✅ “Hunt the Wicked” (缉恶), released in 2024, is an intense Chinese action-crime thriller that pits a determined narcotics police officer against a shadowy criminal mastermind. Directed by Chris Huo, the film features explosive martial arts sequences and a gripping cat-and-mouse game between justice and a powerful underground drug network. Starring action veterans Xie Miao and Andy On, “Hunt the Wicked” delves into the murky depths of urban crime, promising a thrilling ride for fans of gritty action and suspense.

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7.2/10

Hunt the Wicked

Director: Chris Huo

Writers: N/A

Stars: Xie Miao, Andy On, Andrew Lin Hoi

Country: China

Genres: Action

Languages: Mandarin

Overview: The film tells the story of narcotics police officer Huang Mingjin and the "mysterious figure" Wei Yunzhou. Through completely different means and methods, in the process of calculating and wrestling with each other, they tear apart the facade of urban tranquility, exposing the underground drug network woven by the hidden hand "Long Wang", and ultimately eradicate the darkness with the sword of justice, revealing the dawn of light.

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Hunt the Wicked (2024) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Hunt the Wicked (缉恶) (2024)
• Language: Mandarin Chinese
• Budget: Reported approx. $2.1 Million (USD) – specific figures for Chinese web movies can vary
• Revenue: Not publicly disclosed (typical for films primarily released on streaming platforms)
• Runtime: 102-103 Minutes (1 Hour 42-43 Minutes)
• Release Date: 2024 (Digital/Streaming release in China, Blu-ray/Digital in North America by May 2025)
• Genres: Action, Drama, Crime, Martial Arts, Thriller
• Cast: Xie Miao, Andy On, Andrew Lin Hoi, Hong Shuang, Gu Jing, Tian Yu, Anson Leung Chun-Yat, Han Rui, Liu Sasa, Jane Wu, Li Zijia
• Directors: Chris Huo (Suiqiang Huo)
• Screenplay: Ma Lao, Li Yang
• Studios & Producers: Specific production companies not widely listed; typical of Chinese direct-to-streaming productions.
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“Hunt the Wicked” is a high-octane Chinese action-crime thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of a seemingly tranquil city, where a vast drug network operates in the shadows. The story centers on two pivotal figures who find themselves reluctantly intertwined in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game. Huang Mingjin (played by Xie Miao) is a narcotics police officer, driven by a relentless pursuit of justice, operating within the confines of the law. On the other side is Wei Yunzhou (played by Andy On), a mysterious and formidable figure who operates outside traditional boundaries, often blurring the lines between criminal and anti-hero.

Their paths collide as they both target the same elusive and powerful hidden hand known as “Long Wang” (Dragon King), the mastermind behind the city’s intricate underground drug operations. Long Wang has woven a complex web of deceit and violence, making him nearly untouchable. Huang Mingjin and Wei Yunzhou, despite their contrasting methods and objectives, find themselves in a series of intense confrontations and uneasy alliances. As they navigate the treacherous criminal underworld, they begin to unravel the layers of corruption and expose the true extent of Long Wang’s influence. The film is a thrilling journey of calculated moves, brutal wrestling matches, and explosive action sequences, as these two formidable individuals work to tear apart the facade of urban tranquility and ultimately eradicate the darkness, striving to bring a semblance of dawn and justice to a city plagued by evil. The narrative is a relentless race against time, showcasing the brutal realities of drug enforcement and the moral ambiguities faced by those fighting on the front lines.

Cast & Crew

The cast of “Hunt the Wicked” is led by two prominent figures in Chinese action cinema, delivering performances crucial to the film’s gritty tone. Xie Miao, a former child martial arts star who has successfully transitioned into adult action roles, plays Huang Mingjin, the determined narcotics police officer. Xie Miao brings a strong physical presence and a stoic intensity to his character, making him a believable and relentless force for justice. His action sequences are a highlight, showcasing his martial arts prowess. Opposite him is Andy On, known for his charismatic portrayals of both heroes and villains in action films. As Wei Yunzhou, Andy On delivers a compelling performance as a mysterious and morally ambiguous figure. His chemistry with Xie Miao creates a dynamic tension, central to the film’s cat-and-mouse narrative.

Supporting the leads is Andrew Lin Hoi, who portrays the enigmatic antagonist, Song Pa, also known as “Long Wang” (Dragon King), the formidable drug lord. Lin’s presence adds a layer of sophisticated menace to the villain. Hong Shuang also provides strong support as Na Mei, often complementing Andy On’s character. Director Chris Huo (Suiqiang Huo) guides his cast effectively, ensuring the action is impactful and the dramatic stakes are felt. The screenplay, attributed to Ma Lao and Li Yang, provides a solid framework for the action-driven plot. The cinematography by Ma Erkang captures the urban grit and kinetic energy of the fight scenes, while Xu Wuwei’s music score elevates the tension. Together, the cast and crew contribute to a tight and engaging crime thriller that delivers on its action promises.

Critical & Audience Response

“Hunt the Wicked” has generally received a positive to mixed response, particularly from audiences and critics familiar with contemporary Chinese action cinema, especially those released on streaming platforms. The film has been lauded primarily for its high-octane action sequences and the strong performances of its lead actors, Xie Miao and Andy On. Many reviewers highlighted the impressive fight choreography and the intense confrontations between the protagonists, with particular praise for a brutal one-on-one fight featuring a unique weapon. Audiences appreciated the film’s relentless pace and its commitment to delivering thrilling martial arts spectacles.

However, some critiques point to a relatively straightforward plot that, while effective for the genre, might lack deep narrative complexity or character development beyond the core conflict. Xie Miao’s character, while physically capable, was sometimes noted for being a bit “po-faced” or one-note in his seriousness. Despite these minor criticisms, the general consensus among action movie enthusiasts is that “Hunt the Wicked” delivers on its promise of gritty action and suspense. Its digital and Blu-ray release in North America garnered attention among fans of Asian action films, reinforcing its appeal as a solid entry in the genre, even if it doesn’t aim for widespread critical acclaim or a massive theatrical presence. Its commercial viability largely rests on its performance on streaming platforms and home video.

Direction & Cinematography

Director Chris Huo (Suiqiang Huo) brings a seasoned eye for action to “Hunt the Wicked,” drawing on his experience from previous films like “Blind War.” His direction is characterized by a strong emphasis on delivering impactful and well-choreographed action sequences. Huo excels at creating a sense of urgency and danger, orchestrating the various confrontations—from close-quarters combat to heavy artillery shootouts—with precision. He ensures the film maintains a relentless pace, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the cat-and-mouse game between the police and the criminal underworld. While the narrative might be straightforward, Huo’s direction effectively maximizes the film’s thrilling elements, making the most of his talented action cast.

The cinematography by Ma Erkang is instrumental in crafting the film’s gritty and immersive atmosphere. Erkang’s camera work is dynamic and fluid, particularly during the intense action scenes, putting the viewer right in the middle of the chaos. He effectively utilizes lighting and framing to highlight the tension and violence inherent in the story, showcasing the darker, more dangerous aspects of the urban environment. Shots within the underground drug network or during nighttime confrontations are often moody and atmospheric, contributing to the overall sense of dread and urgency. The visuals are crisp and clear, ensuring that the elaborate fight choreography is always visible and impactful. Together, Huo’s direction and Erkang’s cinematography create a cohesive visual style that strongly supports the film’s action-crime thriller genre.

Music & Background Score

The music and background score of “Hunt the Wicked,” composed by Xu Wuwei, play a crucial role in enhancing the film’s suspense, drama, and high-octane action sequences. Wuwei’s score is designed to complement the film’s gritty crime thriller atmosphere, utilizing a blend of modern electronic sounds and perhaps more traditional orchestral elements to create a dynamic aural landscape. During intense confrontations and chase scenes, the music likely becomes fast-paced and percussive, driving the adrenaline and increasing the sense of urgency. For moments of investigation or character tension, the score would probably adopt a more brooding and atmospheric quality, building suspense through sustained notes and subtle harmonies.

The effective use of leitmotifs for characters or the overarching criminal network would further immerse the audience in the narrative. The score’s ability to heighten emotional stakes, underscore betrayals, and punctuate victories is essential for a film of this genre. While specific tracks might not be globally recognized, the background music’s effectiveness is key to maintaining audience engagement and reinforcing the thrilling nature of the plot. Xu Wuwei’s composition for “Hunt the Wicked” aims to be a vital component of its immersive experience, ensuring that every punch, gunshot, and revelation carries maximum impact.

Visuals & Special Effects

“Hunt the Wicked” primarily relies on practical action choreography and a gritty, realistic visual aesthetic rather than extensive CGI-driven special effects, which is characteristic of many contemporary Chinese action thrillers. The film’s visuals are largely shaped by Ma Erkang’s cinematography, which captures the dark and dangerous urban environments where the crime drama unfolds. The focus is on authentic-looking fight sequences, explosions, and gunfights, with special effects employed mainly to enhance the realism of these action set pieces.

Explosions and vehicular damage, while present, are likely handled with a balance of practical effects and subtle CGI enhancements to ensure they are impactful without appearing overly artificial. The film’s overall visual style leans towards a desaturated color palette, emphasizing the harsh realities of the criminal underworld and the intensity of the struggle between good and evil. Lighting is often used to create stark contrasts and shadows, contributing to the suspenseful atmosphere. Any digital effects are seamlessly integrated to support the narrative and the action, rather than becoming the main attraction. The visual team’s success lies in making the city feel like a dangerous battleground and ensuring that the high-octane action sequences are clear, impactful, and visually compelling, enhancing the film’s raw and visceral appeal.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing of “Hunt the Wicked” is crucial for maintaining its relentless pace and maximizing the impact of its numerous action sequences. While specific credit for the editor is not widely available, the film’s structure suggests sharp, dynamic cuts during the fight scenes and chases, designed to keep the adrenaline pumping and the audience fully engaged. The editing likely plays a key role in orchestrating the complex confrontations and ensuring the narrative flows smoothly between different character perspectives and plot developments. Given the film’s runtime of just over 100 minutes, the editing would be tight and efficient, avoiding unnecessary exposition and focusing on advancing the plot through action.

The screenplay, credited to Ma Lao and Li Yang, crafts a compelling crime narrative that pits a determined police officer against a powerful drug syndicate. The script establishes a clear conflict and sets up intriguing character dynamics, particularly between the law-abiding Huang Mingjin and the more morally ambiguous Wei Yunzhou. While some might find the plot to be straightforward for the genre, it provides a solid foundation for the action, ensuring the stakes are clear. The dialogue is functional and serves to propel the plot and character motivations. The screenplay successfully builds a believable criminal underworld and effectively charts the journey of its protagonists as they uncover the layers of the “Long Wang” network, leading to a climactic showdown that aims to provide a satisfying resolution to the fight against corruption.

Positives / What Works

“Hunt the Wicked” shines brightest in its execution of action and its lead performances. The film features excellent martial arts choreography and explosive action sequences that are a major draw for genre fans. The fights are brutal, impactful, and well-staged, demonstrating the capabilities of action veterans Xie Miao and Andy On. Both Xie Miao and Andy On deliver strong, charismatic performances, their on-screen chemistry and contrasting styles creating a compelling dynamic. The film maintains a relentless and engaging pace, ensuring there’s rarely a dull moment. Director Chris Huo’s firm hand in orchestrating the action and maintaining suspense is evident throughout. The gritty, urban aesthetic, enhanced by solid cinematography, also works well to establish the dangerous world of crime. For audiences seeking a straightforward, high-octane action-thriller with impressive fight choreography, “Hunt the Wicked” largely hits the mark.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

Despite its strengths, “Hunt the Wicked” does have a few areas that could be seen as drawbacks. The plot, while functional, can be somewhat formulaic and predictable for seasoned viewers of crime thrillers. The film prioritizes action over deep narrative complexity or intricate character development, which means supporting characters may feel a bit underdeveloped. While Xie Miao’s performance is strong, some critics found his character to be a bit one-note in his stoicism. The lack of a substantial budget and revenue figures, along with its primary release on streaming platforms, might suggest it doesn’t aim for the polished production value of larger theatrical blockbusters. While the action is well-executed, moments of dramatic exposition or character interaction could feel less impactful compared to the fight sequences, potentially leading to a slight unevenness in tone for some viewers.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Hunt the Wicked” is a solid and thoroughly entertaining Chinese action-crime thriller that excels at delivering exactly what its title promises: a relentless pursuit of evil with plenty of hard-hitting action. Anchored by compelling performances from Xie Miao and Andy On, whose on-screen chemistry and martial arts prowess are undeniable, the film is a testament to effective genre filmmaking. Director Chris Huo keeps the pace brisk and the action impactful, ensuring viewers are always on the edge of their seats as they navigate the treacherous urban underworld. While its plot may adhere to familiar tropes and character depth might be limited, the film compensates with its relentless energy, impressive choreography, and gritty aesthetic. For fans of Chinese action cinema and those looking for a no-holds-barred crime saga, “Hunt the Wicked” is a worthwhile watch that delivers strong thrills and explosive entertainment.

Movie Rating

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