John Woo - Zhuibu (Manhunt)

Produced and distributed by Media Asia Films, director John Woo’s Zhuibu brings together the most outstanding film talents from China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong for an action-packed extravaganza. Produced by Gordon Chan and Chan Hing-kai, the film stars Masaharu Fukuyama, Zhang Hanyu, Qi Wei, Ha Ji-won and Angeles Woo. It also features the renowned Yohei Tanada as Art Director, Takuro Ishizaka as Director of Cinematography and Taro Iwashiro as the composer of film’s original score. It is adapted from Juko Nishimura’s novel Kimi yo Fundo no Kawa wo Watare (You Must Cross the River of Wrath), published by Tokuma Shoten Publishing, and the Kadokawa Pictures production of the same name. The film was shot on location in Japan, including the city of Osaka. Zhuibu follows the journey of upstanding lawyer Du Qiu, who is unwittingly drawn into a murder case when all the evidence at the scene points to him being the perpetrator. Knowing that he’s been framed by Luo Zhi, Du Qiu runs from the law to uncover the truth. The police launch a large-scale manhunt, but veteran detective Yamura sees that this seemingly open-andshut case is not that simple after all. During the intense pursuit, a bond begins to build between the fugitive and his pursuer, even though Yamura knows that he can’t fully trust Du Qiu. Is the real killer lurking elsewhere? Is there a hidden conspiracy behind the murder?

My infatuation with Japanese cinema began at a very young age. When we were learning about filmmaking, we were greatly influenced and inspired by Japanese films. I hold great esteem for many Japanese filmmakers and actors, especially the iconic Ken Takakura. His grace and charisma left a great impression on me, and I am proud to call myself a fan of his works. The opportunity to remake Zhuibu came to me some time after Mr. Takakura’s passing. I’ve always wanted to make a film that would pay homage to him, and having the chance to make a film like this in Japan is the realization of a dream that I’ve held for many years. That’s why Zhuibu has a very special place in my career. Zhuibu is influenced by Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful mystery films. It’s about a righteous man who’s been framed for a crime he didn’t commit. With the help of an upstanding detective, he uncovers the truth and defeats the villains. The film is also very much about friendship, a theme that many of my films have delved into. At the same time, Zhuibu is also my tribute to the crime films of the 1960s and 70s. I think that the best films in the history of world cinema came from that era, which was a brilliant golden age for filmmakers and storytellers. The glorious spirit of those films can be felt in the story, the characters, the music and even in the production design of this film. I sincerely hope that all of you will enjoy Zhuibu!