A Korean family moves from California to Arkansas in the 1980’s to start a farm. Jacob Yi (Steven Yeun) and Monica Yi (Yeri Han) moved to America some time ago and after a decade of sexing chicks in California they have enough money to pursue Jacob’s American dream of being self sufficient. With them are their young American born children Anne (Noel Kate Cho) and David (Alan Kim). 

Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung this is a semi-autobiographical tale of his life. As a result it does not have a typical narrative where there is a challenge to be overcome or a life changing revelation. Life just happens to the Yi’s and we are there to witness the lovingly crafted stories. 

There are frictions between Jacob and Monica in relation to their proximity to the country versus the city and in Jacob’s focus on his farm over the family. Young David has health problems that weigh on the family and Monica wanting them to be closer to the hospital. When those frictions come to a head they decide that Monica’s mother Soonja (Yuh-Jung Youn) should come to live with them to help with the children. Initially David does not like having to share a room with his smelly grandma but eventually they form a bond. 

Elsewhere they meet locals, go to church and have a farm hand who likes to carry a cross on Sundays to dedicate himself to Jesus. In any other film this character played by Will Patton might form some impetus for a plot line but he simply just is. 

The best facet of the film is the glorious photography. The Yi’s farm is not impinged upon by any part of the metropolitan world. It is a swathe of verdant green and baked in bright sunshine. The shots of this landscape alone give the film a magical touch. 

Overall I did not completely connect with this film. I found myself drifting in and out in my levels of engrossment. Something I suspect is directly related to the fact that the film drifts between family happenings some more interesting than others. Nevertheless it is a beautiful ode to the directors family and childhood.