Minari Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Trailer and More
by Janani
Updated Jul 05, 2023
Minari
"Minari" is a 2020 American drama film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. It tells the semi-autobiographical story of a South Korean immigrant family striving to build a new life in rural America during the 1980s. The film stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Youn Yuh-jung, and Will Patton.
After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2020, "Minari" received critical acclaim and won both the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize and the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award. It had a virtual release in December 2020 and was later released in theaters and through virtual cinema in February 2021 by A24.
Minari Ending Explained
The ending of the movie "Minari" brings both resolution and new challenges for the Yi family. After receiving positive news about David's health and securing a business deal, tensions between Jacob and Monica reach a breaking point. Monica expresses her decision to end their marriage, and they both come to accept the reality of their situation.
Meanwhile, Grandma Soonja faces a fire that engulfs their barn. Jacob attempts to save their produce, but they ultimately give up and watch the barn burn. The film's final scene shows Jacob and David at the creek, picking minari, symbolizing the resilience of the family.
Minari, a versatile Korean plant, holds significant symbolism in the film. It represents the family's ability to thrive and adapt, even in harsh conditions. Just like minari grows in challenging soil, the Yi family aims to rebuild their lives after the destruction of the barn. The ending implies that they will emerge stronger, both as farmers and as a family, using their setbacks as a catalyst for growth.
The themes of water and fire are prevalent throughout the movie. Water signifies both destruction and healing in different contexts. It brings devastation through the tornado warning and the struggles with irrigation. However, the creek water, purified by the minari plant, represents healing and rejuvenation for the family.
While "Minari" tells a Korean immigrant story, it resonates with a universal audience due to its exploration of the human experience. The pursuit of the American dream, the challenges faced by immigrant families, and the themes of hope and perseverance are relatable to people from diverse backgrounds. The film's authenticity and personal storytelling allow viewers to connect with the characters and see glimpses of their own lives reflected in the narrative.
The ending of the movie "Minari" leaves room for interpretation and reflection. In the final scenes, the family faces a crisis when their young son, David, suffers a medical emergency while playing with his sister, Anne. As they rush to the hospital, tension and fear fill the air. However, David recovers, and the family returns home.
The film concludes with a beautiful sequence of the family bonding and enjoying a day at a nearby creek, where they had previously planted minari, a resilient Korean herb. The parents, Jacob and Monica, immerse themselves in the water, symbolizing a moment of release and connection. Meanwhile, the children play and laugh, seemingly unburdened by the challenges they have faced.
Minari Plot
The film "Minari" tells the story of the Yi family, Korean immigrants who move to rural Arkansas in 1983. Father Jacob dreams of growing Korean produce to sell, while his wife Monica worries about their son David's heart condition. They face challenges, including a dry well and setbacks in selling their crops. Monica's mother, Soon-ja, arrives from South Korea to help care for the children.
Despite initial difficulties, Soon-ja forms a bond with David and teaches him about resilience through planting minari, a versatile plant. However, Soon-ja suffers a stroke, adding further strain to the family.
Jacob and Monica go to Oklahoma City for David's heart appointment and a meeting with a potential vendor. They receive positive news about David's health but realize their marriage is on the brink of collapse due to their differing priorities.
Meanwhile, the barn catches fire, destroying Jacob's produce. In the midst of chaos, Jacob and Monica choose to save each other rather than the crops. Later, as they rest, Soon-ja watches them with a subdued expression.
In a subsequent scene, Jacob and Monica consult a water diviner to find a suitable well spot, signifying their commitment to the farm. Jacob and David then gather the thriving minari plants near the creek, reflecting on the spot chosen by Soon-ja and the resilience of their family.
Minari Cast
Here is the list of cast and characters' names in the movie Minari.
Cast Name
Character Name
Steven Yeun
Jacob Yi
Han Ye-ri
Monica Yi
Alan Kim
David Yi
Noel Kate Cho
Anne Yi (Ji-young)
Youn Yuh-jung
Soon-ja
Will Patton
Paul
Scott Haze
Billy
Jacob Wade
Johnnie
Skip Schwink
Doctor
Minari Release Date
Minari was released on 26 January 2020. The film garnered widespread praise for Lee Isaac Chung's direction and screenplay, as well as the performances of Steven Yeun and Youn Yuh-Jung, and the score. It was recognized as one of the best films of 2020. At the 93rd Academy Awards, "Minari" received six nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Steven Yeun was nominated for Best Actor and Youn Yuh-jung won the award for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the first Korean actor to win an Academy Award. The film also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film and received nominations at the British Academy Film Awards. Overall, "Minari" has been widely acclaimed for its poignant storytelling and exceptional performances, solidifying its place as a significant film in 2020.
Minari Where to Watch?
You can watch Minari on Amazon Priem Video. You can also watch the movie on fuboTV, Apple TV, VUDU, Tubi TV, Redbox, Pluto TV, and Plex.
Here are the steps to log in to the Amazon Prime video.
Minari Ending Explained - FAQ
The ending of the movie "Minari" brings both resolution and new challenges for the Yi family. After receiving positive news about David's health and securing a business deal, tensions between Jacob and Monica reach a breaking point. Monica expresses her decision to end their marriage, and they both come to accept the reality of their situation.
Minari is a semi-autobiographical drama film that follows a South Korean immigrant family's journey as they try to build a life in rural America during the 1980s.
The film stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Youn Yuh-jung, and Will Patton in the lead roles.
Minari premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2020, where it won both the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize and the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award. It had a virtual release on December 11, 2020, followed by a theatrical and virtual cinema release on February 12, 2021, distributed by A24.
The film received critical acclaim, with praise for Lee Isaac Chung's direction and screenplay, the performances of Steven Yeun and Youn Yuh-jung, as well as the score. It was widely regarded as one of the best films of 2020.