Minamata (2020)

Well, here we are, our second time through the alphabet is coming to an end. For the letter “Z” this week in the A-to-Z Part Deux challenge we have Zoe Freed (Foley Artist). The movie that Zoe worked as a Foley Artist on that wraps up the year for us here is…Minamata (2020.

Title: Minamata

Director: Andrew Levitas

Released: February 21, 2020 (Berlin International Film Festival), December 15, 2021 (United States)

Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes

Available to stream on: Hulu and Kanopy

Photojournalist W. Eugene Smith (Johnny Depp) was revered as the best in the game during World War II. Flashforward to 1971 and Eugene is now a shell of his former self, living his life as a recluse and never meeting the bottom of a bottle that he didn’t like.

A Japanese translator by the name of Aileen (Minami), while working with Eugene on a separate assignment, tries to convince him to come to Minamata and document what is happening there. The town is ravaged by mercury poisoning which in turn is causing Minamata Disease, all at the hands of the Chisso Corporation. Fortunately for Eugene, the editor at Life Magazine, Robert Hayes (Bill Nighy), decides to throw him a bone and offers him the opportunity to capture what is happening.

Upon arriving in Japan, Eugene does all he can to befriend the locals and get what he needs to blow this story wide open. However, not everyone is glad that Eugene is in town. He is quick to learn that not only members of the Chisso Corporation, but even local politicians and law enforcement are in on the cover up.

Armed with nothing other than his camera, W. Eugene Smith is determined to let truth be the prejudice.

But, with so many in the government willingly turning a blind eye to, and help to cover up, what is happening in Minamata, will the rest of the world ever know about the tragedy?

Can one man expose and end both the corruption and devastation to a community while taking on corporate greed all on his own?

Prior to going into Minamata (2020), I had no clue about the story, only that it was in fact a true story. After finishing the film, I feel bad that it was released when it was.

The cinematography was impressive. The story is one that grabs your attention early on and keeps you engaged throughout. For what it is worth, Johnny Depp delivers one of his best performances in recent memory. But most importantly, stories like this deserve to be heard. And Andrew Levitas delivers a heartfelt and emotional drama that will appeal to history buffs and cinema buffs alike.

However, I feel as though Minamata (2020) was a victim of circumstances totally outside of its control. Unfortunately, as a result, it was not seen by as many people as it deserved. For one, the film both debuted at Berlin and had a limited release in the United States at the height of the pandemic. If that wasn’t enough, it also released during the height of the soap opera separation between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Both of these events overshadowed the movie itself.

Now, with that being said, if you have not seen Minamata (2020), or you are unfamiliar with the story, consider this your recommendation to go watch it.

It doesn’t reinvent the wheel. It might not even land on any of your “best of” lists. But don’t take that as a knock on the film. It is a strong and solid drama that shines the light on a tragedy that many may be completely oblivious to.

And there you have it. We started back on January 1st with All the Right Moves and made it through the alphabet twice.

But before we look ahead to what’s next, what did you think of Minamata (2020)? If you’ve seen it, let me hear your thoughts in the comments below or on social media!

As always, you can keep tabs on everything I’m watching over on my Letterboxd account.

I’m taking next week off but will be back on January 8th to kick-off a year of Mubi Monday! If you aren’t sure if Mubi is for you, try a month for free on me!