Minamata

2020
R
1h 55m

IMDb RATING

7.2/10

24K

YOUR RATING

Johnny Depp and Minami in Minamata (2020)

New York, 1971. Following his celebrated days as one of the most revered photojournalists of World War II, W. Eugene Smith (Johnny Depp) has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. But a secret commission from Life magazine editor Robert Hayes (Bill Nighy) sends him to the Japanese coastal city of Minamata, which has been ravaged by mercury poisoning; the result of decades of gross industrial negligence by the country's Chisso Corporation.

There, Smith immerses himself in the community, documenting their efforts to live with Minamata Disease and their passionate campaign to achieve recognition from Chisso and the Japanese government. Armed with only his trusted camera, Smith's images from the toxic village give the disaster a heartbreaking human dimension, and his initial assignment turns into a life-changing experience.

Play trailer1:49

4 Videos

49 Photos

Drama

War photographer W. Eugene Smith travels back to Japan where he documents the devastating effect of mercury poisoning in coastal communities.War photographer W. Eugene Smith travels back to Japan where he documents the devastating effect of mercury poisoning in coastal communities.War photographer W. Eugene Smith travels back to Japan where he documents the devastating effect of mercury poisoning in coastal communities.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.2/10

24K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 3 nominations

Trivia
The city of Minamata, Kumamoto, declined to lend its name as a supporter to a local screening held in August 2021 organized by volunteers, prior to the nationwide release of the film in Japan in September 2021. The city told The Asahi Shimbun that it was uncertain whether the film depicted historical events accurately and was conducive to dispelling discrimination and prejudice against patients. Kumamoto Prefecture, on the other hand, supported the screening.

Goofs
Johnny Depp sings Forever Young by Bob Dylan in the film in 1971. The song was written in 1973 and released in 1974.

Connections
Featured in Radio Dolin: Why do need an Oscar, gray-bearded Johnny Depp, shaurma or shaverma (2021)

User reviews193

Review

Featured review

8/10

It touches your soul

If you are looking for entertainment - skip this film.

It will skin your soul alive. So touching, frustrating, making clear where the "small people"'place is. Great characters, great acting, great directing. Thanks for including Johnny Depp, in this cancel culture you never know. But once again he proves that his talent is way above all the gossip.