Catch a peek at Johnny Depp’s latest film with our exclusive clip fromMinamata. With thePirates of the Caribbeanstar in the lead, the film features an ensemble cast that also includes Minami (Tezuka’s Barbara), Tadanobu Asano (Mortal Kombat), Jun Kunimura (Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2), Hiroyuki Sanada (Avengers: Endgame), and Bill Nighy (Emma). Directed by Andrew Levitas, the inspirational and timely drama hits theaters on Feb. 11, and you can watch our exclusive clip below.
The official synopsis reads: “Inspired by a true story,Minamatastars Depp playing celebrated real-life photojournalist Eugene Smith. The film takes place in 1971 when we find Smith as a recluse and disconnected from the world he once shot. After receiving one final assignment from Life Magazine editor Robert Hayes (Nighy), Eugene must travel to the Japanese coastal city of Minamata, which has been ravaged by mercury poisoning. Ushered by an impassioned Japanese translator, Aileen (Minami) and encouraged by local villagers (Sanada), Eugene’s powerful images expose decades of gross negligence by the country’s Chisso Corporation.”
“I am thrilled thatNorth American audienceswill finally be able to learn about what happened and continues to happen inMinamataand around the world," director Andrew Levitas toldDeadlinewhen the film was finally given its North American release date. “The silencing of marginalized voices and those left behind (as well artists) by large corporate behemoths has to end, and with new like-minded partners this story will finally come to light in North America and hopefully offer some peace to the victims and their families who have been put through far too much.”
Related:Johnny Depp’s Minamata Finally Gets U.S. Release Date
Minami Felt ‘Good Chemistry’ With Johnny Depp From the Start
Director Andrew Levitas and star Minami previously provided some further insight intoMinamatain aWonderlandstory. Levitas explained how Minami and Johnny Depp were “equals” on the set since day one. Minami also spoke about how well she and thePirates of the Caribbeanactor worked together.
“I think from when you cast me, I knew I must do it,” Minami told Levitas. “It’s my life, it’s my destiny! I felt this clearly in my mind, so I had no hesitations. I remember the first day we did test shooting with Johnny, I felt good chemistry. My nervousness fell away and my instincts took over. You and I always talked about my role and the upcoming scenes and my confidence grew day by day. I felt so free to play my role, and that has never happened before.”
Of the film spreading awareness to what happened in Minamata, the actress added, “I feel that everyone was touched by the movie… No one did a story aboutMinamatabefore and a lot of people discovered what is happening inMinamatathrough this. At that exact moment I could feel this awareness beginning. What’s happening right now with Coronavirus is part of the same environmental story. People need to be more conscious about our lives and how we live and this movie is sharing this huge message.”
In December, it was reported that Lady Bacardi Entertainment had partnered up with Samuel Goldwyn Films to releaseMinamatain North America. The movie hits theaters on Jun 04, 2025, and will be followed by a VOD and Digital release this spring.
