Minari (2020) Ending Explained
tl;dr:
The ending of Minari (2020) is a poignant, open-ended conclusion that captures the fragile balance between hope and hardship in the Yi family's immigrant journey. After a series of setbacks-including a barn fire, financial strain, and Jacob and Monica's marital tensions-the film culminates in a moment of quiet resilience. As Jacob carries his son David to the creek where minari (a resilient Korean herb) grows, the family begins to rebuild their lives, symbolizing perseverance and the possibility of renewal. The ending leaves their future uncertain but underscores the strength found in unity and adaptability.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The final scenes of Minari are deeply symbolic and emotionally layered. After the devastating fire that destroys Jacob's barn and the family's savings, the Yi family is left at a crossroads. Jacob (Steven Yeun) and Monica (Han Ye-ri) have been grappling with their differing visions of the American Dream - Jacob's relentless pursuit of farming success versus Monica's desire for stability. The fire forces them to confront their vulnerabilities, but it also becomes a catalyst for reconciliation. In the closing moments, Jacob carries David (Alan Kim) to the creek where their grandmother (Youn Yuh-jung) planted minari, a hardy plant that thrives in harsh conditions. This act mirrors an earlier scene where David's heart condition prevented him from being carried, subtly hinting at his improved health and the family's gradual healing. The minari itself becomes a metaphor for their resilience; though their dreams have been scorched, new growth is possible.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
- Will Jacob's farm succeed?
- Possible answer: The film suggests that success isn't binary. Jacob may not achieve his original vision, but the minari's growth hints at alternative forms of prosperity.
- Are Jacob and Monica's marital issues resolved?
- Possible answer: Their shared moment by the creek implies a tentative truce, but their fundamental differences may require ongoing compromise.
- What does David's future hold?
- Possible answer: His ability to be carried symbolizes hope-his health is improving, and he's learning resilience from his family.
- What does the minari represent for the grandmother?
- Possible answer: It's a tie to her homeland and a lesson for the family about thriving where you're planted.
Symbolism and Themes
The minari plant is the film's central symbol, embodying themes of adaptation and tenacity. Unlike Jacob's cash crops, which demand perfect conditions, minari grows wild and unchecked, much like the Yi family's journey. The creek scene reflects a shift in Jacob's perspective-from rigid ambition to accepting imperfection. Similarly, David's relationship with his grandmother, initially strained, evolves into mutual care, showing how love persists despite cultural and generational gaps. The fire, while destructive, purges Jacob's unrealistic expectations, leaving room for a more grounded hope. The ending doesn't promise a fairy-tale resolution but instead a hard-won peace.
Director's Intent and Cultural Context
Writer-director Lee Isaac Chung roots Minari in autobiographical details, making the ending deeply personal. By avoiding a tidy resolution, he mirrors the immigrant experience-fraught with uncertainty but also moments of grace. The minari, a Korean herb thriving in Arkansas soil, mirrors the family's blending of identities. The film's quiet conclusion rejects Hollywood tropes of overt triumph, instead honoring the small, everyday victories that define resilience. Chung's choice to end with Jacob and David at the creek-rather than a dramatic climax-emphasizes that healing is a process, not a destination.
Personal Opinion
Minari's ending is a masterclass in subtlety and emotional depth. It refuses to offer easy answers, instead inviting viewers to sit with the Yi family's struggles and triumphs. The final scene is profoundly moving because it's understated - Jacob's silent determination, David's trust, and the minari's quiet persistence speak volumes. The film's authenticity lies in its imperfections, much like the plant it's named after. While some might crave a more definitive conclusion, I appreciate how the ending honors the complexity of immigrant life, where joy and sorrow coexist. It's a testament to the idea that home isn't a place but the people who endure alongside you.
In summary, Minari's ending is a beautifully ambiguous ode to resilience, leaving the Yi family's future open but imbued with hard-won hope. It's a reminder that even after devastation, growth is possible-just like the minari by the creek.