Review of Miami Vice (2006) by Damjan R — 31 Mar 2013

Directed with a certain authenticity, always a hallmark of Mann's films, this is a modern tale of police living on the edge, both professionally and personally. The visuals of Miami Vice are simply stunning both in cinematography and in the edit which leaves some shot on to let us contemplate and enjoy a moment of respite before the next high tension set piece.

Not really an actors film in a traditional sense, but both Farrell and Foxx occupy the title roles with ounces of style to spare. And while the surface has plenty of sparkle and spectacle, it's the story beneath the story that drives this film, and that's the utter mayhem that being in this line of work causes.

Thematically continuing what he set up in Heat, Mann tells the tragic tale of people who just can't form a secure bond with anyone because that can and sometimes does lead to their downfall. It's a chilling portrait of the less glamorous side of living in crime, and this film certainly shows it.

Recommended for closet criminals and everyone who likes his films with a little something underneath.