Minamata

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 5, 2021 (USA)

Genre
Drama, Biography

Cast & Crew

• Johnny Depp as W. Eugene Smith
• Minami as Aileen
• Hiroyuki Sanada as Mitsuo Yamazaki
• Jun Kunimura as Junichi Nojima
• Ryo Kase as Kiyoshi
• Bill Nighy as Robert Hayes

Director
Andrew Levitas

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Lullaby (2014)

Producer
Andrew Levitas, Johnny Depp, Bill Johnson, Gabrielle Tana, David K. Kessler, Keir Pearson

Writer
David K. Kessler, Andrew Levitas (based on the book Minamata by Aileen Mioko Smith and W. Eugene Smith)

Budget
Estimated $13 million

Production Company
Infinitum Nihil, Metalwork Pictures, HanWay Films

Running Time
115 minutes

Languages
English, Japanese

Maturity Rating
R (for language, some disturbing images, and thematic elements)

Content Advisory

• Disturbing images
• Themes of environmental disaster and corporate negligence
• Strong language
• Depictions of illness and suffering

Movie Story
“Minamata” is a powerful drama based on the true story of W. Eugene Smith (Johnny Depp), a renowned American photojournalist who documented the devastating effects of mercury poisoning in the small coastal town of Minamata, Japan. Set in the early 1970s, the film follows Smith, who is struggling with his career and personal demons, as he is approached by Aileen (Minami), a passionate Japanese translator who convinces him to take on the assignment.

The people of Minamata have been suffering from severe neurological diseases caused by mercury poisoning from the local Chisso Corporation’s chemical factory, which has been dumping toxic waste into the water supply for years. The villagers, many of whom have been crippled or have lost loved ones due to the poisoning, seek justice and recognition for their suffering.

Smith, initially reluctant, becomes deeply involved in the community’s plight as he witnesses the horrific impact of the pollution. He begins to document their struggle through his photography, capturing haunting images that bring global attention to the tragedy. His work not only exposes the corporate greed and corruption behind the disaster but also humanizes the victims and their fight for justice.

As Smith battles with his own personal issues and the challenges of taking on such a dangerous and emotionally taxing assignment, he finds renewed purpose in giving a voice to the voiceless. The film is a tribute to the power of photojournalism and the impact it can have on bringing about social change.

Special Effects
The film uses minimal special effects, focusing instead on the realistic portrayal of the effects of mercury poisoning and the environmental devastation in Minamata. Practical effects and makeup are employed to depict the physical suffering of the victims, while the cinematography captures the bleak and oppressive atmosphere of the town. The use of archival footage and re-creations of Smith’s iconic photographs further enhances the film’s authenticity and emotional impact.

Box Office Performance
“Minamata” had a limited theatrical release, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its box office performance was modest. However, the film gained critical acclaim for its powerful story, Johnny Depp’s performance, and its depiction of an important historical event. It resonated particularly with audiences interested in environmental issues, human rights, and the role of journalism in exposing injustice.

Filming Locations

• Montenegro
• Serbia
• Japan

Notable Quotes

• “They want to silence us, but the world needs to see what’s happening here.” – W. Eugene Smith
• “A photograph doesn’t lie. It tells the truth that words can’t always capture.” – W. Eugene Smith

Behind-the-Scenes
The film was inspired by the real-life work of W. Eugene Smith, whose powerful photographs of the victims of Minamata brought international attention to the disaster. Director Andrew Levitas sought to create an authentic and respectful portrayal of the events, working closely with the real-life Aileen Mioko Smith, who co-authored the book with her late husband. Johnny Depp, who also served as a producer, took on the role of Smith, immersing himself in the character’s complexities and the emotional weight of the story.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Actor (Johnny Depp) at the 2021 Camerimage Festival

Final Verdict
“Minamata” is a deeply moving and important film that sheds light on a tragic chapter in history. Johnny Depp delivers a compelling performance as W. Eugene Smith, capturing the passion and turmoil of a man driven to expose the truth. The film’s portrayal of the Minamata disaster is both haunting and thought-provoking, highlighting the devastating consequences of corporate negligence and the power of journalism to effect change. While it may not be an easy watch due to its heavy themes, “Minamata” is a film that resonates with its powerful message and its tribute to the victims who fought for justice.

IMDb Rating
7.3/10