A scene of the documentary. (Photo courtesy of Nguyen Duc). Hanoi (VNA) - Deeply touched by the story of Nguyen Duc, a Vietnamese man born as a conjoined twin apparently due to effects from Agent Orange, a Japanese producer has decided to turn his story into a documentary in order to spread the message of peace to the world.
The documentary will be released this year, featuring Duc - the younger of the brothers whose story went vibrant both at home and abroad more than 35 years ago.
It is the brainchild of a Japanese producer, revolving around the message of peace embodied by Duc - a living testimony of war. It is also a product that nurtures the close-knit ties between Vietnamese and Japanese people - a bond born from the successful surgery to separate the conjoined twins in Vietnam, a rare feat worldwide.
Unfolding tale
"Doku movie" is the temporary name that Japanese producer Ruth Yoshie Linton uses to refer to the film. "Doku" is the Japanese phonetic transcription for the name Duc.
Since she was seven years old, Ruth has known about the story of Duc and his brother Nguyen Viet through the Japanese media. Overcoming hardships, the brothers have set an example of resilience.
Many generations of students know about the brothers, she said, stressing that Duc is like a historical figure as he is featured in Japanese students' textbooks.
Ruth Yoshie Linton in a photo with Nguyen Duc (Photo courtesy of Ruth Yoshie Linton) Born in a village in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum, which had been sprayed with the toxic herbicide Agent Orange during the war, Viet and Duc had been conjoined at the lower halves of their bodies and shared some organs.
A team of more than 70 Vietnamese and Japanese doctors and nurses successfully separated the twins in 1988. The successful surgery saved both of them, creating a medical miracle in the world, as before that, there had been only six cases of conjoined twins successfully separated worldwide.
Many years later, Viet died due to his weakened condition, leaving only Duc with relentless efforts to lead a meaningful life. Therefore, for Ruth, Duc's life is an unfolding tale.
Witnessing the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and other wars, Ruth was fueled with the intention to create a film carrying the message of peace. She chose Duc - a special Vietnamese friend she met 10 years ago - as the messenger. Ruth then sought out a director and cameramen to carry out the project.
Duc’s message
In Duc's memory, the period in the operating room was unforgettable days of pain. The surgery helped him as if being reborn, but he could never live carefree like a normal person.
Since the surgery, Duc has had to visit the hospital multiple times for treatment of various related complications.
After being separated, they could bike and do many things on their own. (File photo) Duc is always resolved to live a useful and independent life. He is the pillar of his family of five, and works as a Peace Ambassador between Vietnam and Japan, member of the Executive Board of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City (in charge of external affairs) in the 2023-2028 term, and professor at Hiroshima International University.
He is also the founder of the organisation “NPO Duc Nihon - for a brighter world”, and he is making continuous efforts to contribute to social activities bringing Vietnamese and Japanese together.
Nguyen Duc is awarded a certificate of merit by the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2021. (Photo courtesy of Nguyen Duc) Through the documentary, Duc hopes that the audience will understand the values of peace, independence, freedom, and happiness when there is no war.
"No matter who you are, no matter how you are, you should strive to protect your homeland, do something useful for society. Most importantly, do your job well, help those less fortunate around you... These actions will bring happiness to you," Duc said.
The documentary is expected to be released simultaneously in Vietnam and Japan in the first quarter of this year./.
