Suspect 1987

Drama

Thriller

Crime

Box Office

$19M

Runtime

121 min

Language

Dutch

Directed by

Peter Yates

Made by

TriStar Pictures

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Suspect (1987). 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.

As the inquiry into the brutal murder of Togashi stagnates, largely due to the suspect’s seemingly unimpeachable alibi, law enforcement finds themselves struggling to untangle a complex web of deception. In the midst of this turmoil, Yasuko Hanaoka (Yasuko Matsuyuki), a single mother and restaurant owner, becomes the focal point of scrutiny after the sudden death of her ex-husband. The reclusive but brilliant Tetsuya Ishigami (Shinichi Tsutsumi), whose daily interactions with Yasuko provide the only spark in his otherwise isolated life, is pulled into the chaos, offering his help to Yasuko and her daughter Misato as they attempt to navigate their precarious situation.

The body count begins to rise as tensions mount, leading Detective Kaoru Utsumi (Kō Shibasaki) and her superior, Detective Shunpei Kusanagi, to turn to Professor Manabu Yukawa (Masaharu Fukuyama), a brilliant mathematician renowned for his skills in untangling even the most complex mysteries. At first reluctant to engage with the case, Yukawa changes his mind upon learning of his former classmate Ishigami’s involvement and chooses to dive deeper into the investigation. As he unravels the enigma, he finds himself locked in an intense intellectual duel with Ishigami, a man determined to shield Yasuko from the fallout of her actions.

With the atmosphere growing tenser and the truth lurking just beneath the surface, Yukawa must grapple with the darker elements of human behavior, leading to a heartbreaking and catastrophic conclusion that leaves all those involved distressed. Despite his known propensity for detachment in high-pressure situations, Yukawa finds himself rattled by the repercussions, coming to the profound realization that even the most aloof individuals cannot escape the harsh realities of fate’s cruel turns.

Timeline

Track the key events of Suspect (1987) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.

Murder of Togashi

The investigation into the brutal murder of Togashi is initiated, but progress quickly stagnates. Despite the evidence collected, the suspect maintains an unimpeachable alibi that frustrates law enforcement efforts.

Yasuko's Ex-Husband Dies

Yasuko Hanaoka becomes the center of scrutiny following the sudden death of her ex-husband. The circumstances surrounding his death raise suspicions and draw attention to her life as a single mother and restaurant owner.

Tetsuya Ishigami Enters the Scene

Tetsuya Ishigami, a reclusive but brilliant individual, is drawn into the turmoil surrounding Yasuko and her daughter Misato. His growing concern for their safety compels him to offer his assistance during this chaotic time.

Body Count Rises

As law enforcement digs deeper into the case, the body count begins to increase, adding urgency to the investigation. Tensions escalate among those involved, prompting detectives to intensify their efforts.

Detectives Seek Expert Help

Detective Kaoru Utsumi, alongside her superior Detective Shunpei Kusanagi, reaches out to Professor Manabu Yukawa. Known for his brilliance in solving intricate cases, Yukawa’s expertise is seen as vital to understanding the ongoing complexities.

Yukawa Learns of Ishigami's Involvement

Initially reluctant to take on the case, Yukawa's interest is piqued upon learning that his former classmate, Ishigami, is involved. This connection compels him to engage more deeply with the unfolding mystery.

Intellectual Duel Begins

As Yukawa delves into the investigation, he finds himself embroiled in an intense intellectual duel with Ishigami. Both men, driven by their motivations, engage in a battle of wits that shapes the direction of the inquiry.

Unraveling the Mystery

Yukawa gains insight into the complexities of the case, gradually unearthing hidden truths. However, with each revelation, the stakes grow higher, leading to a more intricate web of deceit and danger.

Confronting Darker Elements

As the investigation progresses, Yukawa is forced to confront the darker elements of human behavior. The inherent cruelty of circumstances challenges his previously held beliefs about detachment and rationality in high-pressure situations.

Heartbreaking Conclusion

The investigation culminates in a heartbreaking conclusion that results in distress for all involved. The emotional impact leaves Yukawa, Ishigami, Yasuko, and Misato grappling with the catastrophic outcomes of their entangled lives.

Yukawa's Profound Realization

In the aftermath of the events, Yukawa comes to a profound realization about the nature of fate and human emotions. Despite his usual aloofness, he acknowledges that no one is truly immune to the harsh realities life presents.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Suspect (1987) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.

Yasuko Hanaoka

Yasuko is a single mother and restaurant owner thrust into a whirlwind of allegations following her ex-husband's death. Her resilience shines through as she struggles to protect her daughter and maneuver through the scrutiny surrounding her.

👩‍👧 Motherhood 💪 Resilience

Tetsuya Ishigami

A brilliant yet reclusive man, Ishigami's interactions with Yasuko punctuate his otherwise solitary existence. He exhibits depth and complexity as he becomes entwined in the murder mystery, showcasing both loyalty and a desire to shield those he cares for.

🧠 Genius 🤝 Loyalty

Det. Kaoru Utsumi

A determined detective, Utsumi leads the investigation into the murder case. Her tenacity and commitment to uncovering the truth often clash with the emotional conflicts presented by the case, pushing her to confront the darker aspects of humanity.

🔍 Investigation 🔥 Determination

Professor Manabu Yukawa

Yukawa is a renowned mathematician known for his exceptional analytical skills. Initially reluctant, he finds himself deeply drawn to the case, ultimately facing his own moral dilemmas as he navigates the intellectual challenges posed by Ishigami.

📚 Intelligence ⚖️ Morality

Setting

Uncover the settings of Suspect (1987), 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

The events unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal issues and the complexities of human relationships. The story progresses amidst an evolving environment, where the past actions of characters impact their present situations.

Location

Unknown location, Japan

The movie takes place in an urban Japanese setting, characterized by busy streets and traditional influences. This locale serves as a backdrop for the intertwining lives of the characters, particularly Yasuko, who navigates her life as a restaurant owner amid the chaos of the murder investigation.

🏙️ Urban 🏯 Cultural

Themes

Explore the core themes of Suspect (1987). 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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Mystery

The film delves into the intricacies of a murder investigation filled with deception and hidden truths. As detectives and characters unravel the layers of mystery, the exploration of human motives and morality emerges starkly throughout the plot.

💔

Tragedy

Tragedy plays a crucial role as the characters face the devastating consequences of their actions. The emotional turmoil experienced by Yasuko and Yukawa highlights the ripple effects of fate, intertwining personal loss with the quest for justice.

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Intellectual Duel

The film showcases an intense intellectual rivalry between Yukawa and Ishigami, embodying the theme of wits versus will. Their engagement reveals profound insights into human behavior, particularly how intellect can both illuminate and obscure the truth.