New York 1971. Following his celebrated days as one of the most revered photojournalists of World War II W. Eugene Smith (Johnny Depp) has become a recluse disconnected from society and his career. But a secret commission from Life magazine editor Robert Hayes (Bill Nighy) sends him to the Japanese coastal city of Minamata which has been ravaged by mercury poisoning; the result of decades of gross industrial negligence by the country's Chisso Corporation. There Smith immerses himself in the community documenting their efforts to live with Minamata Disease and their passionate campaign to achieve recognition from Chisso and the Japanese government. Armed with only his trusted camera Smith's images from the toxic village give the disaster a heartbreaking human dimension and his initial assignment turns into a life-changing experience.