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Rogue City

Rogue City 2020

Directed by

Olivier Marchal

Olivier Marchal

Made by

Netflix

Netflix

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Rogue City Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Rogue City (2020). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


When an armed anti-gang squad from Marseille, led by Richard Vronski, is tasked with escorting notorious gang leader Paul Maranzano between prisons, a request comes that changes everything. Maranzano seeks to visit his ailing wife, who is suffering from terminal cancer, and at her request, he ultimately suffocates her with a pillow, believing he is relieving her pain. In a grim twist of fate, he expresses gratitude to Vronski for facilitating the visit.

Meanwhile, chaos unfolds as a gang connected to the Corsican family, the Bastianis, executes a mass shooting at an outdoor bar, targeting a rival gang led by Franck Nadal. The attack leaves nine people dead, and amidst the chaos, a gang member named Rizzo gets knocked down but manages to escape the shootout by blending in with the victims. However, the police apprehend him for questioning. During an interrogation, it’s revealed that Detective Mario Costa has been corruptly working for the Bastianis, having previously tipped them off about the rival gang’s visit to the bar. To eliminate Rizzo and cover his tracks, Costa stages a fight and murders him, even going so far as to plant his service weapon in Rizzo’s hands to frame him.

As tensions rise within the police ranks, Detective Willy Kapellian](/actor/stanislas-merhar) struggles with personal issues, including a deteriorating marriage and excessive drinking. His recklessness lands him in a precarious situation one night when he drives away with Leonetti’s daughter after an altercation, only to be fired upon by gang members. Knowing the implications of the incident, Captain Vronski steps in to take Willy’s blood alcohol test to protect him from losing his job, resulting in his own suspension after Chief Leonetti discovers the truth.

In a move to redeem themselves, Vronski’s unit plans an unauthorized ambush on the Bastianis while they conduct a major drug deal. They utilize confiscated weapons in their mission, thanks to a tip from Maranzano. However, rival gang activity disrupts their plans as Nadal learns of the operation through Costa’s corrupt practices. During the ensuing four-way gunfight, a serious incident occurs in which an undercover narcotics agent embedded with the Spanish drug smugglers is killed, escalating the conflict even further. Shortly afterward, in the wake of damning evidence against Willy surfacing, he takes the unthinkable step of killing his family and then himself, unable to cope with his reality.

As the web of corruption tightens, Nadal kills Costa and his wife in revenge for perceived betrayal. The stakes rise when Leonetti’s daughter discovers incriminating evidence in Costa’s diary, linking him to payments from the Bastianis. This pivotal moment propels Vronski into a deep entanglement with criminal elements as the Narcotics Bureau Special Ops chief Stephan Jakowitz confronts him about his unit’s involvement in the ambush, further complicating Vronski’s position.

Desperate to extricate himself from impending disaster, Vronski agrees to work with the Bastianis to eliminate Nadal and his crew. After accomplishing this, he cleverly ensures that the blame for the undercover officer’s death falls on them, enabling Leonetti to close the case against Nadal’s gang, ultimately leading to Vronski’s resignation. He prepares to escape with a portion of the spoils, leaving behind the other half for his surviving unit members, Zach and Max.

However, the narrative takes a dark turn as members of the anti-gang unit are systematically hunted down, including Vronski himself. The film crescendos with the murder of Chief Leonetti and the Bastiani matriarch, revealing a larger plot orchestrated by the head of Special Ops to avenge the loss of their undercover agent. As the film concludes, an ominous scene depicts the chief observing the impending demise of Leonetti’s daughter, leaving audiences shocked by the intricate layers of betrayal and reprisal that have unfolded.

Rogue City Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Rogue City (2020) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Paul Maranzano's Request

Gang patriarch Paul Maranzano, escorted by an anti-gang squad led by Richard Vronski, requests to visit his terminally ill wife in the hospital. This heartfelt moment sets off a chain of tragic events, highlighting Maranzano's complicated personal life amidst his criminal activities.

Hospital

Ending of Suffering

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Maranzano suffocates his wife with a pillow at her request to end her suffering from cancer. After this act, he expresses gratitude to Vronski for facilitating their meeting, intertwining personal grief with his criminal existence.

Hospital

Mass Shooting at the Bar

The Bastianis gang launches a brutal attack on a rival gang at an open-air bar, leading to a mass shooting that claims nine lives. This event underscores the violent rivalry between gangs in Marseille and sets the stage for the ensuing conflict.

Open-air bar

Rizzo's Escape Attempt

After being hit during the shooting, Rizzo finds himself trapped and hides his weapons to blend in with the victims. His connection to the gang leads him into police custody for questioning, creating tension within the investigation.

Police station

Detective Costa's Betrayal

Detective Costa, who had been secretly working for the Bastianis, deceives Rizzo during his interrogation and kills him. This act of betrayal reveals the deep corruption within the police force and implicates Costa in the gang's operations.

Police station

Willy Kapellian's Crisis

Detective Willy Kapellian, struggling with a failing marriage, spirals into excessive drinking and makes reckless decisions. On one such night, he finds himself in danger after being shot at by gang members, complicating his already troubled life.

City streets

Captain Vronski's Sacrifice

In a moment of loyalty, Captain Vronski takes a blood test for Willy to save him from losing his job due to drunk driving. This act of camaraderie ultimately leads to Vronski's suspension, highlighting the difficult choices faced by those in law enforcement.

Police precinct

Ambush on the Bastianis

Vronski's unit, seeking redemption, plans an unsanctioned ambush on the Bastianis during a drug shipment. The situation escalates into a chaotic shootout involving multiple parties, marking a critical turning point in the drug war.

Creek near Marseille

Tragic Shootout

Amidst the chaos of the ambush, an undercover narcotics agent is killed, intensifying the conflict between the gangs and law enforcement. This event serves as a catalyst for further violence and tragedy in the storyline.

Creek near Marseille

Will's Desperate Act

Facing overwhelming evidence against him tied to the undercover officer's death, Willy Kapellian resorts to a tragic act by murdering his family before turning the gun on himself. This shocking development reflects the profound psychological toll of the drug war.

Nadal's Revenge

In a brutal act of vengeance, Nadal murders Detective Costa and his wife, holding Costa responsible for the events that unfolded. This violence underscores the themes of betrayal and retribution that permeate the narrative.

Discovery of Costa's Diary

Leonetti's daughter uncovers Costa's diary, revealing critical payments made by the Bastianis. She hands the diary to Vronski, which ignites further intrigue and investigation within the anti-gang unit.

Vronski's Deal with the Bastianis

To clear his name, Vronski makes a dangerous pact with the Bastianis, agreeing to eliminate their rival gang, Nadal. This decision leads to a violent confrontation, further entangling Vronski and his team in the criminal underworld.

Vronski's Departure

After completing the deal with the Bastianis, Vronski quits the police force and takes off with a significant portion of the money, leaving the remaining half for his loyal unit members. This marks his full descent into corruption and the criminal lifestyle.

Final Retribution

In a grim conclusion, members of Vronski's unit, along with Vronski himself, are systematically murdered as retribution for their actions. The killings are orchestrated by the Narcotics Bureau chief, linking back to the consequences of the earlier ambush.

Rogue City Characters

Explore all characters from Rogue City (2020). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Richard Vronski

As the leader of the anti-gang unit, Richard Vronski embodies the complexity of a flawed hero caught in a morally ambiguous world. Striving to combat crime while battling his own ethical dilemmas, he makes a series of tragic decisions that ultimately lead to disaster. His character showcases the heavy toll of law enforcement and the personal sacrifices made in the line of duty.

🕵️‍♂️ Detective 💼 Leadership

Katia de Vrindt

Katia is a significant character whose life takes a tragic turn, revealing the personal toll of crime on families. Her circumstance adds emotional depth to the story, as she interacts with the central players within the conflict. Through her, the film explores themes of love, loss, and longing for a better life.

❤️ Love 😢 Loss

Ange

Ange serves as the Divisional Commissioner and symbolizes the overarching authority in the police force. He embodies the internal conflict within law enforcement, straddling the line between upholding justice and succumbing to the pressures of a corrupt system. His interactions with Vronski highlight the complexity of navigating loyalty and integrity in a challenging environment.

🚔 Authority 📈 Power Dynamics

Rogue City Settings

Learn where and when Rogue City (2020) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The events of 'Rogue City' unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting the present-day challenges faced by law enforcement in urban areas plagued by gang violence and corruption. This current timeframe adds a sense of realism to the narrative, emphasizing the ongoing issues of crime and moral ambiguity prevalent in modern society.

Location

Marseille

Marseille, located on the southeastern coast of France, is known for its rich history as a major Mediterranean port. The city is often associated with organized crime due to its reputation for drug trafficking and gang violence, making it a backdrop for many crime dramas. In 'Rogue City', Marseille's gritty streets serve as the battleground for a brutal struggle between law enforcement and ruthless gangs.

🏙️ City 🚓 Law Enforcement

Rogue City Themes

Discover the main themes in Rogue City (2020). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🔫

Corruption

Corruption is a central theme in 'Rogue City', showcased through the actions of various characters within law enforcement who are deeply intertwined with criminal enterprises. The film highlights the moral dilemmas faced by individuals who operate in a system riddled with deceit, as loyalty and justice blur in the pursuit of power and survival.

💔

Tragedy

Tragedy permeates the narrative, underscoring the devastating consequences of violence within both the criminal and police worlds. Characters are often caught in a web of personal and professional losses, leading to a cycle of revenge and despair that ultimately results in their downfall.

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