted as white…in a nice house, with a perfectly manicured lawn, a white picket fence, two kids, a two-door garage, and a dog (probably a Golden Retriever). Somehow, this lifestyle was funded solely by a father with a well paying corporate job, while mom was the cheerful and loving homemaker preparing a casserole for dinner.
In fairness, I’m sure there are still some families like this, but that is only one of many American stories.
In fact, According to AAP.org, one in every 4 children in the United States, approximately 18.4 million children, live in an immigrant family. Eighty-nine percent of these children are born in the United States and are US citizens. Furthermore, immigrants start businesses at a higher rate than the U.S.-born, as reported by the Immigration International Forum. For every 100,000 immigrants, 520 became entrepreneurs in a given month. That means, soon the average American household won’t look like the one I described, but will be ethnically diverse and likely led by entrepreneurial parents.
This movie sheds light on that American story. One about coming to this country, investing in this country, and believing in what this country can help your family achieve.
Ultimately, Minari shows that we all actually share the same dream: to find fulfilling and meaningful work, provide for our families, find joy doing it, and eventually see the fruits of our labor.
Minari’s release is February 12, 2021!
