Directed by
George Huang
Made by
EuropaCorp
Discover the intricate plot of Weekend in Taipei (2024). 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.
John Lawlor, a DEA agent who goes undercover at a Chinese restaurant in Minneapolis to gather evidence of drug trafficking by a billionaire and disguised seafood merchant named Kwang, is forced to break cover due to a mistake by his colleague, rendering half a year of his undercover work in vain. However, he receives an email from an anonymous informant in Taipei who claims to possess the ledger of Kwang Enterprises. John informs his supervisor, but the claim is dismissed as a hoax, and John’s request to follow the lead is rejected, with his supervisor even forcing him to take a weekend leave to keep him away from the case. Undeterred, John decides to travel to Taipei during this time under a fake identity.
Meanwhile, in Taipei, Kwang discovers that his adoptive son, Raymond, is the mole who stole his ledger. Raymond, unaware of Kwang’s drug dealing, believes the ledger documents Kwang Enterprises’ involvement in killing dolphins and intends to expose his father’s role in environmental pollution. Joey, Kwang’s wife who was forced to marry him 15 years ago for protection, pleads for her son’s life. However, Raymond reveals that he has already entrusted the ledger to a friend, who is delivering it to DEA agent John at Marriott Taipei. Kwang sends his men to recover the ledger, but as he attempts to dismember Raymond as punishment, he is knocked out by Joey and Raymond. The mother and son then head to the hotel, intending to warn the DEA agents. Since Raymond gives Kwang the wrong room number, they reach John first and reveal that Joey and John know each other. Before Joey can explain the situation, Kwang’s men arrive, leading to a shootout between the two factions. John’s companions are all shot dead, and the ledger is seized, but John manages to escape with Joey and Raymond.
After evading both Kwang’s men and the police, Joey brings John and Raymond to the fishing village where she grew up, seeking refuge at her grandmother’s house. She reveals that John is actually Raymond’s father, shocking both of them. John confronts Joey, whom he met while undercover as a drug trafficker 15 years ago, revealing his true identity to her after falling in love and helping her escape. Joey reveals that she was pregnant at that time but did not have the chance to tell John before leaving, and she was heartbroken to realize that John had been lying to her all along. He apologizes and promises never to leave her and Raymond again, leading to their reconciliation. Meanwhile, Raymond realizes that a rhino miniature on Kwang’s desk is actually a flash drive containing a digital version of his ledger. Despite his parents’ objections, he sneaks out of the village to return home and steal Kwang’s flash drive but is caught by Kwang.
Kwang holds Raymond hostage and calls Joey and John to negotiate. John offers to exchange their lives, and the two factions agree to meet in Ximending. However, Kwang breaks his promise during the meeting, refusing to release Raymond and abducting Joey instead. Just before his men execute John, he outmaneuvers them and takes down all of Kwang’s enforcers. He then navigates the complex alleys and catches up with Kwang’s escaping vehicle, kicking Kwang out and forcing him to flee on foot. The chase continues, culminating in a fight at a theater, where John subdues Kwang and has him arrested by the arriving police.
Reuniting with Joey and Raymond, the family reconciles and takes a trip to Paris, where Joey reveals that she is pregnant with their second child.
Track the key events of Weekend in Taipei (2024) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
John Goes Undercover
DEA agent John Lawlor goes undercover at a Chinese restaurant in Minneapolis to investigate drug trafficking linked to Kwang, a billionaire seafood merchant. His assignment aims to gather crucial evidence over the operation, placing him in a dangerous position within the criminal underworld.
Cover Blown
Due to a careless mistake by a colleague, John's undercover cover is compromised, jeopardizing six months of diligent work. With his identity exposed, he faces the harsh reality of needing to abandon the mission.
Anonymous Tip
After losing his cover, John receives an email from an anonymous informant claiming to have crucial information - the ledger of Kwang Enterprises. Despite sharing this lead with his supervisor, John's request to pursue it is dismissed as meaningless.
Travel to Taipei
Defying orders to stay away from the case, John decides to travel to Taipei under a false identity. He is determined to uncover the truth behind Kwang's drug activities and recover the elusive ledger.
Raymond's Discovery
In Taipei, Kwang learns that it is his adoptive son Raymond who has betrayed him, stealing the ledger in an effort to expose Kwang’s illegal activities regarding environmental pollution. This revelation heightens the stakes for Kwang and puts Raymond's life in danger.
Mother's Plea
Joey, Kwang's wife, begs for Raymond’s safety, knowing the dire consequences of his betrayal. Tension escalates as she recognizes that their family is caught in a spiral of conflict driven by Kwang's ruthless ambitions.
Race to the Hotel
Raymond and Joey rush to warn the DEA agents at the Marriott Taipei after learning Kwang's men are after the ledger. Unfortunately, due to a mix-up with room numbers, they encounter John first, leading to unexpected chaos.
Shootout Erupts
Tension builds as Kwang's thugs corner John, Joey, and Raymond at the hotel, resulting in a violent shootout. Tragically, John's partners are killed, but they manage to escape, prompting a desperate flight from both Kwang’s men and the police.
Seeking Refuge
Joey finds safety for the group at her grandmother’s house in a fishing village, revealing her past to John. In a shocking twist, she discloses that John is actually Raymond’s biological father, complicating their mission further.
Confronting the Past
John reveals his true identity to Joey, reminding her of their past when he helped her escape from Kwang. Joey shares her heartbreak over John's deception, setting the stage for their emotional reconciliation amidst the chaos.
The Flash Drive
Raymond recognizes a flash drive disguised as a rhino miniature on Kwang's desk, containing a digital version of the ledger. Ignoring his parents' warnings, Raymond sneaks back to retrieve it, risking his life by confronting Kwang directly.
Negotiation Turned Sour
Kwang takes Raymond hostage and calls John for a negotiation, which quickly goes awry. The meeting intended to exchange lives results in Kwang abducting Joey instead, leading to dire stakes in their twisted game.
John's Heroics
In a desperate move, John manages to outsmart Kwang's men, launching a full assault, and freeing himself. A fierce chase ensues, leading to a dramatic confrontation where he confronts Kwang and delivers justice.
Family Reunited
After Kwang's arrest, John rejoins Joey and Raymond, solidifying their bond as a family. The trio is ready to leave the chaos of their lives behind and embrace a fresh start together.
New Beginnings
Traveling to Paris, the family seeks a new chapter in their lives. Joey reveals her pregnancy, hinting at the possibilities of their growing family amidst the backdrop of a new city and new hopes.
Meet the characters that bring Weekend in Taipei (2024) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Kwang (Sung Kang)
Kwang is a complex antagonist, posing as a seafood merchant while secretly running a drug trafficking empire. His ruthless nature is showcased through his dealings and his relationship with his family. Despite his criminal actions, he is driven by a misguided sense of protection for his son.
Agent John Lawlor (Luke Evans)
John Lawlor is a dedicated DEA agent whose undercover work leads him into a conflicting emotional landscape. His past with Joey complicates his mission as he navigates personal and professional responsibilities. His character arc illustrates redemption and the struggle for family.
Joey (Yi-Ching Lu)
Joey is a resilient character who grapples with her forced marriage and the protection of her son. Her strength emerges as she confronts her past with John and fights for her family's safety. She epitomizes the emotional core of the story, driven by love and sacrifice.
Raymond
Raymond is a pivotal character torn between loyalty to his father and the truth about Kwang's illegal activities. His journey reflects a young man's quest for justice, underscoring the impact of familial legacy and moral dilemmas he faces.
Uncover the settings of Weekend in Taipei (2024), 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 story unfolds in contemporary times, highlighting issues related to drug trafficking and environmental concerns. This modern backdrop allows for a nuanced exploration of family dynamics and societal challenges, emphasizing the impact of crime on personal lives.
Location
Taipei, Minneapolis, fishing village
The movie takes place in the bustling city of Taipei, known for its vibrant street life and modern architecture. It also features Minneapolis, where John undertakes his undercover mission, a city characterized by its diverse culture. The fishing village represents a quieter, more traditional setting, offering refuge and a connection to Joey's roots.
Explore the core themes of Weekend in Taipei (2024). 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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Undercover Investigation
The central theme revolves around the complexities of undercover operations, showcasing the psychological toll it takes on agents. John's mission blurs the lines between professional duty and personal entanglement, ultimately leading to a life-altering revelation about his past.
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Familial Relationships
Family bonds are tested throughout the narrative, particularly between John, Joey, and Raymond. The story explores themes of sacrifice, love, and the impact of deception on their relationships, culminating in a poignant reconciliation.
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Environmental Awareness
The film touches on environmental issues, particularly the impact of Kwang's actions on marine life. Raymond's desire to expose his father's illicit activities reflects a younger generation's commitment to protecting the environment and advocating for justice.
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