Manhunt

Chase for the Unabomber, enthralling crime series

Watch on Netflix
About Manhunt

Released: 2017

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 49m

Cast
Qi Wei, Angeles Woo, Jun Kunimura, Nanami Sakuraba, Zhang Hanyu, Ha Ji-won, Masaharu Fukuyama, Naoto Takenaka

About Manhunt

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About

Manhunt is an action and adventure TV show that premiered in 2017. It is a gripping crime drama based on real events, specifically the story of the Unabomber, a domestic terrorist who mailed explosives to universities and airlines from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. The show follows the intense search for the Unabomber, also known as Theodore Kaczynski, by the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit.

The plot revolves around the efforts of the FBI agents as they decipher the cryptic language of the Unabomber's letters in order to understand his motivations and ultimately capture him. The show explores the psychological battle between agent Jim Fitzgerald and the Unabomber, delving into the complex minds of both the hunter and the hunted.

Making / Production

Manhunt was created by Andrew Sodroski and premiered on the Discovery Channel. It is divided into two seasons, with the first season titled "Manhunt: Unabomber" and the second season titled "Manhunt: Deadly Games" (focused on the 1996 Summer Olympics bombing in Atlanta).

The production of the show involved extensive research and input from the real-life people who were involved in the Unabomber case, including FBI profiler James R. Fitzgerald, whose role in the investigation is prominently depicted. The creators strived for accuracy in portraying the events and psychological aspects of the case.

Actors

  • Sam Worthington as Jim Fitzgerald - The FBI agent leading the investigation into the Unabomber case. Worthington portrays Fitzgerald's determination and intelligence as he digs deep into the Unabomber's psyche.
  • Paul Bettany as Theodore Kaczynski (Unabomber) - Bettany delivers a chilling performance as the domestic terrorist, capturing the character's intelligence and the inner turmoil that led to his violent actions.
  • Chris Noth as Don Ackerman - An FBI agent who serves as a mentor to Fitzgerald. Noth brings depth to his character and showcases the toll the investigation takes on him.
  • Keisha Castle-Hughes as Tabby Milgrim - A linguistics expert who aids the investigation by analyzing the Unabomber's writings. Castle-Hughes portrays Milgrim's expertise and determination.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • The real-life FBI profiler James R. Fitzgerald served as a consultant on the show.
  • Theodore Kaczynski, the Unabomber, was captured in 1996 after a 17-year nationwide manhunt.
  • The series received critical acclaim for its accurate portrayal of the events and the psychological aspect of the case.
  • Manhunt: Unabomber was initially developed as a TV series on the History Channel but moved to Discovery Channel during production.

Awards

Manhunt: Unabomber received positive reviews from critics, but it did not win any major awards. However, the show's compelling storytelling and performances garnered praise from viewers and critics alike.

Quotes

  • "Language shapes our thoughts, and our thoughts shape our actions." - Jim Fitzgerald
  • "The essence of terrorism is not death and destruction. It is psychological. It is a battle of ideas; a war fought through symbols and fear." - Jim Fitzgerald
  • "Once you commit an act of violence, it never really goes away. It lives inside you forever." - Theodore Kaczynski

Music

The soundtrack of Manhunt features a blend of tense and atmospheric music that complements the suspenseful tone of the series. The score, composed by Harry Gregson-Williams, captures the psychological intensity of the cat-and-mouse game between Fitzgerald and the Unabomber.