Member whitesnake Posted February 1, 2019 Member Share Posted February 1, 2019 This is listed posted under World Cinema because it doesn't look like any Japanese companies are involved with its production. Minamata Disease was the name given to the mercury poisoning in Minamata Bay in Japan that affected cats, dogs, pigs, and humans, when Chisso Corporation's chemical factory dumped methylmercury-tainted wastewater into the bay between 1932 and 1968. "This highly toxic chemical bioaccumulated in shellfish and fish... which, when eaten by the local population, resulted in mercury poisoning." (Wikipedia article on Minamata disease) Johnny Depp stars as W. Eugene Smith in the independent movie, Minamata, "developed by Depp's production entity Infinitum Nihil, and is produced by Sam Sarkar, Bill Johnson and Andrew Levitas." "The film will follow the reclusive Smith after his celebrated exploits during World War II as he travels to Japan in the 1970s to fulfill a commission from Life editor Ralph Graves. Armed with only his trusted Nikon camera he goes there to document the Minamata disease scandal: an annihilation of a coastal community by the Chisso Corporation's negligent mercury poisoning and local police and government cover-ups. The victims' case against the corporation responsible for the environmental disaster represents one of the biggest payouts of all time, with present day sufferers of Minamata disease still in court seeking compensation." "Shoot is due to begin in Japan followed by Serbia in January." The movie is based on the book, Minamata: The Story of the Poisoning of a City and of the People Who Choose to Carry the Burden of Courage by W. Eugene Smith and Aileen M. Smith, 1975. Info From https://deadline.com/2018/10/johnny-depp-thriller-minamata-andrew-levitas-afm-1202487811/ and https://variety.com/2018/film/markets-festivals/johnny-depp-photographer-minamata-1202989438/ IMDB - The film cast also includes Bill Nighy (Pokemon Detective Picachu), Hiroyuki Sanada (John Wick: Chapter 3), Tadanobu Asano (Thor: Ragnarok), Jun Kunimura (Fullmetal Alchemist), and Ryo Kase (Letters from Iwo Jima). "A dramatic photographic essay by W. Eugene Smith brought world attention to Minamata disease. His Japanese wife and he lived in Minamata from 1971 to 1973... Smith and his wife were extremely dedicated to the cause of the victims of Minamata disease, closely documenting their struggle for recognition and right to compensation. Smith was himself attacked and seriously injured by Chisso employees... on January 7, 1972, in an attempt to stop the photographer from further revealing the issue to the world. The 54-year-old survived the attack, but his sight in one eye deteriorated and his health never fully recovered before his death in 1978." (Wikipedia) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member whitesnake Posted March 28, 2019 Author Member Share Posted March 28, 2019 Minamata is currently filming in Belgrade, before moving to Japan. The film is expected to be completed in 2020. Here is a photo of Johnny Depp as W. Eugene Smith, from https://variety.com/2019/film/asia/johnny-depp-photographer-japan-redemption-minamata-1203164294/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member whitesnake Posted April 20, 2022 Author Member Share Posted April 20, 2022 Minamata is getting a straight-to-DVD release (not even on Blu-ray) on July 19, 2022. https://videoeta.com/items/242304-minamata Trailer - 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member laagi Posted April 21, 2022 Member Share Posted April 21, 2022 (edited) I watched this last year if memory serves right and really enjoyed it! Depp is on top of his game here and once again proves that he can be an excellent actor. It's unfortunate that his acting and subsequently his movies just get sidetracked due to his personal affairs. It's the never ending discussion of whether or not to separate the art from the individual. I guess that's one thing everyone needs to answer for themselves. As for this movie I'll gladly give it a recommendation as a really good drama with a great performance by Depp. Not to mentioned based on the unfortunate true story. Really reminded me of "Dark Waters" starring Mark Ruffalo another great drama based on real events. Edited April 21, 2022 by laagi 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member whitesnake Posted April 22, 2022 Author Member Share Posted April 22, 2022 Minamata was already released on Blu-ray in Japan earlier in 2022. Also released in 2021 on Blu-ray in Spain (El fotografo de Minamata). and Italy (Il Caso de Minamata). Also available to rent or buy in the USA on Prime. But still no announced Blu-ray release in the US. It was rated 78% with the critics and 90% with viewers on Rotten Tomatoes. That certainly makes it sound like a more appreciated film than just an announcement of a DVD-only release in the US. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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