Minamata Parent Guide

American photographer W. Eugene Smith’s (Johnny Depp) best days and best work are both behind him. His early collections of photographs from the American campaign in the Pacific during WWII are some of his most famous images, but the experience left him wounded and traumatized. Estranged from his ex-wife and children, Smith lives alone in a small New York apartment, drinking heavily, smoking constantly, and taking more than a little bit of amphetamines. While negotiating an advertisement deal with Fujifilm, Smith meets Aileen (Minami), who convinces him of the need to document what is currently happening in Minamata; a small fishing village in Japan whose residents have been suffering from acute mercury poisoning as a result of the Chisso chemical company dumping waste in the ocean. After selling the idea to Robert (Bill Nighy) at Life magazine, Smith finds himself trying to bring a story together in Japan. But the desire for privacy from the locals in combination with extreme hostility from Chisso means this might be Smith’s hardest story…

As with many big issue films, this can be a difficult watch, especially for young viewers. The tragic symptoms of Minamata disease are obviously heart-wrenching, and the story of corporate indifference to human suffering is one that has not become any less relevant since 1971. Nor has the significance of photography, not only in telling a story but in putting a spotlight on the humanity of the people living through it. Highlighting that significance is where the film shines brightest.

Family audiences, however, are unlikely to appreciate the frequent profanity and substance abuse favored by the protagonist. Smith is a complex character, tormented by a past upon which he built a career. His substance abuse stems from a profound desire to forget the horrors he’s seen and photographed; his profanity is just a personal habit. But whatever the case, that’s going to make Minamata a dubious choice for younger viewers.

Adults, however, who are willing to look past what might be described as a slight overreliance on genre tropes, will find a heartfelt and tragic story about man’s inhumanity to man, the casual cruelty of life. It’s not all doom and gloom, as the film is happy to provide touching moments of human affection and kindness – but it’s not a cheery film, either. Don’t go in expecting a picture-perfect ending.