Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25793 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-11-27
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
• Formats: PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 127 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Bearing absolutely no resemblance to the 1980s TV series that helped to propel Michael Mann into big-time filmmaking, Miami Vice is the kind of serious, and seriously stylish, crime drama that Mann does better than anyone else. As written by Mann himself, this undercover sting thriller doesn't reach the peak intensity of Mann's 1995 classic Heat, and it lacks the tight, nail-biting suspense of Collateral, but that doesn't mean it doesn't occasionally pack a wallop. As Miami detectives Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs (respectively), Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx don't have to do much but mumble their plot-thickening dialogue and look ultra-cool in the casual cop attire, and their partnership is rather lifeless on screen (perhaps owing to the fact that this was a troubled production, with an actual shooting that occurred during filming, and Foxx's refusal to risk his life on dangerous locations in South America). But once Mann shifts into high gear with a plot to foil a powerful drug kingpin (Luis Tosar) and his ruthless middle-man (John Ortiz), Vice pays off with the kind of smart, realistic action that Mann's fans have come to expect. With Chinese superstar Gong Li as Crockett's love interest on the wrong side of the law, Miami Vice covers territory that's a little too familiar, and one suspects Mann's screenplay might've been punched up with a polish or two. Still, this is an above-average crime thriller that demands and rewards close attention, with a climactic shoot-out that's pure Mann, worthy of the brooding drama that precedes it. --Jeff Shannon

Synopsis
Miami Vice follows the violent adventures of Crockett (Colin Farrell) and Tubbs (Jamie Foxx). With Miami at the centre of a global drug trade, their job of stopping illegal trafficking is hard and dangerous work, yet they are also rewarded with gorgeous girls and local celebrity. But their access to wealth, drugs, and power is tempting, and both men continually struggle with personal demons to stay on the right side of the law. In 1984, director Michael Mann made television--and fashion--history with his action-packed, neon-lit crime series, Miami Vice. The series was a hit for five years and became a cultural phenomenon. Now Mann, who has made quite a career for himself in Hollywood, with Oscar-nominated films including Ali, Heat and The Insider, updates his small-screen hit for the movie going public, crafting a sparkling, roller-coaster ride of a movie that is perfectly complemented by its bright colours and kinetic movement. From a frenetic opening scene at a nightclub to an undercover infiltration of a South American drug cartel, the action barely lets up. And when Crockett meets the irresistible Isabella (Chinese bombshell Gong Li), the mistress of hotshot drug dealer Jesus Montoya (Luis Tosar), business mixes dangerously with pleasure, on dance floors and between sheets. As he did with the television show, Mann manages to make a guilty pleasure psychologically nuanced and politically charged--eye candy with depth. And despite the mesmerizing cinematography, the actors manage to be as striking as their surroundings, turning in strong, dynamic performances.

Customer Reviews

speak up, chaps
Having just watched this film, I was about to check myself into a retirement home for the cinematically confused, when I read with relief the reviews set out below.
For the first 30 minutes I had not the faintest idea what was going on. I also wondered whether my hearing was packing up. Typical dialogue sounds like:

"Mmmf n wah fr dhn blog?"
"Nnh. Shah n dorrh na bnng"

It got a bit better if I listened through headphones, pressing the speakers to my ears.

A plot of sorts emerged later on in the film, not that it amounted to much, but it did make the inaudibility of the dialogue less significant. The main attractions are the steely, moody photography and the sense of tragic inevitablilty, remeniscent of the closing scenes of 'Heat'.

If you have seen this in the cinema, don't expect the same on DVD
I saw this in the cinema having not seen the series so I had no comparisons to make. Not a bad film really. Granted I couldnt really understand what anyone was saying, but dont think that mattered very much as the plot is practically non-existant anyway.

The DVD version is cut. No title credits, no powerboat race scene, nothing to lead the viewer into the film. Misses out key observations of the first 'bad guy' that explain to the viewer why Farrell and Foxx are after him. Just starts straight with them trying to frame him. I noticed several other scenes I liked, and that helped the plot, that were missing, but not wanting to spoil what plot there is I'll not list them. Makes what was a mediocre film into a shockingly poor one.

Stunning - visual story for persons capable of reading film - if you need exposition to explain the plot, don't bother
Stunning film making from Michael Mann. I have discussed with others and this film is going to be one you love or hate - I was the only one in 5 people or so who loved it so be wary.

The film opens in a deliberately disorientating fashion - it initially appears to be showing us a police exercise in a night club but almost immediately pulls us out as an informant telephones Crockett & Tubbs to report the trouble he is in. This draws the two into a drugs tale that is told through visuals and whilst complex and stimulating is not complicated. Hence my confusion at the viewers moaning that they did not understand it and who want everything laid out on a plate for them and presumably to switch their brains off when watching a film. If you want to be challenged get this and enjoy, otherwise go and buy something that shows you the plot, explains it and then explains it again.

Stylistically the film appears to be documentary hand held in nature but this is deceptive - look closer and note the stylism in the opening sequence through the lack of car sounds when the white range rovers drive up to the night club. Clearly there is an intelligence in the direction that requires analysis by the viewer to understand the intentions of the film maker. Several viewings will be required to get to grips with this and serious film theory thought on meanings within the meanings. If you are not prepared to spend some time on this film then don't bother.

For the more action orientated fans there is a stunningly filmed sequence in a trailer park that demonstrates the type of talent that Mann brought to Heat and Manhunter.

Maybe it would help you in choosing to buy by knowing I never watched the TV series. Maybe if you did not either then you will find a film of great interest here. Hopefully this short set of notes will help your decision on whether to buy or not.