Renowned cult Japanese filmmaker Shinya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Tokyo Fist) is prepping his English-language debut, Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People?, a Vietnam-centric drama that stars Rodney Hicks (Broadway’s Rent) and Geoffrey Rush (The King’s Speech).
In his first leading film role, Broadway performer Hicks steps into the shoes of Allen Nelson, a real-life African American Vietnam War veteran. Struggling with intense PTSD after returning home, Nelson ultimately ends up living on the streets, until a chance encounter with Dr. Daniels (Rush) of the Veterans Affairs, who becomes determined to help him find a path to recovery.
”When I was adapting Fires of the Plain for the screen, I read a wide range of materials and books, but the most terrifying work of nonfiction I encountered was Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People?,” said Tsukamoto
Nelson shared a deep bond with Japan. In 1996, he went to Okinawa to share his experiences and spent the following years giving hundreds of lectures across the country, which would ultimately become his final resting place.
Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People? is a cross-border production, shot on location in the U.S., Thailand, Vietnam and Japan, follows in the wake of Tsukamoto’s war-themed, Japanese-language films: 2014’s Fires On The Plain and 2023’s Shadow Of Fire (via Deadline).
The film also stars Tatyana Ali (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Brothers) and newcomer Mark Merphy, who plays the young Nelson.
Kinoshita Group is releasing Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People? in Japan in September. Kino Films has a pending U.S. release date. Until then, check out images from the film below:
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this was unexpected. but in a good way, i guess.