Two recent films about the devastating results of corporate greed have opened my eyes to this serious problem. Downfall deals with the tragic Boeing 737 crashes, and Minamata depicts the dreadful injuries of innocent people who have suffered from mercury poisoning on some of Japan’s coastline area as a result of Chisso Corporation’s practices. While not a documentary like Downfall, Minamata is a riveting drama starring Johnny Depp as famous World War II photojournalist W. Eugene Smith. Based on true events during the 1970s, this compelling offering needs to be seen by everyone concerned about fairness and safety.

And, of course, Johnny Depp fans should see this film because he gives such a terrific performance. I am biased though. He has long been my favorite actor (with the exception of Dark Shadows).  So watching him on screen again was a real treat. Depp plays Smith with all his faults. For example, he’s a practicing alcoholic and rude to almost everyone. He’s also  down and out with lots of debts. His glory days have passed.  Fortunately, he softens up as a result of his new assignment. And it’s worth the price of admission to watch Depp get all this right. Plus, the deep mellow tone of his speaking voice comes in handy here as never before.    

A cynical photographer

decides to take a job offer.

It’s in Japan and photos rare

must be truthful ones of despair.

When he discovers all the pain

he hopes his work won’t be in vain. 

Mercury in the water there

  poisons people. How do they dare? 

Greedy company won’t give in.

They just keep committing this sin. 

Will photos of the injured here

bring help to folks in deep dark fear?

Johnny Depp lives in this lead part.

Plus, Asian actors touched my heart.

Cinematography unique,

including pics that we can peek.

Based on true events, you see.

That’s why it means so much to me.

“Minamata” aims at the soul.

This powerful film meets its goal.

The great supporting cast includes Minami and Bill Nighy. Minami plays Aileen, the woman who convinces Smith to take this assignment and then stays and helps him through the entire project. She delivers a beautiful no-nonsense but caring performance. (Aileen married Smith later.)

Nighy portrays the worried editor at LIFE magazine who needs Smith to get those precious photos for what might be LIFE’s final issue. This versatile actor always impresses me. And what a different character here than the wild music man he played in Love Actually! Both performances are totally convincing.

Hiroyuki Sanada also stands out as the angry activist trying to make Chisso Corporation pay for damages done to thousands of mercury victims suffering from Minamata Disease, which causes horrible neurological disabilities. 

Kudos to director Andrew Levitas and his co-writers plus the entire cast and crew. Minamata, like Downfall, is a movie that matters.

Photography is a small voice, at best, but sometimes one photograph, or a group of them, can lure our sense of awareness. --- W. Eugene Smith

(Released by Samuel Goldwyn Pictures. Rated “R” by MPAA. Available on Amazon Prime.)