02:05

"Minari"

The Plot: Korean-American family moves to Arkansas to farm the land in their quest for the American dream.

Why You Should Watch: Writer-director Lee Issac Chung uses his own history as an immigrant growing up on a farm as a frame for an emotionally engaging drama illustrating the American dream. While all the performances were solid, the standout for this critic was Han Ye-ri as Monica. When Jacob (Steven Yeun) moves the family from California to the Ozarks, he's excited about his tiny patch of land that he can farm. After looking at their manufactured home lacking certain amenities (like no stairs to enter easily), Monica reminds him that he said it would be different. While their two children get accustomed to their new life and their grandmother's old country ways, it's the tension between Monica and Jacob that is universal in many couples: the dreamer vs. the practical one. Jacob is clearly excited. Monica, not so much. While the family is Christian, their piety is no match for that of their farm laborer Paul, superbly played by Will Patton. When not speaking in tongues, praying for the family, or encouraging Jacob, he carries a cross down the dusty road. Much as he carries some of the emotional load for Jacob. The title "Minari" comes from a sturdy plant that can grow anywhere. Certainly, that's what Jacob tries to do and makes this film worthy of attention. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Posted:

You May Also Like

Gayle On Film: 'Soul' 81BAFD

Gayle On Film: 'Soul'

"Soul" For a movie about a jazz musician/music teacher, "Soul," the latest Disney/Pixar film, is not a musical. But like good music, it's filled with feel-good stuff. While most films from this studio work on two levels with lots of humor for kids and a good amount for the grown-ups, this is one of the more grown-up variety, a la "Inside Out." Joe Gardner (Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx) is about to get his BIG break as a musician when he has an unfortunate incident that sends him to the great beyond, or as they call it, "The Before." Joe learns that "Forgetting the trauma of childbirth is the great gift of the universe." But Joe remembers what he's lost, the joys and pain, and soon realizes he's in the wrong place at the wrong time. Joe longs to get back and he does so with the grudging help of a lost soul 22 (Tina Fey) who has no interest in finally becoming human and all that entails — even with the encouragement of some of humanity's leading heavyweights. While a temper prone Abe Lincoln can't get through to 22, it seems that Joe's teaching skills may just be the spark she needs to face her fears. "Soul" is like music or comfort food that is good for the soul. It is like having a beignet, sugar falling on your chest and you don't care because they're playing your kind of jazz. View Now
Gayle On Film: 'Godzilla vs. Kong'

Gayle On Film: 'Godzilla vs. Kong'

Godzilla vs. Kong King Kong is not a happy camper. You wouldn't be either if you were kept in a giant VR stadium. Godzilla? He's got a bad case of heartburn; so we find these two titans in pretty foul moods in "Godzilla vs. Kong." After an absence, Godzilla rises from the deep in an attempt to take out Apex Cybergenics. No, he's not an anti-capitalist. But humans die and it's a pretty big PR blow to his image. Maybe he's been listening to Bernie (Brian Tyree Henry), a conspiracy theory enthusiast and host of "Titan Truth Podcast." He realizes something hanky is about to go down with those two titans. Who's really listening to him? It's Madison Russell (Millie Bobby Brown) and her fellow teen buddy Josh (ironically in a van reminiscent of the Mystery Machine). This comically unlikely trio thinks they know what's really going on with Godzilla and want to break into Apex— or what's left of it. And who wouldn't think they could? After all, this is a popcorn action movie where such things are plausible. We've come to expect this behavior from Madison as she has a prior relationship with the big lizard. I mean she's old enough to drive now, and she's at that age where she declares to her scientist father she really understands him! Meanwhile, these meddling teens and their friend are not too far off from the truth as scientists think a battle royale between the two behemoths is possible. And when the pair do engage, it's like two gigantic toddlers tossing around a game of Battleship. A friend of mine who's a fan of these titans says he doesn't like seeing his friends fight. But that's exactly what you're bound to get (as the title gives that away). Yes, Kong has a mean right hook (and a preteen who seems to be the only one who understands him as well). However, If you're a fan of either of the pair, mean right hooks, conspiracy theories, or fantasy adventures— this will be right up your alley. Don't go looking too deep for a believable plot; Godzilla goes fathoms below and he still can't find it. That being said, it's certainly a fun adventure. View Now
Gayle On Film: 'Selah and the Spades'

Gayle On Film: 'Selah and the Spades'

Selah and the Spades The new film "Selah and the Spades" is anything but your average comedic/rom-com high school romp. Fictional prep school Haldwell is run by five rival student gangs dealing in the usual vices — drugs, parties, gambling, grade manipulation and keeping the grown-ups in the dark. And Selah, the drug lord, laments that she has no capable successor to her kingdom. In a mature soliloquy early, the gravitas is thrown down by 17-year-old Selah who laments that everyone tries to control the sexualization of young women's bodies. It's a sign that this is more reminiscent of a Shakespearean inspired adult drama than a high school musical or John Hughes inspired rom-com. While grandiose in its intentions, what results is a watchable highly stylized film about personal politics and power told through the lens of teen-hood. Available for streaming on Amazon Prime. View Now
Gayle On Film: 'The Green Knight'

Gayle On Film: 'The Green Knight'

The Green Knight This is the pick of the week. The 14th century medieval Arthurian legend is beautifully told with Dev Patel in the lead role as Gawain. While it might have given you fits if you weren't prepared for the pop quiz back in high school, the dreamlike imagery, acting, and set design make this quite a retelling. It should be noted, and this is not a spoiler, there are no sword fights. This is more cerebral, and that's not a bad thing. It falls more into the art film column than action/adventure. But it's definitely worth your time. View Now

Animals

In The Case Of Animals Vs. Humans, Animals Win

In The Case Of Animals Vs. Humans, Animals Win

Wait a second, this isn't "Batman!" But this trial of bat vs. man sure is entertaining regardless! Over the course of two hours, Autumn Meffer and her partner Harrison tried to get a bat out of their home. The shrieks of panic from both are hilarious and prove that the bat totally won in the situation. Eventually, Harrison captured the unwelcomed guest and evicted it! View Now
Lion Cubs Crossing The River & All Aboard The Bug Train

Lion Cubs Crossing The River & All Aboard The Bug Train

When we're little, we all need a little help crossing the street. And if you're a little lion cub, you need help crossing rivers. Especially if there could be crocodiles nearby. Tourists at Kruger National Park in South Africa were on hand to witness lions leading their cubs through those very shallow waters, but if you've seen RTM before, you know shallow waters can sometimes be deceiving. View Now
Monkey Dognaps Puppy

Monkey Dognaps Puppy

Until now, we never thought a hostage situation could be cute! In Malaysia, a monkey snatched a two-week-old puppy named Saru and whisked it away. It wasn't until a whopping three days later that the monkey and Saru were spotted again. After a few nice attempts to encourage the monkey to return Saru nicely, rescuers threw a firecracker to scare it and make it drop the pup into the bushes below. Saru is now in stable condition and thriving in its new home! View Now
More animal videos

Recipes

Mushrooms But Make It ‘Chicken Bacon’

Mushrooms But Make It ‘Chicken Bacon’

Who said mushrooms couldn't make for a delicious dinner? The pair at Bosh TV transformed King Oyster mushrooms into a mouthwatering dish. This vegan recipe elevates your mushrooms into a "chicken bacon" sandwich. Excuse us while we head to the kitchen! View Now
Quick And Easy Enchilada Recipe? Yes, Please!

Quick And Easy Enchilada Recipe? Yes, Please!

This may be Salty Cocina's lazy enchilada recipe, but it looks like it tastes anything but lazy! All it takes is a box of taquitos, cheese, canned enchilada sauce, and 30 minutes to whip it up. Add some toppings like lettuce, tomato, and Mexican cream, and you've got yourself a delicious meal for those days where you just don't have time to make the real thing! View Now
More recipe videos

Celebrity

Superstar Burna Boy Gives Us A Tour Of His Luxurious Home

Superstar Burna Boy Gives Us A Tour Of His Luxurious Home

Where does an international music superstar like Burna Boy go when he wants to kick up his feet and relax? Why, his luxurious mansion in Lagos, Nigeria, of course! It has a pool, an island-themed rooftop hangout and even a movie theater. It also has a waiting room. We think our doctor's offices should have a waiting room as nice as Burna Boy's. Architectural Digest video produced by Condé Nast Entertainment. View Now
Nikkie Tutorials Gets Her Glam On With Iggy Azalea

Nikkie Tutorials Gets Her Glam On With Iggy Azalea

Sure, getting all glammed up is fun, but it's always more fun when you've got a friend with you. That's why Nikkie Tutorials was so excited to be collaborating with pop superstar Iggy Azalea for her latest video. Azalea shares a lot of personal stories with Nikkie that we've never heard before. For example, how the "Fancy" singer got her stage name and even her biggest insecurities. Check out the full video below! View Now
More celebrity videos

Love is in the Air

Can’t Hold Back The Man Tears

Can’t Hold Back The Man Tears

Cinnamon is getting married soon, and while her stepdad Nick knew he would be invited to the wedding, he didn't expect to be a bigger part of the ceremony. For his birthday, Cinnamon asked her stepdad if he would walk her down the aisle along with her biological dad Jamey on the big day. Clearly, it was the perfect birthday gift! View Now
Family Photoshoot Turned Surprise Proposal

Family Photoshoot Turned Surprise Proposal

Family photoshoots are special as is, but sometimes they capture more than just pictures. Nilda thought she was in store for a run-of-the-mill picture session with her daughters Angelica and Adriana, but her partner Rodger had other plans. While reading a Bible verse, Rodger pulled off the biggest surprise and proposed! This moment was a long time coming after they met at work and kept in touch while Rodger went to rehab and nursing school. Afterward, the two reconnected, and the rest is history. View Now
These Dads Are Here For A Good Time

These Dads Are Here For A Good Time

Mom and Dad from TheMotivatFamily on TikTok are going on their first date since the pandemic. And in case it's not obvious by the little dance he does before getting in the car, Dad is pretty excited. We're sure time away from the kids for a little bit may have also had something to do with it. Next, it's traditional for the father of the bride to pay for the wedding. That means he also paid for the open bar, so why not party it up? Dad jumped in the pool while wearing a full suit and joined the groom and his buddies. View Now
More Love is in the Air videos

RTM Hall of Fame

Notice Anything Unusual About This Guy's Tongue?

Notice Anything Unusual About This Guy's Tongue?

Kobe Freeman was enjoying a hamburger when he felt a sharp pain in his mouth. Somehow, a bee had gotten onto Kobe's burger and it stung his tongue while he was eating! His tongue swelled up to massive proportions, so he took to social media to find a remedy that worked. You can keep up with Kobe Freeman on Instagram and TikTok. View Now
Home Invasion Captured Live On Zoom!

Home Invasion Captured Live On Zoom!

What started as just a normal Zoom classroom meeting turned into a call for action to help a fellow student. A woman in Ecuador was robbed while she was taking part in the virtual classroom, her laptop capturing the whole thing. Other students and the professor sprang into action, contacting the police right away. Fortunately, nobody was harmed and the suspects were arrested soon after the incident. The cellphones they stole led the police right to their location. View Now
Man's Overjoyed Reaction To Seeing Color For The First Time

Man's Overjoyed Reaction To Seeing Color For The First Time

Here at RTM, we love getting to watch people experience seeing color for the very first time. Vic is colorblind, so his girlfriend surprised him with a pair of EnChroma glasses for his birthday. He's so stoked to see all the vibrant colors around him, and we're so stoked for him! Sometimes it's the simplest things in life we take for granted the most. via ViralHog View Now
More RTM Hall of Fame videos