However... 1991
Hirokazu Kore-eda's debut documentary, *However... (1991)*, paints a deeply human portrait of Yamanouchi Yoyomori, a Japanese social worker whose life was defined by compassion and relentless advocacy.
Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Frequently Asked Questions
What is However... (1991) about?
*However...* follows Yamanouchi Yoyomori, a Japanese social worker whose life's mission was to support victims of Minamata disease, a tragic result of industrial mercury poisoning. The documentary traces his tireless efforts to bring justice to those affected while navigating bureaucratic hurdles and societal indifference.
Who directed However...?
Hirokazu Kore-eda directed *However...*. This early work showcases the filmmaker's signature observational style, later seen in acclaimed fiction films like *Shoplifters* and *Still Walking*.
Who stars in However...?
The documentary centers on Yamanouchi Yoyomori, the head of Japanese social work at the time, alongside the victims and families impacted by Minamata disease.
Is However... (1991) worth watching?
As a 47-minute documentary, *However...* may not appeal to everyone, but its historical significance and Kore-eda's emerging directorial vision make it a rewarding watch for fans of thoughtful, socially conscious cinema. Its intimate portrayal of resilience elevates it beyond a simple historical record.
How long is However...?
*However...* runs for 47 minutes.
About However... (1991) — Hirokazu Kore-eda's touching debut documentary
Hirokazu Kore-eda's debut documentary, *However... (1991)*, paints a deeply human portrait of Yamanouchi Yoyomori, a Japanese social worker whose life was defined by compassion and relentless advocacy. Through quiet yet powerful visuals, the film traces Yoyomori's dedication to victims of Minamata disease—a devastating illness caused by industrial mercury poisoning—capturing both the bureaucratic indifference he faced and the quiet resilience of those he served. The 47-minute runtime unfolds like a meditative essay, blending intimate interviews with stark environmental imagery to underscore themes of justice, sacrifice, and the quiet heroism found in everyday struggle. Kore-eda's early lens lingers on the intersections of personal conviction and public duty, crafting a work that feels as much like a eulogy as it does a call to awareness.
Shot in the early '90s but timeless in its emotional weight, *However...* offers a rare glimpse into the origins of one of cinema's most empathetic directors. The documentary's understated tone mirrors the modest heroism of its subject, avoiding sensationalism in favor of a raw, observational honesty. For viewers drawn to films that explore moral clarity and the weight of legacy, this debut stands as a poignant introduction to Kore-eda's signature blend of tenderness and unflinching realism.