Minamata (2022): Cast & Ratings
Minamata is a 2022 drama directed by Andrew Levitas, starring Johnny Depp as W. Eugene Smith, Minami and Jun Kunimura. It runs 1 hour 55 minutes. Critics gave it 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 55m (115 min)
- Director
- Andrew Levitas
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Samuel Goldwyn Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Minamata About?
The premise of Minamata without spoilers.
In 1971, reclusive photographer W. Eugene Smith returns to Minamata, Japan, drawn by a community suffering from the devastating effects of mercury poisoning. Accompanied by translator Aileen, he documents the tragedy with his camera, determined to expose the corporate negligence and government inaction that fueled the crisis. Through his powerful photographs, Smith confronts the lasting impact of World War II and rediscovers a renewed sense of purpose while bearing witness to the suffering of others.
Minamata Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- war photographer
- japan
- poisoning
- american abroad
- mercury poisoning
- methylmercury
- shellfish
- industrial waste
- kyushu japan
- male protagonist
- 1970s
- photographic essays
+38 more Show fewer
- recluse
- assignment
- japanese translator
- unmask
- devastating effects
- corporate greed
- coastal communities
- industrial pollution
- chemical company
- minolta camera
- images
- victim
- reprisals
- repatriated
- year 1971
- life magazine
- photojournalist
- pollution
- depraved indifference
- based on real person
- police corruption
- evil corporation
- goons
- protest
- thugs
- man beaten
- broken fingers
- stomping on someone's hand
- bandaged eye
- sneaking into a hospital
- cover up
- arson
- father daughter relationship
- mother daughter relationship
- house on fire
- two in a bathtub
- mother bathing daughter
- brain damage
Minamata Cast & Characters
Johnny Depp leads the cast as W. Eugene Smith, with Minami as Aileen and Jun Kunimura as Junichi Nojima. Directed by Andrew Levitas; 16 actors are credited in all.
- Director Andrew Levitas
-
Johnny Depp as W. Eugene Smith - Minami as Aileen
-
Jun Kunimura as Junichi Nojima -
Tadanobu Asano as Tatsuo Matsumura
Also Starring in Minamata
· 12 more- Bill Nighy Robert Hayes
- Ryo Kase Kiyoshi
- Hiroyuki Sanada Mitsuo Yamazaki
- Akiko Iwase Masako Matsumura
- Masayoshi Haneda Enforcer
- Katherine Jenkins Millie
- Lily Robinson Diandra
- Kogarashi Wakasugi Akiko Matsumura
- Muneaki Kitsukawa Tomoki Sakai
- Sonata Molocajeviene Jennifer
- Yosuke Hosoi Daiki
- Nikaru Inagawa
More from Andrew Levitas
One more film directed by Andrew Levitas: Lullaby.
Minamata Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Minamata 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 81/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in story & flow (68).
Minamata Echo Score Breakdown
Minamata delivers a compelling blend of visual craftsmanship and earnest performances, anchored by strong thematic relevance. The direction and cinematography are praised for their evocative style, while the acting, especially Johnny Depp's, garners consistent acclaim across both critics and audiences. Narrative pacing and script cohesion receive mixed feedback, yet the soundtrack and sensory palette elevate the viewing experience. Overall, the film stands as a resonant, if occasionally uneven, issue‑driven drama with solid rewatch potential.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 77
In terms of art and craft, the film is noted for its striking cinematography and purposeful visual framing, which many viewers find compelling. Critics acknowledge the strong use of photography motifs but also point to moments of self‑important direction that detract from the human story. The overall assessment balances these strengths and weaknesses, resulting in a moderately high score.
- Character & Emotion 90
Character and emotional resonance are highlighted as a major strength, with Johnny Depp's performance repeatedly described as nuanced and powerful. Supporting actors receive similar praise for authenticity, and the emotional stakes of the true‑life tragedy resonate with audiences. While a few critics mention occasional heaviness, the dominant sentiment is that the cast delivers a deeply affecting portrayal.
- Story & Flow 68
The narrative structure draws mixed reactions; some reviewers find the script wavering between investigative thriller and personal drama, leading to uneven pacing. Positive notes cite the film's ability to sustain emotional engagement, yet criticisms focus on a lack of cohesion and reliance on familiar genre tropes. Consequently, the story component settles in the lower‑middle range.
- Sensory Experience 85
Sensory elements such as the Ryuichi Sakamoto score, sound design, and visual style receive strong commendation for enhancing the film's atmosphere. Both critics and users highlight how the music and imagery reinforce the environmental themes, creating an immersive experience. The consensus positions the sensory dimension as a standout aspect of the production.
- Rewatch Factor 75
Rewatch value is viewed positively, with many audiences describing the film as emotionally impactful and worth revisiting for its message. Some critics note that the heavy thematic focus may limit casual repeat viewings, but the combination of strong performances and sensory richness encourages multiple engagements. The overall impression suggests solid, though not universal, replay appeal.
-
IMDb 7.2 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 78% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 92%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 55 Metascore
User score 7.9
See on Metacritic -
Movie Insider 4.5 /5
See on Movie Insider
Minamata Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Minamata.
Seen Minamata?
Movies Like Minamata
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Hiroshima, War Photographer and Hiroshima.
-
Hiroshima 2005 -
War Photographer 2002 -
Hiroshima 1995 -
A Japanese Tragedy 1953 -
Hiroshima Maiden 1988 -
Tokyo Story 1953 -
White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 2007 -
The Sea of Trees 2016 -
The Asadas! 2020 -
Pray for Japan 2012 -
Hellfire: A Journey from Hiroshima 1986 -
I Live in Fear 1955
Minamata FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Minamata, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Minamata?
Minamata runs 1 hour 55 minutes (115 minutes).
When was Minamata released?
Minamata was released on February 11, 2022.
Who directed Minamata?
Minamata was directed by Andrew Levitas.
More films by Andrew Levitas Who is in the cast of Minamata?
Minamata stars Johnny Depp as W. Eugene Smith, Minami as Aileen and Jun Kunimura as Junichi Nojima, among 16 credited actors.
How is Minamata rated?
Minamata has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, 55 on Metacritic and 4.5/5 on Movie Insider.
Does Minamata have a post-credit scene?
No. Minamata has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
