Parent reviews for Minari

A beautiful film that captures a monumental transition for a young family. The film layers generational relationships, personality differences, developmental needs and financial longing, all in pursuit of the US American Dream. It is a stunner of a film and captures the light in a prism that puts on display the complexity of these competing ideas. Yeun is determined and Kim shines like a bright sun, but it is Youn's portrayal that feels the most insidious and that haunts the viewer. Like many grandmothers she brings everyone together and creates the situations for the family to coalesce, stunning and strong.

It's beautifully shot and acted, though I can't really call it "the movie we need after an exhausting 2020." (I mean, maybe we need it, but it definitely wasn't what I wanted, which was something a little lighter and uplifting ;-) Anyway, it's an excellent film, and I don't think it's inappropriate for younger kids, but I also can't imagine there are many that would enjoy this.

My twin 12 year olds enjoyed the movie but we’re upset about the fact the parents were talking about splitting up throughout the movie. There were some really funny scenes, especially when grandma talked. She was the spark in the movie. She did swear so be ready. It was well done and the acting was great. Not a fast paced movie but thoughtful and deep. Great conversations can happen after the movie among your family.

I can see why critics liked this movie. It was very boring with little resolution. But at least it was depressing. The only person in the family with any spark was Grandma. I assume if you’re on Common Sense Media you’re thinking of seeing this with your kids. There’s nothing inappropriate in it - unless the word bastard scares you. But there’s not much of interest to a child. My two teens were very excited to be back in a theater for the first time in a year, but they were not thrilled with my movie choice.

I hope people don't pass on this movie thinking it's specific to the Asian-American or immigrant experience (as even the movie poster seems to imply with the gigantic Aamerican flag in the background). This is really a universal story about dreams, hopes, love and resilience. About what can happen when we see each other as people, not categories or identities. The characters were all so real and human. Truly and devastatingly moving. There are some seriously funny moments as well. Watched it with my 10 and 8 years olds. Thought completely appropriate in terms of content.