Agent Orange was widely sprayed by the US Army during the Vietnam War, resulting in deformities in infants. This documentary follows the life of Duc, a 42-year-old man who was born conjoined with his brother Viet in 1981. With Japanese support, they were surgically separated in 1988, a groundbreaking achievement that gained global attention. While Viet has passed away, Duc, who is severely disabled, strives to lead a normal life with his wife and two children, advocating for peace by traveling to Japan regularly.
My Dearest Viet is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinemas
Directed by Kohei Kawabata, who produced Moe Wada’s boundary-pushing documentary “Rope” in 2023, “My Dearest Viet” sheds light on the devastating effects of chemical warfare as Duc, an activist, navigates daily life in Southern Vietnam. His openness in dealing with his disability and the portrayal of his strained relationship with his parents and grief for his brother are striking.
Initially, the roughly hour-long documentary struggles with a “Fly on the Wall” approach, showing irrelevant aspects of Duc’s family life and making them appear uncomfortable in front of the camera. More background information could have been provided for viewers unfamiliar with the case, as critical points are left unexplained. The historical context, including references to the Ukraine and Vietnam wars, is briefly touched upon, but the focus remains on Duc’s family. Also, the living conditions are depicted discrepantly. On the one hand, Duc’s family is living on the edge of poverty, barely able to pay the rent. On the other hand, Duc travels to Hiroshima several times as a visiting professor. To a certain extend, this vague representation chips away the credibility of the story or at least makes one wonder about the financial situation of the protagonist.
As the story progresses, Duc reunites with his biological parents, who had abandoned him. Archival footage, including images of the separation surgery and his wedding, is incorporated, along with photos of Agent Orange victims by Goto Nakamura. The documentary connects past and present by highlighting the ongoing impact of Agent Orange on Vietnamese children, delivering a powerful anti-war message.
Despite the emotional subject matter, “My Dearest Viet” maintains a distant tone rather than being sentimental. The director’s use of filler sequences and fragmented editing makes the documentary feel overly long. However, the ending, where Duc expresses gratitude to his late brother, leaves a lasting impression and ties his personal story to a broader perspective.
While the film has flaws in craftsmanship and pacing, its poignant finale compensates for these shortcomings, emphasizing Duc’s journey and the universal themes it represents. Kohei Kawabata’s first theatrical documentary, “My Dearest Viet” showcases his commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and exploring the complexities of the past and future through a compelling character.
Having won the Public’s Choice Award in the category Documentary at the Festival International des Cinemas d’Asie de Vesoul, “My Dearest Viet” manifests its importance and relevance in these troubeling times.
