Minari (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch
Minari is a 2020 drama directed by Lee Isaac Chung, starring Steven Yeun as Jacob, Will Patton and Noel Cho. It runs 1 hour 55 minutes and earned $15.3 million worldwide on a $2 million budget. It won 1 Oscar, including Actress in a Supporting Role, and 5 awards in all. Critics gave it 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 89 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10. Rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 55m (115 min)
- Director
- Lee Isaac Chung
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- A24
- Budget
- $2M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Minari About?
The premise of Minari without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
A Korean-American family moves to rural Arkansas in the 1980s to start a farm, pursuing their own version of the American Dream. The family's dynamic is further impacted by the arrival of the stern but loving grandmother, who brings a sense of tradition and connection to their new life. Set against the backdrop of the Ozark hills, the story tenderly portrays the challenges and joys of cultural assimilation, the importance of family, and the search for belonging in a new land.
Minari Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- korean american
- husband wife relationship
- korean immigrant
- friendship
- hope
- farm
- arkansas
- family relationships
- girl
- paper airplane
- little boy wets the bed
- food
+38 more Show fewer
- 1980s
- reference to ronald reagan
- korean food
- irrigation
- old woman
- mountain dew
- creek
- dream
- religion
- hillbilly
- water supply
- farmhand
- snake
- old woman wets the bed
- exorcism
- kimchi
- hospital
- stroke
- prayer
- faith
- reference to the korean war
- bedwetting
- fire
- domestic drama
- troubled marriage
- korean family
- moving to a new home
- trailer home
- storm
- digging a well
- card game
- carrying a cross
- heart condition
- vegetable field
- dowser
- semi autobiographical
- moving van
- immigrant
Where to Watch Minari
Rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
Minari Cast & Characters
Steven Yeun leads the cast as Jacob, with Will Patton as Paul and Noel Cho as Anne. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Lee Isaac Chung
-
Steven Yeun as Jacob -
Will Patton as Paul - Noel Cho as Anne
-
Scott Haze as Billy
Also Starring in Minari
· 6 more- Darryl Cox Mr. Harlan
- Eric Starkey Randy Boomer
- Esther Moon Mrs. Oh
- Yeo-Jong Yun
- Ye-ri Han
- Alan S. Kim
Minari Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Minari 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 89 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 89/100, strongest in rewatch factor (90) and weakest in story & flow (80).
Minari Echo Score Breakdown
Minari demonstrates a compelling synthesis of emotional authenticity and nuanced craftsmanship. Reviews highlight its enduring quality, noting its ability to resonate long after viewing through tender family moments and understated storytelling. The film balances reflective pacing with thematic depth, immersing audiences in cultural and personal dilemmas. While its tempo may feel modest to some, the heartfelt performances and cohesive execution leave a lasting impression that underscores its broad appeal.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
In terms of art and craft, Minari excels through its thoughtful visual composition and measured editing. Critics praise the understated color palette and authentic production design that ground the setting. User comments frequently cite the evocative cinematography as a primary source of emotional resonance. Despite a few noting a deliberate pacing that feels unhurried, the overall visual coherence reinforces the film’s intimate atmosphere.
- Character & Emotion 88
When it comes to character and emotion, the film offers richly drawn performances that anchor its narrative. Viewers commend the nuanced portrayal of family dynamics and the depth of the central characters’ relationships. The ensemble’s chemistry and emotional authenticity are repeatedly highlighted in feedback. Although a minority found certain characters less distinctive, the prevailing sentiment underscores the film’s capacity to foster deep empathy.
- Story & Flow 80
In terms of story and flow, Minari weaves a contemplative narrative that explores the immigrant experience with subtlety. Many observers appreciate the thoughtful symbolism and bittersweet pacing that unfold the plot. Some viewers note that the tale advances at a modest tempo and that its resolution could feel abrupt. Overall, the cohesive structure supports the film’s thematic exploration of family aspiration and hardship.
- Sensory Experience 87
When considering the sensory experience, Minari delivers an immersive soundscape and cohesive visual style. Reviews highlight the film’s gentle ambient sounds and a score that complements its emotional beats. The deliberate sound design and consistent visual cohesion contribute to the overall tone of authenticity. A few opinions mention a quieter audio profile, yet the unified sensory approach enhances the film’s intimate portrayal.
- Rewatch Factor 90
For rewatch appeal, Minari rewards multiple viewings with layered symbolism and emotional depth. Many note that subtle foreshadowing and thematic details emerge on subsequent watches. The enduring nature of the narrative invites reflection and further discovery. While some audiences may find the pace too restrained for frequent revisits, the film’s resonance and nuanced craftsmanship encourage repeat engagement.
-
IMDb 7.4 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 98% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 92%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 89 Metascore
User score 8.0
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 73% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 4.1 /5
4.3K ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 5.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Minari Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Minari from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In 1983, the Yi family, led by the determined father Jacob, embarks on a new journey as they relocate from California to a remote plot of land in rural Arkansas. Jacob dreams of cultivating Korean produce to sell in Dallas, but their new home—a sizable trailer—fails to impress his wife, Monica. Despite her protests and dissatisfaction, Jacob makes a bold choice, opting out of hiring a water diviner who offers to help them drill a well, instead digging one himself.
Full summary
The whole story of Minari, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Minari Box Office & Budget
Minari grossed $15.3 million worldwide on a $2 million budget, 7.6 times what it cost. $3.1 million came from the US and Canada and $12.2 million (80%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$15.3M
7.6× its budget
- US & Canada
- $3.1M
- International
- $12.2M
- Budget
- $2M
Minari Awards & Nominations
Minari won 1 Oscar, including Actress in a Supporting Role, and 5 awards in all. Its biggest night was the Critics' Choice 2021, with 1 win from 9 nominations.
5 wins32 nominations7 ceremonies
-
Critics' Choice 2021 1 win · 9 nominations- Won Best Young Actor/Actress – Alan Kim
- Nominated Best Acting Ensemble
- Nominated Best Actor – Steven Yeun
- Nominated Best Cinematography
- Nominated Best Director – Lee Isaac Chung
-
BAFTA 2021 1 win · 6 nominations- Won Best Actress in a Supporting Role
- Nominated Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Alan Kim
- Nominated Best Casting
- Nominated Best Director – Lee Isaac Chung
- Nominated Best Film Not in the English Language – Lee Isaac Chung
-
Oscars 2021 1 win · 6 nominations- Won Actress in a Supporting Role – Yuh-Jung Youn
- Nominated Actor in a Leading Role – Steven Yeun
- Nominated Best Picture
- Nominated Directing – Lee Isaac Chung
- Nominated Music (Original Score)
-
Actor Awards (SAG) 2021 1 win · 3 nominations- Won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture – Scott Haze , Alan Kim , Patton Oswalt and 1 more
- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role – Steven Yeun
Show all 7 ceremonies Show fewer ceremonies
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Artios Awards 2021 1 win · 1 nomination- Won Low Budget – Comedy or Drama
-
Spirit Awards 2021 6 nominations- Nominated Best Director – Lee Isaac Chung
- Nominated Best Feature
- Nominated Best Male Lead – Steven Yeun
- Nominated Best Screenplay – Lee Isaac Chung
- Nominated Best Supporting Female
-
DGA Awards 2021 1 nomination- Nominated Feature Film – Lee Isaac Chung
Minari Trailers & Videos
18 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser, 3 clips, 8 featurettes and 5 behind-the-scenes videos.
- Teaser Our Home | MINARI | Altitude Films
- Clip 5 Minute Preview
- Clip Clip: Digging for Water
- Clip Strong Boy
How Well Do You Know Minari?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is Jacob's primary goal after moving to Arkansas?
Minari Also Known As
17 alternative titles, including “มินาริ” and “미나리”.
- Also known as
-
- มินาริ
- 미나리
- Minari. Historia de mi familia
- 米纳里
- Minari: Em Busca da Felicidade
- Минари
- Minari - Historia de mi familia
- Мінарі
- Minari - Wo wir Wurzeln schlagen
- Minari - A családom története
- 夢想之地
- Khát Vọng Đổi Đời
+5 more Show fewer
- מינארי
- 農情家園
- ミナリ
- میناری
- Minari: Història de la meva família, მინარი
Seen Minari?
Movies Like Minari
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Kinship, Riceboy Sleeps and The Way Home.
Minari FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and awards of Minari, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Minari?
Minari runs 1 hour 55 minutes (115 minutes).
When was Minari released?
Minari was released on December 11, 2020.
Who directed Minari?
Minari was directed by Lee Isaac Chung.
More films by Lee Isaac Chung Who is in the cast of Minari?
Minari stars Steven Yeun as Jacob, Will Patton as Paul and Noel Cho as Anne, among 10 credited actors.
Where can I watch Minari?
In the US, Minari is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).
How much did Minari make at the box office?
Minari grossed $15.3 million worldwide ($3.1 million domestic, $12.2 million international) on a budget of $2 million.
How is Minari rated?
Minari has 7.4/10 on IMDb, 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 89 on Metacritic and 73% on TMDB.
What awards did Minari win?
Minari won 5 awards from 32 nominations, including Best Young Actor/Actress at the Critics' Choice 2021.
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