Johnny Depp (Getty Images)
Depp plays the lead role of W Eugene Smith in the movie. Depp is a globally acclaimed actor who needs no introduction for film enthusiasts. Often considered one of the most versatile actors in modern-day Hollywood, Depp has been nominated thrice for Academy Awards for Best Actor. He won the 2008 Golden Globe Award for best actor for his brilliant performance in âSweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Streetâ and also has ten Golden Globe Best Actor nominations to his name.
Depp made a remarkable debut in 1984 with âA Nightmare on Elm Streetâ. He has mesmerized audiences ever since with extraordinary performances in movies like âEdward Scissorhandsâ, âCharlie and the Chocolate Factoryâ, âAlice in Wonderlandâ, âThe Touristâ, âInto The Woodsâ, âFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Themâ. He became a worldwide sensation after essaying the role of Jack Sparrow in the âPirate
Release date
‘Minamata’ will release in theatres across the US on February 5, 2021. It will be distributed by American International Pictures. The UK release of the film is scheduled for February 12, 2021, by Vertigo Releasing. It will also be released on VOD on February 5.
Akiko Iwase, Hiroyuki Sanada, Johnny Depp, Minami and director Andrew Levitas pose at the Minamata premiere (Getty Images)
Plot
The movie has been adapted from the book ‘Minamata: The Story of the Poisoning of a City, and of the People Who Chose to Carry the Burden of Courage’, written by W Eugene Smith and Aileen M Smith. The book is a semi-autobiographical account by American war photographer Eugene Smith who visited the Japanese coastal city of Minamata. He was sent on a secret commission from Life Magazine to document the adverse effects of mercury poisoning among the local residents, owing to industrial negligence for decades by Chisso Corporation.