Minari (2020)

Set in the 1980s, a Korean immigrant (Steven Yeun) and his wife (Han Ye-Ri) relocate from California to Arkansas with their two children (Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho) to better their lives. He has purchased some land where he plans to farm. Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, this semi autobiographical tale shows the power of simplicity. With the exception of a fire toward the end, the film doesn't have any major melodramatics. It simply unfolds in a frugal manner while it lets the distinct dynamics of its characters take center stage. The ensemble acting is flawless with Youn Yuh-Jung's performance as the grandmother a particular standout. The Asian American experience in cinema has been erratic (at least in mainstream cinema) over the last several decades but this film is a testament to the talent (the film editor, costume designer, production designer are also Asian) that's out there. While the film is a chronicle of the Asian American experience as it pertains to one family, the family fluctuation is universal. With Will Patton and Esther Oh.