Manhunt

Manhunt

Year: 1976

Runtime: 151 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Junya Satō

CrimeActionDrama

A tough prosecutor is falsely accused of theft and goes on the run to clear his name. He is assisted by the beautiful daughter of a rich man.

Manhunt (1976) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Manhunt (1976) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the restless streets of Tokyo, a seasoned prosecutor finds his world upended when an accusation of theft, a crime he swears he never committed, erupts into a city‑wide manhunt. Stripped of his official authority and thrust into the shadows of a system he once upheld, he must abandon the safety of the courtroom and become a fugitive in a city that suddenly seems hostile. The tension between his dedication to the law and the frantic need to survive sets a gritty, pulse‑quickening tone that drives the film from the very first moment.

As the chase carries him far beyond the neon glare of the capital, he encounters Mayumi Tonami, the striking daughter of a powerful local magnate. Her unexpected assistance offers both a lifeline and a complication, merging the stark contrast between urban ruthlessness and the quieter, yet no less dangerous, world of rural ambition. Their uneasy partnership hints at a deeper, personal stake in the struggle, with her privileged background providing resources and a perspective that both aid and challenge the prosecutor’s instincts.

Behind the relentless pursuit lies a broader canvas of political intrigue and moral ambiguity. A determined detective, Yamura, leads the official search, embodying the uncompromising side of law enforcement, while various unseen forces hint at a network of influence that extends into the highest echelons of power. The atmosphere oscillates between tense urban cat‑and‑mouse games and the raw, unforgiving wilderness, creating a film that feels simultaneously intimate and expansive. As the prosecutor strives to prove his innocence, the story asks whether justice is a clear‑cut path or a shadowed road that must be navigated on the run.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 18:10

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Relentless Fugitive Thrillers like Manhunt

Innocent protagonists on the run, racing to expose a conspiracy before they're caught.If you enjoyed the high-stakes chase and desperate survival in Manhunt, you'll find similar tension in these movies. This thread features films where an innocent person is hunted, combining fast-paced action with a complex conspiracy that must be unraveled from the shadows.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist, often an everyday professional, who is suddenly framed for a crime they didn't commit. Forced to flee, their journey becomes a dual mission: survive the immediate pursuit while piecing together the clues of a larger, more sinister plot that reaches into high places.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by the core experience of being a fugitive—the constant tension of pursuit, the gritty reality of survival, and the intellectual challenge of investigating a conspiracy from the outside. The pacing is fast, the tone is tense and paranoid, and the stakes are life-or-death.

Movies with Bittersweet Endings after Heavy Conspiracies like Manhunt

Stories where exposing the truth comes at a profound personal cost.For viewers who appreciated the emotionally heavy and morally complex conclusion of Manhunt, this thread collects films where the hero wins but loses something fundamental. These stories explore the cost of truth, featuring bleak victories and endings that are satisfying yet somber.

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Narrative Summary

The plot builds towards a climax where the protagonist achieves their goal of exposing corruption or stopping a villain. However, the resolution is not a clean victory. The ending is bittersweet or bleak, emphasizing the personal sacrifices made and the lasting scars of the journey, leaving the characters forever changed.

Why These Movies?

They share a specific emotional arc: a heavy narrative weight leading to a conclusion that balances success with significant loss. The tone is serious and the emotional weight is heavy, united by the theme that fighting powerful, corrupt systems often demands a ruinous personal toll.

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Manhunt Summary

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Manhunt Summary

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Manhunt Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Manhunt

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Manhunt

More About Manhunt

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