Minamata
War photographer W. Eugene Smith travels back to Japan where he documents the devastating effect of mercury poisoning in coastal communities.
- Released: 2020-03-13
- Runtime: 115 minutes
- Genre: Drama, History
- Stars: Johnny Depp, Minami, Hiroyuki Sanada, Bill Nighy, Jun Kunimura, Ryo Kase, Tadanobu Asano, Akiko Iwase, Katherine Jenkins, Lily Robinson, Ayumi Takano
- Director: Andrew Levitas
Comments
- xieastrid - 13 July 2023
Yes Eugene is important, so is Aileen Mioko.
I would recommend anyone who is interested or have already watched this film to read this article by Kyoto Journal.
The article is titled: Documenting Minamata with W. Eugene Smith: An Interview with Kyoto Activist Aileen Mioko Smith
Aside from the portrayal of Minamata disease, I think the film could have given some more space &thoughts to the character of Aileen. She is an incredible woman whom i truly admire and respect, i hope her role in the Minamata story will not be forgotten and completely overshadowed by that of Gene. Indeed, Johnny Depp is the big star here and Gene is the legendary photographer that deserves attention and recognition. However, it is easy for women to be outshined by their male counterparts in many narratives and discourses. I dont even need to explain why and how is that here.
Anyway, all i try to say is.
Don't ever forget people in Minamata, people who are suffering from social injustice all over the world, Aileen Mioko and Eugene. - cmnomura - 26 July 2022
A Meditation
What has stayed with me days later are the sublime quiet scenes. The persevering care given to Tomoko, a fetal victim of mercury poisoning, impressed me deeply. When the mother says it takes five hours to feed her daughter, you see and feel the rhythmic spooning of rice gruel as a meditation, so serene is her face and focused her movement.
This rare cinematic experience is repeated, and heightened, in the film's slowly unfolding climax. "They are ready", says Aileen, and so is the viewer who has been anticipating the creation of Smith's transcendent photo. It doesn't disappoint. - harperquinn - 26 June 2022
Magnificent performances !
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Infintium Nihil did a fantastic job! At first glance I thought it wouldn't be my style but I was hooked from start to finish. Bravo for the team and cast!
