15 Reasons Why "Minamata" Should Be The Next Movie On Your Must-Watch List

Residents of Minamata began noticing that a mysterious illness was growing in their community in the mid-1950s as people exhibited symptoms such as loss of muscle control, severe tremors, and cognitive dysfunction.

In 1959, researchers found that a plant run by chemical company Chisso Corporation was releasing methylmercury into the Minamata Bay. As this was spreading to fish that Minamata locals were consuming, serious health issues subsequently emerged.

In spite of protests, the corporation continued their toxic dumping into the bay until 1968. In the years since, 3,000 people have been recognized as victims of the illness, which researchers labeled as Minamata disease. Among this group, 528 victims are still alive as of September 2017.

Although these figures alone are significant, Minamata locals who have attempted to be acknowledged as victims exceed 20,000, the Japan Times reported in October 2020. Many are still fighting to receive reparations for their suffering. 

“People are always saying Minamata’s over but it isn’t because citizens continue to suffer and lawsuits are ongoing,” Aileen told the Japan Times. “The plaintiffs are people in their early 60s but what we’re actually talking about is kids who haven’t been recognized more than half a century after their bodies were contaminated.”

While the film recognizes Gene and Aileen's contributions, it also focuses on the lack of justice delivered to people who were impacted by Minamata disease, which the Japan Times stated resulted in "insanity, coma and death" in its most severe cases.