Discover the intricate plot of Manhunt (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
At the 65th anniversary celebration of Tenjin Pharmaceutical, high-powered attorney Du Qiu, played by Hanyu Zhang, prepares to bid farewell, having already made up his mind about leaving the company. Company head Yoshihiro Sakai (portrayed by Jun Kunimura) attempts to persuade him to remain, yet he remains resolute. Amid the festivities, a captivating young woman named Mayumi, played by Stephy Qi, catches Du Qiu’s eye. She cleverly leads him away from the party for a clandestine meeting, only to vanish shortly thereafter. Later that evening, as Du Qiu returns home, he is unexpectedly attacked and knocked unconscious.
The following morning, he awakens in a horrifying situation: his colleague Kiko, played by Tao Okamoto, lies lifeless on his bed, and he finds himself clutching the murder weapon. Just as Detective Asano, portrayed by Naoto Takenaka, arrives with a team to arrest him, Du Qiu realizes he’s been framed. Understanding the gravity of his situation, he escapes before he can be apprehended, triggering a massive manhunt. His new assistant, Rika, portrayed by Nanami Sakuraba, alerts the hard-boiled detective Yamura, played by Masaharu Fukuyama, who rushes to the scene for backup.
Just as Du Qiu sneaks into the sewers to evade capture, Yamura, having anticipated his escape route, confronts him. In a desperate turn of events, Du Qiu takes Yamura hostage to ensure his own getaway. Along the way, as he insists on his innocence, he reluctantly releases Yamura, discarding his weapon in a moment of trust, leading Yamura to suspect that there’s more to this case than initially perceived.
Now branded as Osaka’s most wanted fugitive, Du Qiu employs every trick in the book to elude the police and hide from danger. During his flight, he uncovers a disturbing scheme where a group lures the homeless into unmarked vans, never to be seen again. Suddenly, the tables turn when he becomes the target of assassins led by Dawn, portrayed by Angeles Woo, and her counterpart, Rain, while realizing the conspiracy runs deeper into his life than he ever imagined.
With nowhere left to turn, Du Qiu seeks refuge with Mayumi, who helps him escape to her family’s farm in the countryside. There, Du Qiu pleads for her to provide an alibi to prove his innocence, only to be met with a shocking revelation. Mayumi, driven by vengeance for her fiancé, who she believes was wrongfully convicted thanks to Du Qiu’s legal actions, confronts him in the woods, ready to exact her revenge. Just as she’s about to pull the trigger, Dawn appears, complicating the situation with deadly consequences. As a culmination of chaos ensues, Yamura arrives, aiding Du Qiu and Mayumi in their battle against the assailants. This near-death encounter shifts their perspectives dramatically.
Later, a suspicious Mayumi investigates the farm for clues and uncovers a file hidden by her fiancé, which unveils the astounding truth about his role in a conspiracy involving Tenjin Pharmaceuticals. This leads Du Qiu to a critical realization: the mastermind orchestrating the dark deeds is none other than the Sakai family. To avert further disaster, Du Qiu courageously ventures alone to the pharmaceutical plant.
What he discovers is horrifying; Tenjin Pharmaceuticals is involved in a sinister operation, using homeless individuals as subjects for brutal medical experiments aimed at developing a drug that transforms humans into weapons for sale to terrorist organizations. Taken captive, Du Qiu finds himself coerced into participating in the very experiments he sought to expose. In a climactic showdown, he must confront Yamura, who has come to rescue him. Despite the abuse and coercion, Du Qiu fights against the manipulation, bolstered by his will to resist. The two, alongside Rain—who has now turned against Tenjin—forge an alliance to battle their captors to the bitter end, determined to bring justice to light.
Track the key events of Manhunt (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
65th Anniversary Celebration
The 65th anniversary celebration of Tenjin Pharmaceutical takes place, showcasing the company's legacy. High-powered attorney Du Qiu makes preparations to leave the company amidst ongoing festivities.
Persuasion Attempt
Yoshihiro Sakai, the company head, attempts to persuade Du Qiu to stay, but Du remains resolute in his decision to depart. This moment highlights the tension between personal ambition and loyalty.
Meeting Mayumi
During the celebration, Du Qiu encounters a captivating young woman named Mayumi. She cleverly leads him away from the party, creating intrigue and hints of a deeper connection.
Attack at Home
Later that night, Du Qiu returns home only to be violently attacked and knocked unconscious. This shocking event sets in motion the central conflict of the story.
Discovery of Kiko's Body
Upon waking, Du Qiu finds himself in a nightmare scenario: his colleague Kiko lies dead on his bed with a murder weapon in his hand. He realizes he has been framed for a crime he did not commit.
Arrest Attempt
Detective Asano arrives at Du Qiu’s home with a team to arrest him. Understanding the severity of the situation, Du Qiu makes a daring escape before he can be taken into custody.
Manhunt Begins
Following his escape, a massive manhunt is initiated for Du Qiu. His assistant Rika alerts Detective Yamura, setting the stage for a tense cat-and-mouse chase.
Confrontation in the Sewers
Du Qiu sneaks into the sewer system to evade capture, but Yamura is there waiting for him. In a desperate act, Du Qiu takes Yamura hostage to aid his escape.
Uncovering the Scheme
During his flight, Du Qiu discovers a dark scheme where homeless individuals are disappearing into unmarked vans. The realization that his pursuers are involved in something sinister adds depth to the narrative.
Seeking Refuge with Mayumi
With nowhere to turn, Du Qiu seeks refuge with Mayumi, escaping to her family's farm in the countryside. He hopes to find safety and an alibi to prove his innocence.
Mayumi's Revelation
Confronted by Mayumi, Du Qiu learns about her desire for revenge tied to her fiancé’s wrongful conviction. This revelation complicates their relationship and heightens the stakes.
Chaos Ensues
Just as Mayumi is about to take action against Du Qiu, Dawn and her assassins arrive, creating a chaotic showdown. Du Qiu, Mayumi, and Yamura must join forces to survive.
Mayumi's Investigation
After the confrontation, Mayumi investigates her fiancé's hidden file, which reveals a web of conspiracy involving Tenjin Pharmaceuticals. This discovery propels Du Qiu closer to the truth.
Infiltration of Tenjin Pharmaceuticals
Du Qiu ventures alone to the Tenjin Pharmaceuticals plant to uncover the horrifying truth about their experiments on the homeless. His determination to expose the corruption drives him forward.
Final Showdown
In a climactic confrontation at the plant, Du Qiu, with the help of Rain and Yamura, battles against their captors to bring justice to light. They fight not only for their lives but to expose the truth behind the pharmaceutical conspiracy.
Meet the characters that bring Manhunt (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Du Qiu (Hanyu Zhang)
Du Qiu is a high-powered attorney who becomes an unwilling fugitive after being framed for murder. Driven by a strong desire for justice, he displays resourcefulness and resilience as he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens countless lives and seeks to clear his name.
Yamura (Masaharu Fukuyama)
Detective Yamura is a persistent and tough investigator who initially believes in the law but finds himself questioning his own judgment as he pursues Du Qiu. His encounter with Du Qiu challenges his perceptions of right and wrong, ultimately leading him to reconsider his role in the unfolding events.
Mayumi (Stephy Qi)
Mayumi is a captivating character driven by vengeance due to her fiancé's wrongful conviction. Torn between her emotions and the quest for justice, she complicates Du Qiu's journey both as an ally and a potential adversary.
Uncover the settings of Manhunt (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Present Day
The events unfold in the present day, against the backdrop of a contemporary corporate landscape. The story highlights modern societal issues, such as crime and corporate corruption, reflecting the challenges faced by individuals in an increasingly complex world.
Location
Osaka, countryside
The movie takes place in Osaka, a vibrant metropolis known for its modern architecture, bustling streets, and rich culinary culture. It contrasts sharply with the peaceful countryside where Du Qiu seeks refuge, portraying the stark differences between urban life and rural tranquility, as the characters navigate a web of conspiracy and danger.
Explore the core themes of Manhunt (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Justice
At its core, the movie explores the theme of justice, emphasizing the struggle between right and wrong. Du Qiu's quest to prove his innocence reveals the failings of both the legal system and corporate ethics, showcasing the lengths one must go to in order to seek the truth amidst deception and betrayal.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a crucial theme as characters grapple with loyalty and deceit. Du Qiu's relationships, particularly with Mayumi, are laden with mistrust, ultimately leading to catastrophic confrontations that challenge their moral compasses and force them to confront painful truths.
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Conspiracy
The film weaves a complex narrative around conspiracy, particularly tied to corporate malfeasance and human experimentation. Du Qiu's findings reveal a chilling plot involving Tenjin Pharmaceuticals, illustrating how powerful entities can exploit the vulnerable for profit while shrouding their actions in secrecy.
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