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Drama

Minamata (2022): Cast & Ratings

Minamata (2022) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
78%
Echo Score
81
Metascore
55
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Minamata (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 55m (115 min)
Director
Andrew Levitas
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
  • 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
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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in Minamata

· 12 more
From the director

More from Andrew Levitas

One more film directed by Andrew Levitas: Lullaby.

Full filmography
Ratings

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).

81 /100

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.

Videos

Minamata Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Minamata.

#BIFF2020 Icons - MINAMATA Mandala / 아이콘 - 미나마타 만다라

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FAQ

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.

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