Endless Journey
Endless Journey is a 2023 Chinese crime drama film produced by Chen Sicheng and directed by Dai Mo. The film stars Zhang Yi, Li Chen, Wei Chen, Cao Bingkun, Wang Xiao, and. It is adapted from the non-fiction short story "Please Tell the Director, the Mission of the Third Squad Is Complete" by Shen Lan.
Plot summary
In 2002, a brutal case of home invasion, rape, and murder shocks Taiping, Guangdong. The Third Criminal Investigation Squad, led by Captain Cheng Bing, vows to crack the case within five days. The investigation quickly targets brothers Wang Dayong and Wang Eryong, who disguise themselves as air conditioner repairmen. During the pursuit, Cheng's mentor Zhang collapses from a cerebral hemorrhage.After Wang Dayong is arrested and blames his brother for the crime, he mocks Cheng by smirking at a photo of Cheng's daughter. Enraged, the squad beats him, resulting in Wang's death. The squad is later convicted of extorting confessions through torture and were imprisoned, losing their police status.
In 2009, Cheng is released from prison. The former squad members have gone their separate ways. Cheng persuades them to reunite and continue pursuing Wang Eryong as civilians. They take on various jobs—security guard, internet café staff, AC repair—to broaden their reach. Over time, each member departs due to personal reasons, leaving only Cheng.
In 2013, now working as a water deliveryman, Cheng tracks Wang Eryong to Tongren, Guizhou. A fight ensues and both are taken to the police. A DNA comparison result confirms Wang's identity, and he is arrested. A police officer assures Cheng that a solid evidence chain is enough for conviction, even without a testimony. As Cheng leaves, he reports: the mission of the Third Squad is complete.
Production
At the end of 2018, Wanda Pictures acquired the adaptation rights for Shen Lan's short story. The project was later recommended to Chen Sicheng's production company, Yiteng Studio.On January 30, 2022, the China Film Administration announced the film's official approval. Filming began on October 25, 2022, and wrapped in Shenyang on December 22.