Yearning to own a small patch of land and be more than a chicken sexer, the ambitious paterfamilias, Jacob Yi, relocates his Korean-American family: sceptical wife, Monica, and their children, David and Anne, from California to 1980s rural Arkansas, to start afresh and capture the elusive American Dream. However, new beginnings are always challenging, and to find out what is best for the family, let alone start a 50-acre farm to grow and sell Korean fruits and vegetables, is easier said than done. But, amid sincere promises, cultural unease, fleeting hopes, and the ever-present threat of financial disaster, Jacob is convinced that he has found their own slice of Eden in the rich, dark soil of Arkansas. Can grandma Soonja's humble but resilient minari help the Yi family figure out their place in the world?

Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for Minari?

Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, with Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Youn Yuh-jung leading the cast, Minari was produced by Plan B Entertainment with a confirmed budget of $2,000,000, placing it in the micro-budget category for drama films.

At $2,000,000, Minari was produced on a lean budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $5,000,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• Seven Samurai (1954): Budget $2,000,000 | Gross $105,000,000 → ROI: 5150% • The Great Dictator (1940): Budget $2,000,000 | Gross $11,000,000 → ROI: 450% • Sing Sing (2024): Budget $2,000,000 | Gross $3,401,789 → ROI: 70% • The Lives of Others (2006): Budget $2,000,000 | Gross $77,672,685 → ROI: 3784% • Anatomy of a Murder (1959): Budget $2,000,000 | Gross $8,000,000 → ROI: 300%

Key Budget Allocation Categories

▸ Above-the-Line Talent Drama films live or die on the strength of their performances. Securing award-caliber actors and experienced directors represents the single largest budget line item, often consuming 30–40% of the total production budget.

▸ Location Filming & Period Production Design Authentic locations — whether contemporary or historical — require scouting, permits, travel, lodging, and often significant dressing to match the story's time period. Period dramas add the cost of era-accurate props, vehicles, and set decoration.

▸ Post-Production, Color Grading & Score The editorial process for dramas is typically longer than genre films, with careful attention to pacing and tone. Color grading, a nuanced musical score, and detailed sound mixing are critical to achieving the emotional resonance that defines the genre.

Key Production Personnel

CAST: Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Youn Yuh-jung, Will Patton, Alan Kim Key roles: Steven Yeun as Jacob; Han Ye-ri as Monica; Youn Yuh-jung as Soonja; Will Patton as Paul

DIRECTOR: Lee Isaac Chung CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lachlan Milne MUSIC: Emile Mosseri EDITING: Harry Yoon PRODUCTION: Plan B Entertainment FILMED IN: United States of America

Box Office Performance

Minari earned $3,110,580 domestically and $9,789,420 internationally, for a worldwide total of $12,900,000. International markets drove the majority of revenue (76%), indicating strong global appeal.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Minari needed approximately $5,000,000 to break even. The film surpassed this threshold by $7,900,000.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $12,900,000 Budget: $2,000,000 Net: $10,900,000 ROI: 545.0%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Highly Profitable

Minari was a clear financial success, generating $12,900,000 worldwide against a $2,000,000 production budget — a 545% ROI. After estimated marketing costs, the film still delivered substantial profit to Plan B Entertainment.

INDUSTRY IMPACT

The outsized success of Minari likely influenced studio greenlight decisions for similar drama projects.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Summary: Won 1 Oscar. 120 wins & 241 nominations total

Awards Won: ★ Sundance Film Festival U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize Award ★ Sundance Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic

Nominations: ○ Academy Award for Best Picture (93rd Academy Awards) ○ Medal from the Circle of Cinematographic Writers for the best foreign film (Q110874713)