A film that finally clicked for me after the fourth try. I look into how Michael Mann conjures a feeling with this new technology.
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That overhead traveling shot where Colin and Gong Li are in the boat and Moby is playing is EXQUISITE
honestly changes my life, music and vibe
This film is Michael Mann's Blade Runner; beautiful, brilliant, deep, and underrated.
Dude imagine if Michael Mann directed “The Warriors,” “Blade Runner 2049,” and a James Bond movie
"Thief" was probably Mann's "Blade Runner".
@@gustavoalmanza2673 a 90s Mann bond film would be a classic
After 15 years I finally found why I was so passioned by the cinematography and visuals of this movie. Thank you!
Man, I've been waiting 15 years for someone to catch onto what you've just laid out. This movie came out my first year of film school. I was a massive Mann fan growing up, and he was still my favorite filmmaker at the time. I was also a fan of the TV show, and it put me in a weird spot; I felt like I was the only person on the planet that actually LIKED this movie. Those who were unfamiliar with the show and Mann's themes just didn't understand it, thinking it was meant to be Bad Boys or something generic -- and those who liked the TV show were attached to all the superficial nostalgia and likewise didn't understand the reimagining. From day one, I could recognize that all the core components were present in the film, and I had many debates in which I defended it from all kinds of misunderstood criticism. That's not to say it can't be critiqued, but 99% of the flak this film caught stemmed from general audiences and film critics alike simply not "getting" it. This was still at a time where digital was not widely used as an artistic medium, as you cover. Just two years before this, Collateral achieved some of the most visceral and REAL nighttime cityscapes I'd ever seen in a movie. You can practically breathe the thick air and feel the streetlights humming. It was extremely difficult to explain to people why it clicked, but it just did. Miami Vice took that to another level, which you did a far better job articulating than I ever could. And 15 years later, I adore seeing the cult status this movie has attained. Not to mention the unsung influence it has had on film and TV since. I think we are finally looking back on MV06 with enough time to see how ahead of its time it was. That's something that the world was blind to in 2006 with the inherent comparisons to the 1984 show. It was sidelined as a throwback piece that failed, when in reality, it was covertly achieving what the original show did, but for 2006 and on. It just took a while for us to realize, and it's still quite understated in that endeavor. Shame we never got a sequel, which I do not say often. But at the same time, I'm glad this underdog stands alone and untarnished.
No. He didn't need $150 million to do so.
@@edgarlopez894 "No," what? Didn't need $150 million to do *what* exactly?
@@f-grade The money they spent on this film is not on the screen.
I can't believe more people don't feel the same way as us fans! This movie is a modern masterpiece
F-GradeArt, thanks for the comment, as you said the movie didn't grab everyone right away and with me having seen the show by this point I can say this, I'm no longer mad or disappointed that MV06 wasn't anything like the tv show, I just wish it had a bit more punch to it, it's too subtle, and that's coming from someone who likes subtlety in media.
Those night scenes with the clouds shining the city lights and the thunderstorms in the distance, the night scenes, the mood and everything makes me love this movie. Makes me want to live in Miami hoping it will be exactly as in this movie.
May not be Mann's best, but is the one I enjoyed the most.
After recently rewatching, I still like the movie even though it wasn’t complete to Mann’s vision. It’s no Heat, Manhunter, or Collateral, but the movie was still good, in my opinion. It captured the spirit of the original Miami Vice tv series, which Mann was executive producer on
Well said. I think I agree
do not watch the theatrical version. Director's version only.
@@_JudgeDredd theatrical is better
@@FastEddie86 no sir!
I hope to see this movie in UHD. Collateral was great with night shots but Miami Vice took it to a whole new level.
Just watched it in 4K UHD on Amazon Prime Video on the weekend. It looked great.
I saw Collateral then Miami Vice 6 hours later
I think its his best. Don't care what anyone says, it is beautiful, it is dynamic. Incredible. By far my favourite Mann film. You've broken it down really well, good stuff. I think Farrell and Foxx are the best partnership on film - I adore the lack of exposition of that relationship like in so many other movies. The depth of field is so perfect to the imagination of the world around them, like looking out of your bedroom window and down a street, until the lights become specks and you don't know what is out there. That is this movie for me - your experience is all that matters, but beyond it is a limitless potentiality which you never reach; See Farrell/Gong relationship. Lastly, that final scene of Gong on the boat looking back, her hair in the breeze, Farrell turning away to swaying trees, and the life he always knew he had to return to. Not because it is fated, but because he found that his life was his career and friendships, his loyalties to Rico and Co are too strong to fracture, even in the face of true escape and an endless horizon. Beautiful. Thank you for this.
I wouldn't fault that opinion, man. When you think about it, this film has all of Mann's signature strokes in spades. It's like a pulpy, concentrated energy drink of pure, undiluted Michael Mann. If you like any of his other films for any reason, I feel like MV06 has that reason and more. It makes no apologies, nor does it have any delusions that it's anything higher brow than it means to be. It's not a common concoction -- not that anyone gets right, anyway -- and even in 2006, I don't think audiences were conditioned to giving it much of a chance. Even today, folks tend to tune their minds to either mindless superhero action movies *or* pretentious Oscar bait. They are rarely capable of processing something in the middle that just is what it is.
Dynamic? That's probably the only thing it isn't.
I agree. This is his best.
@@f-grade I don't think it was his best. The original script was more dynamic but the filmed version with the parking lot shootout was the best that could be done, given the circumstances. I heard the production almost fell apart near the end and planned scenes were never shot. The ending isn't much of an ending. It felt like a 2-hour episode coming to a close with next week's episode carrying on from it, yet it keeps the sense of dislocation and immersion going. Like in the ending of Last of the Mohicans, life goes on.
I'm glad other people get this movie for how brilliant it truly is.
Best visual movie of the last 30 years
Must be the only movie you've seen in 30 years.
True, without any cgi and stuff
Very underrated film, I think it's even better now then ever. Everything about that movie was just awesome, sound track, cast, cinematography the story it told and the emotions you felt going along with it. People forget he touch on this in the movie collateral but with Miami Vice he went all the way out there it was risky and I think it was brilliant.
I remember seeing this movie upon it's release in theaters and being wowed. Everyone else i met who had seen this film hated it and thought it was TOO dramatic and the cinematography was unworthy of theatrical presentation yet the only movies they liked we're over produced trash with dialogue meant for a person with special needs. Till this day all these years later, i still look at this film as a monument of breaking the mold of what movies could be at that time. Thank you for making this video.
This is a really great essay!! Lots of people should know how beautiful this movie is
This movie just oozes style and it still looks just as good today.
It is an overlooked gem from Mann, not his best i agree, but it is so captivating that it deserves much more apraisal.
Very overlooked. Good plot. Terrific acting and cast.
@@notundermywatch3163 especially when you consider all the issues on set. Farrell coked up and drunk, Jamie Foxx thinking he was God on Earth, hurricans, shootings! It shows how Mann is just on a complete different level
@@notundermywatch3163Farrell was on a run in that movie. The fact that he was drunk for 90% of the filming just shows how good of an actor he is.
This had its moments the Moby tracks good but will never top HEAT, Collin and Gong have a decent chemistry and Collins Crockett is cool to see realized, but sadly foxx and the fugmonstrous trudy ruin the film with a disgusting sex scene the plot didn't need and feels forced . The magic of MIAMI VICE is long gone and most of the time the dialogue is so lame and mundane it feels like any generic action movie for the mindless sheeple masses shame on you for promoting this go watch the real MIAMI VICE tv show instead.
This movie is a vibe. It gets better each time I watch it
Great video with original analysis. I remember seeing Miami Vice back in 2006 in the theaters and being very much "meh" about it as a film, while also amazed at the cinematography. Your video did a brilliant job of piecing together many of the random thoughts I've had about the film, but couldn't construct into something coherent. Just discovered the channel and am looking forward to working through you collection of videos.
I love this film and everything about it. The story, the actors, the music, it all works for me.
I agree completely, one of my favourite films
Great video. You understood this movie better than the reviewers at the time.
No shit! At the time the radiotimes gave it * and said it looked like it had been shot on an iPhone!!😂
@@themiddleplace were iphones even there in 2006?
@@j0hn84 lol no, maybe means blackberry or something
Manohla Dargis was a rare exception in mainstream "old media" critics
I've always loved the feeling of this movie.. .you feel a sense of danger and realism in the atmosphere at all times. Great analysis!
Finally, an appreciation for this "misunderstood gem" as you perfectly described this film. It's been a personal favorite since seeing it at the cinema in 2006. Love the mood of this movie.
This movie is shockingly underrated!!
I watched this movie yesterday for the first time and i fucking loved it. It had a direct connection to the base of my unconscious and Michael Mann was able to convey 1000x more to my brain with his images than words could ever do. I wish more experimental films were made on such high budget more often
Agreed. Epitome of what a movie should do... show don't tell.
60 and still one of my favorite movies. Ever. And yes, I was a fan of the series.
Beautifully insightful and deep review of an under appreciated masterpiece by one of the greatest directors of our time. Great work.
I agree that the scoring and soundtrack really helped to make Miami Vice 2006. My only disappointment so far is that he's not yet made a sequel to the 2006 release but I remain hopeful. Farrell & Foxx are both eager to reprise their roles. Eddie Marsan, Ciaran Hinds and Barry Shabaka Henley were also great cast picks.
They have never said they wanted to come back.
This movie is full of things that I usually hate (high res digital, handheld etc) in movies yet for some reason is what makes this movie so great.
Thank you! Michael Mann really created an extended emotional mood piece for us as an audience to enter into. I was always surprised by the critics reaction when this film came out. It's fantastic, maybe people were too anchored in the 80's TV show to see what Michael Mann was doing with this. But for me this was an excellent continuation and update to the Crockett and Tubbs storyline.
Underrated movie, not Mann’s best, but for me definitely one of his best!
Where do you rank it?
Probably somewhere 4th, 5th or 6th spot
"Don't listen to the jargon, feel the thickness in the air." You concisely and poetically explained the major reason a lot of folks bounced off of this movie. A lot of the criticism implied people didn't understand what was going on. Actors mumbling and so on. - "the jargon" At least for the first 45 mins. I was looking for a review or at least a good video about MIAMI VICE and this perfectly served my needs. You have a new sub.
you perfectly captured the essence and charm and uniqueness of this film. Miami Vice is one of my favorite films, a beautiful revitalization of the action genre and the peak of Mann's style. Thanks for this video!
Mann's best flick hand's down. I watched this movie monthly when it came out.
This film is so effective in it's intent as a mood piece, that even despite watching it several times, i never really paid attention to or even picked up on the plot until the last time i watched it last week. The atmosphere is so potent, everything feels so cold and yet you can see the humidity in the air, the sunshine, sweat on the characters faces. Then the love scenes (particularly Sonny and Isabella at the diner in Havana) feel so warm. Easily one my favourite films of all time. Great video.
Seriously, this is everything I loved about the movie!
Since the point of view technical, photography, sound editing, soundtrack, the colours, this is one of the bests movies of this Century, better than many Oscar winner movies
There is a great stream of consciousness feel to this. The archetypal imagery is spellbinding.
Between this and Collateral, I feel this is the peak of M. Mann. Tom Cruise in the night club was one moment of cinema that I never forgotten!
Now I know I'm not wrong for being utterly blown away by this masterpiece from first viewing, it seems like a culmination of Micheal's skills as a film maker.
Great video. This is an excellent breakdown. This movie feels like art ... it always struck a chord in me and I have been drawn to watch it multiple times over the years.
Finally someone gets it. Mann was using absolute hard edged realism as a way to portray fatalistic meditation. No movie has ever felt like Miami Vice. It felt utterly bleak, with a constant looming sense of hopelessness. Mann intentionally avoided the usual Hollywood cartoonish thrills. The real underground drug world is not thrilling, it’s suffocating and horrifying. This movie sacrificed entertainment to make us feel that reality. It’s violence (smoky, spark filled shots of bodies being shredded by 50cal rounds in a car) was one of the most visceral and bluntly realistic depictions ever put in a movie. It was a genius movie that truly deserves a second look as an art film.
Masterfully done Mr. Mann and thank you.
Well said sir, Great explanation! We are not watching from a distance, we are on the dancefloor, we are in the plane, we are stooping next to Crocket and also avoiding gunfire. IT WAS INTENSE!
This is a brilliant analysis of this film. You said exactly what I’ve been thinking. I watch this film and there are so many times I’m wondering why has this film not made more money. But you know what, it’s not all about money. I think it’s absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much for making this. Great job.
It is a beautiful film. This is an excellent analysis. I was a fan of the series growing up, and still like it, but this movie ups the ante in every way. More muscular, abstract, restrained, thoughtful, and finally, maximal emotion from guys whose interior world is their careers. It’s fun to watch it once a year and find something new. It doesn’t get old. I’m almost over wanting a sequel, and maybe it’s not needed. But Mann’s Blackhat fills that need, somewhat.
Great analysis. This film actually captures the clash of many stylistic aesthetics and technological leaps of the decade. This how Heat would look in this era.
Love the refreshing topic choice! So refreshing!
The movie is a masterpiece. This video is a masterpiece.
Honestly, comparions to the invincible tv series were what hurt the movie. It would've rated way higher had it not been related to Miami Vice. It's a pretty good actioner actually. With some mesmerizing cinematography.
This isn't Mann's best movie, that would be Heat (in terms of the whole package) and not the most thrilling, that title goes to Collateral, but this is my favorite Michael Mann movie. And probably in my Top 5 movies of all time. It so aesthetically pleasing, real time art unfolding before your eyes.
Absolutely excellent mate. You are the first person I have ever heard apart from myself refer to it as a $100m art movie. Nicely put together too (your vid I mean) keep up the good work.
I called it exactly that too when I tried to get my film buff crew to watch it. They refused because they thought it would be too Hollywood. Not only is that a narrow state of mind but they were dead wrong in the assessment anyways. Masterpiece of a film.
@@MirrorMonolith "their standards are their limitations"
Cheers mate, that was awesome. Well done. I loved that movie. I saw it at the cinema in Stratford CT, a miserable little town in the NE. I went to Miami once for a few hours during a stop over flight to the Caribbean. Always loved that film. Thanks again, very inspiring critique you are right it is overlooked and underrated.
Outstanding movie, some of the best cinematography I’ve ever seen ❤
Miami Vice is perfect. PERFECT!!!
One of my favorite films of all time, great vid
Nice vid. The Keanu Reeves doco Side by Side that studies the transition from film to digital also is a worthy watch - also dipping into Mann's work using the new technology.
This was fantastic! Thanks for your reading. Just subscribed. 🍻
Brilliant, thank you for this.
Nicely put, exactly my thoughts. Great movie.
I loved watching parts of this movie, as a kid, on TV
This is by far the best review of Miami Vice the Movie. Over the years I have grown to appreciate this film . To me , it is a flawed masterpiece. MM is brilliant and Miami Vice is a a true diamond that is only partially rough.
I love this movie, and it’s the Mann movie I’ve rewatched the most. I find it incredibly beautiful, poetic and moving.
There’s a 2007 essay on Miami Vice in Senses of Cinema (“Gravity of the Flux”) that I think is incredible, and really elevated my enjoyment of this film. Do check it out if you haven’t already.
Incredible film. Like a moving painting.
I recently watched Ghost in a Shell (Anime version) And it reminded me of how much I loved Manns Miami Vice.
You touched on some nice points about this Motion Picture, there is a longer cut, I don't think it was called a directors cut technically, it was a special DVD release and probably can be streamed easily. This version starts underwater going from total darkness to popping through the surface at a Go Fast Boat race in Miami which Crockett is racing in. Tubbs is crewing on land with the rest of their team. It is still very Media Res but a much softer entry into the film and it provides a bit of context for the next scene, which is how the film opened in theaters.
I’ve seen both versions but honestly I love the cinematic cut, and how it drops you into the club in media res with that thumping Nina Simone track.
I remember back in 2006, in a nowhere to be found interview, Foxx was badmouthing Mann, saying " the movie is all about him" , since he was himself on a high point in his career. But the result is Mann 100%, actors are just elements in his broader story.
I need to rewatch this one 🔥
The cinematography and sounds are beautiful.
Had never heard that explanation. Very nice. I had a different appreciation for the film. I will for sure watch it again
liked and subscribed! hope to see you delve deep into Mann's other works.
Amen! Loved this film from when I saw it opening night. Highly recommend THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS which is currently uploaded on KZhead to anyone who enjoys MIAMI VICE/ Michael Mann.
what’s the similarity? have always wanted to see BoA
@@qotsashfifty4 It's still on KZhead and I would rather not spoil it.
This is a hidden or may I say stuffed to the bottom of the box Gem !!! There is no part of this movie that would be disappointing A must see and watch over and over ...
Excellent analysis .
Good insightful analysis! Love this movie since it came out. Can't wait for my copy of the new 88 Films edition of this movie (which will be my third edition of the film).
Always been a fan of this movie
I revisit this film quite often to catch some awesome camera shots
Hidden gem is a perfect way to describe this movie. I was 12 when I watched it with my dad back in 2006. Then I rewatched it later when I was grown up and came to appreciate the style and mood of this movie, the soundtrack, the cinematography. In 2018 I finally watched the series the movie was based on. I think I understand why fans of the 80s series felt a bit dejected by the movie. I guess I found ways to enjoy them both within their own contexts. The series was a Mann production, but the movie was Mann's vision and storytelling, for better or worse.
The only other way one could've done a modern take on MV would've been to go in the other direction: saturated and bouncey. I much prefer what Mann did here. He brought MV into the new millennium. He didnt try to drag the 80s or camp kicking and screaming into it. I loved it. Its not your typical cop action thriller. Its more like a ride along. It very much is a mood piece...and thats probably why i keep coming back to it
nice analisis! love this film
Fantastic critic, good job
This is a great essay.
Great explanation.
Im a huge comic book movie fan but this film may be my favorite movie of all time. Makes me want to move to Miami 😂
The shooting scene in this film was just crazy good
Absolutely beautiful Grand Marcus Mann or Michael Mann
Absolutely love this movie and it is severely underrated!
Loved it from day one, still do.
So misunderstood. Great job! Film, and art in general, is about so much more than plot. It's about expression, emotion, beauty. I have synaesthesia, so Mann's films work more so on a sensual and emotional level than a logical one. This is probably the apex of that. I don't think it's his best, but it's close.
One of my favorite movies of all-time
My friends and I were so disappointed when this movie came out. We went to a traditional movie theatre, not online. Now I get it. It's basically like modern day vlogging. Brings you on the journey, warts and all. Very good movie review and commentary. 👍
Hold up! 135 Million....🤮 THIS IS GOOD AF! UNDERRATED GEM👍SOUND GREAT. VISUALS. FACTS! GOOD AZZ CHANNEL🎉🥳💯
This film is FUCKIG TIMELESS fight me if you disagree 😂😂 Love Miami Vice man! Moved to Miami and starting calling myself Miami Steve and drinking Mojitos because of this damn film Long live the goat 🐐 Michael Mann
Wow! That was actually a great essay. Great work and well articulated. I love this movie but it's far too under appreciated.
True Honest too God why is there not more likes love for the Mann Productions especially it have too do with good 👍😊 FRIENDS Homicides Detectives it is so important too me locally being Their Janitor at 18 was the best experience especially with A new born 🍼🐥..baby
Michael Mann Facts
At the opening scene when Colin Farrell is talking on the phone on the roof, there's an airplane flying in the background. That's when I fell in love with the cinematography of the film.
This movie made an hudge impression on me. Weirdly enough I feel like I'm the only one that saw it, especially here in Belgium. People just don't know it.
Love this movie
Love it. It's such a weird movie.
Very underrated. I didn't like it when It came out, thinking it would be "Miami - Heat" but on second watch , wow.
Underrated film