Miami Vice (2006) Revisited: Michael Mann’s Hypnotic Crime Masterpiece

I had the pleasure of rewatching Miami Vice the other day and was reminded of what a great experience this film is. I wondered if I’d still enjoy it after years away, but within the first five minutes, I caught myself thinking, “Oh right, this is a classic.” One thing I love about this movie is that it throws you right into the action. It doesn’t hold your hand—you’re expected to let go of any preconceived notions and just ride the wave. You hear a few seconds of music, and suddenly you’re inside a seedy Miami nightclub, right as things are about to get intense. The two protagonists, played by Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, carry themselves with a cool, subdued demeanor that feels authentic rather than over the top.

Miami Vice was released in 2006 to a lackluster response, but its appreciation has steadily grown over the years. Critics, filmmakers, and fans have come forward to sing its praises, and I think that says a lot about the depth of this film. What some initially saw as just another disposable Michael Mann movie reveals itself, on closer inspection, to be layered and rich in design. It practically begs for rewatching. I guarantee that on your second or third viewing, you’ll catch details that went unnoticed the first time around.

This may not be Mann’s most famous work—or even his best—but it’s my personal favorite. The cinematography is sublime and ahead of its time. Mann shot most of it using digital cameras, and he places you directly in the thick of things. You feel like a fly on the wall during tense conversations. The spontaneous boat trip to Havana, underscored by a haunting Moby track, is a standout—visually and emotionally powerful. That sequence alone gave me chills. The atmosphere lingers long after the credits roll.

Miami Vice deserves the Criterion Collection treatment, and if it ever gets released that way, I’d buy a copy instantly. This is a film that improves with repeat viewings. There’s just as much going on in the margins as there is in the main plot. It looks like no other film and embraces the digital look rather than trying to disguise it. Dion Beebe, who also shot Collateral, lends it a distinct texture that works in harmony with Mann’s vision.

What fascinates me is how divisive the film still is. Some hail it as a masterpiece. Others call it boring. Some see it as an art-house crime thriller hybrid. Others view it as a total misfire. But love it or hate it, people feel something about this movie—and that speaks volumes. As the years pass, more viewers are waking up to what makes Miami Vice so electrifying. It refuses to play by the rules and never apologizes for it.

What really stays with me is how Miami Vice feels more like a mood than a movie. It isn’t about plot mechanics or grand character arcs. It’s about the sensation of existing in this twilight world where everything is perpetually on edge. Mann plays with time, silence, pacing, and sudden violence in a way that hypnotizes. It’s less about tracking the story and more about sinking into it.

There’s also something oddly romantic about it—not just in the relationships, but in how it treats the night, the rain, the neon glow of the city. You can tell Mann was chasing a feeling, and that’s why it’s endlessly rewatchable. Each return reveals something new—a glance, a line delivery, a strange digital flicker in the background—that draws you deeper into its rhythm. It’s not a perfect film, but that imperfection is part of its charm.

Also, Read – All Michael Mann Movies (Including Ferrari), Ranked

And yes, I have to mention the humor. Colin Farrell’s character says he’s a “fiend for mojitos” about a hundred times—it’s hilarious. There are little moments like that sprinkled throughout the film that catch you off guard. Whether intentional or not, this movie has a sly sense of humor, and it works in its favor.

This is a film that isn’t confined by genre. It relishes risk. It doesn’t adhere to traditional storytelling. It’s somehow both boring and exciting—not boring in a bad way, but in the dreamlike way that washes over you. Miami Vice feels like a sleek crime thriller filtered through the lens of a cult midnight movie. It hypnotizes, and when it ends, you’re left craving more.

Where to watch Miami Vice