‘Miami Vice’, a 1980s television show, became an immediate sensation in 1986 when it aired on network TV. This show’s main character was Sonny Crocket , a Miami-based detective who pursued colourful criminals and the women who loved them. With its iconic soundtrack and stylish camera angles, Miami Vice became a must-watch for millions of viewers worldwide.
The show’s popularity was fueled by its lavish, and at times bizarre, costuming. The fashion worn by the show’s characters set new style trends in Miami and thousands of men nationwide began wearing kinky hairstyles and bright red suits. Crocket’s signature style led to a worldwide fashion craze for all things Miami Vice, including the use of the now ubiquitous style sunglasses first made famous by the show.
Plot of ‘Miami Vice’
James “Sonny” Crockett is a Miami-based detective searching for criminals who use a mobile electronics laboratory to make counterfeit currency. Crockett was portrayed as both an antihero and a hero. He often took the law into his own hands and broke the rules in pursuit of justice.
Crockett’s co-worker on the show was Ricardo Tubbs, portrayed by Philip Michael Thomas. Unlike Sonny, Ricardo was the “good guy” and a good partner to Crockett.
The show’s supporting characters sometimes played pivotal roles in the pursuit of justice. Eddie Rivera was portrayed by Edward James Olmos and Vernon Masters was portrayed by Phillip Michael Thomas.
Character of ‘Miami Vice’
- Don Johnson as Detective James Crockett
- Philip Michael Thomas as Detective Ricardo Tubbs
- Michael Moriarty as Detective Edward Rivera
- Donal Logue as Detective Sonny Crockett
- Saundra Santiago as Detective Regina Navarro Calabrese
- Olivia Brown as Detective Trudy Joplin
- Michael Talbott as Detective Stanley Switek
- John Diehl as Detective Lawrence Zito
- Gregory Sierra as Lieutenant Louis Rodriguez
Awards won by Miami Vice Series
- Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Cinematography for a Series – Robert E. Collins- 1985
- Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Film Sound Editing for a Series – Charles E. Moran- 1985
- Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Edward James Olmos- 1985
- Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Outstanding Art Direction for a Series – Jeffrey Howard- 1985
- Golden Globes, USA Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama – Don Johnson – 1986
- People’s Choice Awards, USA Favorite TV Dramatic Program 1986
‘Miami Vice’ : Movie
‘Miami Vice’ , a film version of the TV show, was released in the United States on June 5, 2006. Directed by Michael Mann and starring Colin Farell, Jamie Foxx, and Colin Farrell Again directed by Michael Mann, it received mixed reviews from critics and struggled at the box office. However, it has since gone on to be considered one of the worst movies of all time by several critics and fans. As a result, it was nominated for the Worst Screenplay (Directorial) and Most Ridiculous Scenes (Film) at the 49th Golden Raspberry Awards in 2007.
The Miami Vice Theme song was remixed for the feature film. It was written and performed by Jan Hammer and featured in the movie. In a March 2006 interview, Hammer said that he did not have any control over use of his theme in the movie and that he felt he had been robbed of his royalties.
