Mad Detective

Mad Detective

Year: 2008

Language: Chinese

Directors: Johnnie To, Ka-Fai Wai

ActionThrillerCrime

Amidst a string of daring robberies and killings, Inspector Ho investigates the disappearance of a police firearm. Seeking help, he turns to his unusual mentor, Bun, whose unconventional profiling methods push the boundaries of sanity. As Ho follows Bun’s lead, he struggles to distinguish reality from delusion, increasingly uncertain of his own perception and mental stability as the case intensifies.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Mad Detective (2008)

Trace every key event in Mad Detective (2008) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Chan Kwai-Bun's Gift

Chan Kwai-Bun is introduced as a highly skilled detective with a unique ability to perceive the inner personalities, or 'ghosts,' of individuals. This extraordinary talent sets him apart in his career but also becomes a source of personal turmoil.

2

Self-Mutilation Incident

In a troubling turn of events, Chan Kwai-Bun mutilates himself by severing his ear and presenting it to his superior. This shocking act leads to his forced retirement, marking a significant decline in his once-promising career.

3

The Disappearance of Wong Kwok-Chu

Inspector Ho Ka-On is introduced, determined to solve the mystery of his missing colleague, Wong Kwok-Chu, who disappeared during a chase. Wong has been missing for 18 months, and his firearm has been linked to a series of armed robberies, complicating the investigation.

18 months
4

Bun's Isolation

Following his retirement, Chan Kwai-Bun lives a reclusive life alongside his imaginary wife, May Cheung. His solitude is punctuated by his struggle to grasp the implications of his abilities while grappling with his past mistakes.

5

Uncovering the Seven Spirits

As Bun investigates Wong's case, he uncovers the startling fact that Ko Chi-Wai is a manifestation of seven spirits, each representing one of the seven deadly sins. This revelation deepens the intrigue surrounding Wong's disappearance and the potential conspiracy at play.

6

The Accusation Against Chi-Wai

Bun theorizes that Chi-Wai is involved in Wong's death and that his gun may have fallen into the hands of a suspect named Naresh Sherma. This suspicion sets in motion a web of deceit and potential murder as Bun aims to seek justice.

7

Independent Pursuit of Justice

During his investigation at the scene of Wong's death, Bun takes critical evidence, including Ho's gun and police identification. This act of taking matters into his own hands showcases Bun's determination to uncover the truth despite the risks involved.

8

The Child Within Ho

When Bun encounters Inspector Ho again, he perceives Ho's inner self, which appears as a frightened child. This moment of vulnerability highlights the emotional struggle Ho faces as he combats his own demons while trying to solve the case.

9

Ineffective Pursuit of Chi-Wai

Inspector Ho attempts to apprehend Chi-Wai and link him to Wong's murder weapon. However, Chi-Wai's manipulative nature allows him to alter police records, obstructing Ho's efforts and leading him to mistakenly trust the very suspect he is pursuing.

10

Confrontation in the Warehouse

Ho and Chi-Wai enter a warehouse under the pretense of tracking down Naresh Sherma. Unbeknownst to them, Bun is secretly observing and tries to alert Ho about Chi-Wai's sinister intentions, showcasing a moment of disconnected intuition.

Warehouse
11

The Catastrophic Gunfight

Despite Bun's warnings, Ho dismisses his concerns, leading to a violent confrontation in the warehouse. The ensuing gunfight results in the deaths of Sharma, Chi-Wai, and ultimately Bun, while Ho narrowly escapes with his life.

Warehouse
12

Bun's Final Moments

As Chan Kwai-Bun takes his last breaths, he catches a glimpse of Ho's inner child. In a poignant moment, he receives guidance from a female spirit, imploring him to create an alibi amid chaos and turmoil.

13

Ho's Desperate Reinvention

In the aftermath of the violence, Ho resorts to frantic rearrangements of firearms in an effort to fabricate a cover story. This final act of desperation underlines the extent of his moral decay as he grapples with the consequences of trust misplaced.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 16:02

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Mad Detective Summary

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Mad Detective Summary

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