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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Miami Vice (2006). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


While conducting an undercover sting operation to apprehend a pimp named Neptune, Miami-Dade Police detectives James “Sonny” Crockett (Colin Farrell) and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) receive a desperate call from their former informant, Alonzo Stevens (John Hawkes). Stevens, fearing for the safety of his wife Leonetta, discloses that he intends to flee town. Crockett learns that Stevens had been working with the FBI but has had his cover blown. Swiftly, they alert FBI Special Agent John Fujima (Ciarán Hinds) about Stevens’ predicament. Utilizing a vehicle tracker and aerial surveillance, they manage to intercept Stevens on I-95, where he reveals that the Colombian cartel was aware of the FBI’s involvement from the onset and has threatened Leonetta’s life with a C-4 necklace bomb if he fails to confess. Rico assures Alonzo that he is not obligated to return home, but the weight of despair proves too much for Stevens, who tragically takes his own life by stepping into the path of an oncoming semi-truck.

As they hurry to the murder scene, a call from Lt. Castillo (Barry Shabaka Henley) instructs them to steer clear and to meet him downtown instead. Here, they are introduced to John Fujima, who heads the Florida Joint Inter-Agency Task Force composed of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the FBI. An irate Crockett and Tubbs confront Fujima about the missteps leading to Stevens’ death, questioning why Miami’s police were not involved. Fujima explains that the Colombian operation is highly sophisticated, led by Jose Yero (John Ortiz), who was initially believed to be the group’s chief. Consequently, Fujima enlists the detectives as deputies in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force to further investigate the cartel’s go-fast boats trafficking narcotics from the Caribbean.

Disguised as drug smugglers using the aliases “Sonny Burnett” and “Rico Cooper,” Crockett and Tubbs approach Yero, only to discover that he actually serves as the cartel’s security and intelligence officer. Following a tense meeting, they are introduced to Archangel De Jesus Montoya (Luis Tosar), the notorious kingpin of drug distribution in South Florida. During their investigation, they uncover that the cartel is collaborating with the Aryan Brotherhood to distribute drugs and is equipping them with advanced weaponry. As Crockett becomes increasingly drawn to Montoya’s financial advisor and lover, Isabella (Li Gong), he embarks on a secret romantic entanglement which alarms Tubbs, who worries that his partner is becoming too deeply entrenched in his undercover persona.

The situation escalates when Trudy (Naomie Harris), the unit’s intelligence operator, is kidnapped by the Aryan Brotherhood and threatened with a bomb, mirroring the danger Leonetta faced unless the drugs they were transporting are given directly to the gang. With assistance from Lt. Castillo, they manage to triangulate Trudy’s location at a mobile home in a trailer park, leading to a rescue operation. However, tragedy strikes when Tubbs fails to clear her from danger in time, resulting in a bomb explosion that leaves Trudy critically injured. Soon after, Crockett and Tubbs confront Montoya, Yero, and the Aryan gang at the Miami port in a fierce showdown.

Following the chaos, Crockett calls for backup, and when Isabella spots his police badge, the realization hits her that he’s working undercover. In a state of betrayal, she demands the truth from him. After the confrontation, Crockett must inform Isabella that she must leave the country, sending her back to Cuba for her safety. As she departs on a boat, they exchange a lingering look that speaks volumes. Meanwhile, Tubbs stays at the hospital, holding Trudy’s hand as she begins to regain consciousness from her coma, while Isabella weeps on her boat, and Crockett heads into the hospital to be by Trudy’s side.

Timeline

Track the key events of Miami Vice (2006) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Informant's Desperate Call

Detectives Crockett and Tubbs receive a panicked call from their former informant, Alonzo Stevens. He reveals that his wife is in danger due to their connection with the FBI and discloses his plan to flee town.

Miami-Dade

Stevens' FBI Connection

Crockett learns that Stevens has been working with the FBI, but his cover has been compromised. Realizing the urgency of the matter, they quickly notify FBI Special Agent John Fujima.

Miami-Dade

Intercepting Stevens

Using aerial surveillance and a vehicle tracker, Crockett and Tubbs intercept Stevens on I-95. In a shocking revelation, Stevens informs them that the Colombian cartel knows about the FBI's involvement and has threatened his wife's life.

I-95

Tragic Decision

Overwhelmed by fear and despair, Stevens tragically takes his own life by stepping in front of an oncoming truck. This shocking event leaves Crockett and Tubbs reeling from the consequences of their operations.

I-95

Meeting with Fujima

They receive instructions from Lt. Castillo to meet him downtown, where they are introduced to John Fujima. The detectives confront him about the oversight that led to Stevens' death and the implications for their work.

Downtown Miami

Joining the Task Force

Fujima recruits Crockett and Tubbs as deputies in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. They are informed about the sophisticated Colombian operation led by Jose Yero and the task ahead of them.

Downtown Miami

Undercover Encounter

Disguised as drug smugglers, Crockett and Tubbs approach Yero, only to discover he's not the leader but the cartel’s security officer. They are introduced to Archangel De Jesus Montoya, the notorious kingpin in South Florida.

Miami

Cartel Collaboration

Investigation reveals that the Colombian cartel is collaborating with the Aryan Brotherhood for drug distribution. They learn that the cartel is providing advanced weaponry to this violent group.

South Florida

Crockett's Love Interest

Crockett becomes romantically involved with Isabella, Montoya's financial advisor, which worries Tubbs. Tubbs fears that Crockett is too immersed in his undercover persona, risking their mission.

Miami

Trudy's Kidnapping

Trudy, the unit's intelligence operator, is kidnapped by the Aryan Brotherhood, who threaten her with a bomb. The detectives must act fast to ensure she does not share the same fate as Leonetta.

Mobile Home Park

Rescue Operation

With Lt. Castillo's help, they triangulate Trudy's location and prepare for a rescue. Tragically, their plan falters when Tubbs fails to save her in time, leading to a devastating bomb explosion.

Trailers Park

Showdown at Miami Port

Crockett and Tubbs confront Montoya, Yero, and the Aryan gang at the Miami port. This fierce showdown escalates the conflict, forcing them to fight for their lives and unravel the cartel’s schemes.

Miami Port

Betrayal Revealed

After the chaos, Isabella spots Crockett's police badge and realizes his undercover role. In an emotional confrontation, she demands that he tell her the truth, leading to a painful admission.

Miami Port

Isabella's Departure

Crockett tells Isabella to leave the country for her safety, sending her back to Cuba. Their parting is heart-wrenching, marked by a lingering look that reveals their unspoken bond.

Miami Port

Holding Hope

As Crockett heads to the hospital to check on Trudy, Tubbs remains by her side, holding her hand. Their journey through chaos and betrayal deepens their bond, offering a glimmer of hope amidst despair.

Hospital

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Miami Vice (2006) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


James 'Sonny' Crockett

Crockett is a dedicated Miami-Dade detective who often finds himself torn between his duty and his personal feelings. His attraction to Isabella complicates his undercover work, reflecting his struggle with the duality of his identity.

👮‍♂️ Detective ❤️ Romantic

Ricardo 'Rico' Tubbs

Tubbs is Crockett's partner, known for his loyalty and quick decision-making in high-stakes situations. He is conscious of the dangers posed by their undercover work and worries about Crockett's increasing emotional involvement with Isabella.

👮‍♂️ Detective 🤝 Partner

Isabella

Isabella is the financial advisor to Montoya and becomes romantically involved with Crockett. Her position is precarious as she navigates the overlapping worlds of crime and her feelings for Crockett, culminating in a heartfelt, yet tragic departure.

❤️ Love Interest 💼 Advisor

Setting

Uncover the settings of Miami Vice (2006), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The events of 'Miami Vice' unfold in a modern-day context, reflecting the challenges of policing in a post-9/11 world. This period saw an increase in cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies to combat sophisticated drug trafficking operations.

Location

Miami, Florida

Miami is a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity, beautiful beaches, and bustling nightlife. It serves as a major hub for drug trafficking due to its proximity to the Caribbean, making it a focal point for law enforcement operations against organized crime.

🏙️ City 🚤 Waterways

Themes

Explore the core themes of Miami Vice (2006). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🔍

Undercover

The theme of being undercover permeates the narrative as detectives Crockett and Tubbs navigate the dangerous world of drug cartels. Their dual identities lead to intense situations and moral dilemmas, highlighting the psychological toll of living a lie.

💔

Betrayal

Betrayal is central to the story as personal relationships become intertwined with the malevolent world of crime. Crockett's romantic involvement with Isabella creates tension and ultimately leads to feelings of disillusionment as loyalties are tested.

🚨

Violence

Violence lurks in every corner of the narrative, depicting the harsh realities faced by law enforcement and innocent victims alike. The film portrays the brutality of drug-related crimes, emphasizing the ever-present danger in the world of crime.

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