Kazu Kibuishi recommended Yi Yi (2000) in Movies (curated)
Bird Migration Across the Himalayas: Wetland Functioning Amidst Mountains and Glaciers
Herbert H. T. Prins and Tsewang Namgail
Book
Birds migrating across the Himalayan region fly over the highest peaks in the world, facing immense...
Nature Mandalas: Wonders of the Garden : Life Circles of Biodiversity and Conservancy
Book
From buckeye butterflies to ladybugs, milkweed, and dandelions, Tim Phelps's mandalas cast an...
The Blood of Four Gods and Other Stories
Book
Journey into a world of myth and magic, of mystery and monsters. Within these pages, you'll find:...
Fantasy Short_Stories
Johnny Midnight
TV Show
Johnny Midnight (Edmond O'Brien) is an ex-actor/theater owner, now turned private eye. His turf is...
Naturally Tan
Book
Growing up gay in a traditional South Asian family in South Yorkshire, Tan France could never have...
The Best Girls
Book
Inspired by a true event, this powerful short story from the author of National Book Award finalist...
Korean Asian Fiction Korean Fiction short story short read
Future Imperfect
Book
IT’S A CHANGED WORLD, and the River Rhone has flooded the town of Arles in France. Helen and Isha...
African Theatre: China, India & the Eastern World: Volume 15
Martin Banham, James Gibbs and Femi Osofisan
Book
China is the main focus of this volume, and articles consider the way it is using "soft power" in...
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Minari (2020) in Movies
Apr 4, 2021
And…it is worthy of these accolades - and this place in history - for MINARI is a warm-hearted, loving look at a Korean-American family trying to make it’s way in the world in 1980’s Arkansas.
Written and Directed in Oscar Nominated fashion (for both categories), Lee Isaac Chung presents a realistic American family looking to forge a new living while still remaining true to their cultural roots.
Steve Yeun (THE WALKING DEAD) is Oscar nominated for his lead role of Jacob, who moves his family to Arkansas in the hopes to start a farm that specializes in Korean food. Yeun’s performance is earnest and sincere and I am happy for him that this performance is nominated. The rest of the family unit is strong - with the stand out being Yuh-Jung Youn as the Grandmother. She brings the most interesting and nuanced character to the screen and I wouldn’t be surprised if she pulls the upset and wins the Oscar for Supporting Actress. Finally, veteran character Actor Will Patton is a spark of energy as a local who helps Jacob on the farm.
And…that, ultimately, is the problem with this film. Writer/Director Chung spends most of his time creating the atmosphere and the characters, He fails to realize that there really is no compelling event to drive the plot forward. It’s a “fine” slice-of-life film and one that is enjoyable to watch with a strong, charismatic cast, but nothing really happens and that, finally, is a problem.
This is most certainly a deserving Oscar nominated film - especially in these pandemic times - with big budget Blockbuster films pushed to the sidelines, this type of quiet film is thrust to the forefront - and good for them and I’m glad that the spotlight is shining on this film. I just wish there was more plot and a more compelling reason to watch this film.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take this to the Bank(ofMarquis)