‘Minamata’ Trailer: Johnny Depp’s Long-Delayed Drama Hits Theaters This Month

If you believe Johnny Depp (and tons of his fans do), then the actor is the victim of an unfair “Hollywood boycott.” This is all due to his personal life and the allegations of domestic violence and other transgressions. But it doesn’t seem like it’s a total boycott, as the actor’s drama, “Minamata” is hitting theaters soon.

READ MORE: Johnny Depp Says He’s The Victim Of A “Hollywood Boycott” & Is “Proud” Of His Devoted Fans

As seen in the first trailer for the film, “Minamata” stars Depp as W. Eugene Smith a Life Magazine photographer who goes to Japan to cover a big story that could reinvigorate his career. The film is directed by Andrew Levitas and, of course, stars Johnny Depp. Originally, “Minamata” debuted at the Berlin Film Festival in 2020 and has been playing around the world sporadically since then. After much delay, it appears the film is finally getting a North American release this month.

READ MORE: ‘Minamata’: A Timely Reminder Of Industrial Greed & Johnny Depp’s Talent [Berlin Review]

In our review of the film from Berlin, we said, “And though that set-up might set off alarm bells for some worthy yet tone-deaf, cross-cultural white-savior hagiography, Levitas’ unusually even-handed approach works to balance the film’s inspirational true story with its tragic real-world context, by refusing to overstate Smith’s personal heroics, while sensitively outlining the everyday heroism of the ordinary men and women most grievously affected.”

“Minamata” will hit select theaters on December 15 before expanding in 2022. You can watch the trailer below.

Here’s the synopsis:

With the glory days of World War II far behind him W. Eugene Smith (Depp) has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. But an old friend and a commission from “Life Magazine” editor (Nighy) convinces him to journey back to Japan to expose a big story: the devastating annihilation of a coastal community, victims of corporate greed and complicit local police and government. Armed with only his trusted camera, Smith must gain the trust of this struggling community and find the images that will bring the story to the World.  The victims’ case against the corporation responsible for this environmental disaster represents one of the biggest payouts of all time, with present day sufferers of Minamata disease still in court today seeking compensation. Production has spent time in Minamata meeting some of the victims and their families and the film is being made with their support.