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. no—one has really covered it. i mean, it's in the goddamn fish. and that's all those poor people have to eat. the times has a tokyo desk. and we have deadlines literally in one hour. . so that sounds to me, bob, like, yeah, time is of the essence. and you know that the cover up is going to be as much of a story