johnny depp also plays a reluctant real—life hero this week, in the drama minamata. in depp's first release since his lost his libel case against the publishers of the sun newspaper, he plays life magazine photo journalist w eugene smith. smith was instrumental in documenting the devastating effects of mercury poisoning in the japanese coastal city of minamata. this follows his recruitment by aileen, who is played by the japanese actress minami, and his shocking discoveries in minamata, where afflicted families are battling for compensation. andrew levitas' film feels torn between detailing the fight for justice and exploring its alcoholic central character, and the balance doesn't feel particularly even. but once again it is a powerful and important story, and it's depp's best for some time.