Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People?": Shinya Tsukamoto's Latest War Film Explores Vietnam Veteran's Journey
Shinya Tsukamoto's latest film, "Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People?" is set to hit theaters in Japan, marking the completion of his trilogy of 20th-century war films. The movie stars Rodney Hicks in the title role, with Geoffrey Rush playing VA physician Dr. Daniels and Tatyana Ali as Nelson's wife Linda. The story follows the real-life experiences of Allen Nelson, an African American Vietnam War veteran who struggled with the psychological aftermath of combat. Filming took place in various locations, including the U.S., Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan.
The film delves into Nelson's journey from a difficult childhood in New York to his military service in Vietnam and the challenges he faced upon returning home. Dr. Daniels steps in to help Nelson cope with his inner turmoil and reconnect with his family. Tsukamoto was drawn to Nelson's story during his research for a previous film and felt compelled to bring it to the screen, despite the darkness of the subject matter.
Produced and distributed by Kino****a Group and Kino Films in Japan, the movie is part of Tsukamoto's extensive filmography, which includes acclaimed works like "Tetsuo: The Iron Man" and "Killing." The release of "Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People?" coincides with National Vietnam War Veterans Day, highlighting the importance of honoring and understanding the experiences of those who served in the conflict.