Company Man 2001

Comedy

Box Office

$146K

Budget

$16M

Runtime

86 min

Language

English

Directed by

Peter Askin

Made by

Intermedia

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Company Man Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Company Man (2001). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Ji Hyeong-do, a skilled assassin, operates under the pretense of running a metal fabrication firm, crafting a dangerous alias that has solidified his status as a highly respected hitman. However, everything changes when he’s ordered to eliminate his young protégé, Ra-Hun. This pivotal assignment ignites a journey that forces Hyeong-do to reassess his identity and the very nature of his grim profession.

During a visit to Ra-Hun’s residence, Hyeong-do encounters the enchanting Yu Mi-Yeon, a former singer and now Ra-Hun’s mother. This unexpected meeting between Hyeong-do and Yu Mi-Yeon triggers a series of events that will deeply impact both their lives. Simultaneously, turmoil brews within the company as a grieving colleague, struggling with the recent loss of his son, begins to question the moral implications of their line of work and seeks a discussion with Hyeong-do.

With tension rising, Hyeong-do is caught in a conflict between his obligations to the company and the budding relationship with Mi-Yeon. His boss, Kwon, disapproves of this emotional shift and the ensuing friction becomes critical when Hyeong-do is ordered to take action against his distraught coworker.

As pressure mounts, Hyeong-do must face the reality of his life choices. Defying the company’s mandates propels him into a fierce struggle for survival against former allies. In a desperate attempt to build a future with Mi-Yeon, Hyeong-do embarks on a treacherous path leading to an intense confrontation where only one side can prevail.

After the dust settles, Hyeong-do emerges from the chaos, wounded yet resolute. With law enforcement closing in, he finds himself with no option but to submit to the consequences of his past actions. While the curtain might seem to close on his career as an assassin, for Ji Hyeong-do, this marks the beginning of a new journey — one that will be shaped by the love he experienced with Mi-Yeon and the quest for redemption.

Company Man Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Company Man (2001) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Ji Hyeong-do's dual life

Ji Hyeong-do is a highly skilled assassin who successfully hides his true profession behind the facade of running a metal fabrication firm. This duality has allowed him to build a respectable reputation while engaging in a dangerous and morally ambiguous lifestyle.

The fateful assignment

Hyeong-do receives a chilling order to eliminate his young protégé, Ra-Hun. This unexpected task forces him to reflect on his choices and the implications of killing someone he has trained and mentored.

Meeting Yu Mi-Yeon

During a visit to Ra-Hun's home, Hyeong-do encounters Yu Mi-Yeon, Ra-Hun's mother. This enchanting former singer captivates him and begins to alter his perception of his current life and the decisions he faces.

Ra-Hun's residence

Colleague's grief and moral questioning

A colleague at Hyeong-do's company, still reeling from the recent loss of his son, approaches him to discuss the ethical consequences of their work. This conversation highlights the conflicting feelings Hyeong-do has about his profession.

Growing tension with Kwon

As Hyeong-do develops feelings for Mi-Yeon, his boss Kwon notices the emotional shift and grows increasingly uneasy about it. This friction creates a divide between Hyeong-do and the company, complicating his loyalties.

Conflicting obligations

With the pressure mounting, Hyeong-do struggles between following orders from Kwon and nurturing his relationship with Mi-Yeon. This internal conflict intensifies when he is forced to confront his troubled coworker.

Defiance against orders

Deciding to break away from the company's directives, Hyeong-do chooses to protect his colleague instead of following through with the orders. This act of defiance plunges him into violent repercussions.

Struggle for survival

As he acts against his former allies, Hyeong-do finds himself in a fierce struggle for survival. The consequences of his decisions lead to dangerous encounters that test his skills as an assassin.

The intense confrontation

Hyeong-do embarks on a treacherous path that culminates in an intense confrontation with his former allies. Here, the stakes are high, and only one side can emerge victorious from this deadly showdown.

Aftermath of the chaos

Following the confrontation, Hyeong-do is left wounded but more resolved than ever. Despite the perilous situation, he begins to envision a different life, one shaped by love and the pursuit of redemption.

Facing the consequences

Law enforcement begins to close in on Hyeong-do, forcing him to confront the fallout of his past actions. This tension marks a crucial turning point where he must reckon with his choices.

A new beginning

As his life as an assassin appears to come to an end, Hyeong-do sees this as the beginning of a new journey. Influenced by the love he found with Mi-Yeon, he seeks a path toward redemption and healing.

Company Man Characters

Explore all characters from Company Man (2001). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Ji Hyeong-do

Ji Hyeong-do is a complex character who embodies the duality of a skilled assassin and a man in search of redemption. As he grapples with the orders to kill his protégé, he begins to question his life choices and the morality of his actions. Hyeong-do's transformation is catalyzed by his interactions with Mi-Yeon, showcasing his inner conflict and humanity.

🕵️‍♂️ Assassin 💔 Lost

Yu Mi-Yeon

Yu Mi-Yeon is a former singer who represents a life of dreams and aspirations, contrasting sharply with Hyeong-do's dark world. Her strength and resilience shine through her caring nature, especially as a mother. Mi-Yeon's character serves as a beacon of hope for Hyeong-do, compelling him to reconsider his values and the path he's on.

🎤 Singer ❤️ Hope

Ra-Hun

Ra-Hun, as Hyeong-do's protégé, symbolizes youth and the potential for change within the assassin's life. His innocent demeanor and close bond with Mi-Yeon create a heartfelt connection that influences Hyeong-do to reflect on his choices. Ra-Hun's character is essential in triggering the moral dilemmas faced by Hyeong-do throughout the film.

👦 Protégé 🌱 Innocence

Kwon

Kwon functions as the antagonist who embodies the ruthless nature of the assassination business. His disapproval of Hyeong-do's emotional evolution creates tension and drives the narrative forward. Kwon's character serves to highlight the internal struggle between obligation and personal growth within a morally ambiguous setting.

💼 Boss ⚖️ Morality

Company Man Settings

Learn where and when Company Man (2001) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The film operates in a contemporary setting where traditional values clash with modern dilemmas. The fast-paced life of the protagonist highlights the moral complexities faced by individuals in today’s society, particularly those entangled in crime. The narrative reflects themes of personal struggle and moral ambiguity prevalent in modern crime dramas.

Location

Ra-Hun's residence

Ra-Hun's residence serves as a crucial setting in the film, as it marks the turning point in Hyeong-do's journey. It is a place of personal encounters, filled with emotional weight due to the connections that intertwine the characters' lives. The home stands out as an emblem of warmth and familial ties in contrast to the cold world of assassination.

🏠 Home

Company Man Themes

Discover the main themes in Company Man (2001). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💔

Redemption

The quest for redemption is central to Hyeong-do's narrative. As he navigates the violent expectations of his profession, Hyeong-do's encounters with Mi-Yeon and the implications of his actions inspire a deep yearning for change. This theme emphasizes the possibility of transformation and the fight against one's past mistakes, setting the stage for potential renewal.

⚔️

Conflict

Conflict arises not just externally with the people in Hyeong-do's life, but also within himself. The struggle between loyalty to the company and his feelings for Mi-Yeon forces him to confront his values and responsibilities. This delicate balance highlights the intense interpersonal drama that unfolds amid the backdrop of a dangerous profession.

👨‍👦

Family

Family plays a significant role in the film, showcased through the relationship between Ra-Hun and his mother, Mi-Yeon. The emotional turmoil faced by the characters underscores how family dynamics can influence personal choices and reveal deeper truths about one’s identity. The connections between family members deeply impact the protagonist's journey toward self-discovery.

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Company Man Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Company Man (2001). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In the unassuming corridors of a Connecticut grammar school, routine lessons are suddenly eclipsed by the arrival of a bewildering new assignment. Allen Quimp, a well‑meaning teacher whose biggest challenge has usually been controlling a noisy classroom, finds himself thrust into the shadowy world of espionage with little more than his endearing awkwardness and a stack of lesson plans for cover. The film paints a picture of a sleepy New England town juxtaposed against the high‑stakes, globe‑spanning intrigue of Cold‑War‑era covert operations, where even the most ordinary of citizens can become the linchpin of a daring mission.

The CIA, reimagined as a quirky, off‑beat ensemble rather than a polished secret service, recruits Quimp and places him at the helm of an unconventional team tasked with thwarting Castro’s ambitions. The tone balances deadpan humor with the absurdity of a schoolteacher navigating encrypted communications, covert rendezvous, and the ever‑present pressure of maintaining his double life. The world feels both familiar and delightfully askew: classrooms morph into briefing rooms, chalkboards become tactical maps, and the ordinary rhythms of suburban life pulse beneath a veil of secret agendas.

At its core, the story is a character study of Quimp—his earnest sincerity, his clumsy charm, and his relentless optimism in the face of bewildering danger. Surrounded by a motley crew of equally eccentric operatives, he must learn to reconcile his innate desire to nurture and educate with the cunning demands of espionage. The film promises a playful, heart‑warming adventure that celebrates the notion that heroism can emerge from the most unlikely of places, all while keeping the audience guessing about just how far this unlikely spy will go before the line between lesson plan and life‑or‑death mission blurs.

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