Wake of Death 2004
Directed by
Philippe Martinez
Made by
Bauer Martinez Studios
Wake of Death Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Wake of Death (2004). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Ben Archer [Jean-Claude Van Damme] is a former mob enforcer who leaves Marseille behind to start fresh in Los Angeles, where he hopes to build a quieter life with his wife Cynthia Archer [Lisa King] and their son Nicholas Archer [Pierre Marais]. He dreams of legitimacy, a simple family routine, and fewer echoes of the violence that once defined him. But the shadow of his past lingers as he tries to carve out a peaceful existence with the two people who mean the most to him.
Cynthia works as a social worker with the INS, calmly helping to process new arrivals and navigate the harsh realities facing undocumented immigrants. When a ship from Hong Kong is intercepted, she discovers a young girl named Kim [Valerie Tian] among the survivors. Despite strict regulations, she decides to bring Kim home, believing the child could be endangered if she is sent back. She pleads the case for asylum with a compassionate, if improvised, fervor, hoping to buy Kim time while she builds a stronger argument for their safety.
Sun Quan [Simon Yam], a Chinese Triad boss and Kim’s father, has learned where his daughter is and is determined to reclaim her. He relies on his own ruthless network to track her down, and he turns to Sun Quan’s operatives for help as the situation spirals toward tragedy. The pressure mounts when Cynthia’s integrity and the flimsy protection she’s offering Kim clash with the criminal web around them.
A brutal night unfolds at a restaurant where Cynthia, Kim, and a group of workers are dining. The Triads strike, and Sun Quan’s henchmen unleash violence that claims Cynthia’s life, along with the lives of her parents and many others. Ben arrives too late to save his wife and is left to confront a grief that hardens into resolve. He vows to rescue the children and avenge Cynthia, no matter the cost.
To mount a rescue, Ben seeks out Cynthia’s uncle Max [Anthony Fridjhon], a French mobster with his own cadre of loyalists, including Max’s formidable bodyguard Raymond [Claude Hernández] and a trusted friend, Tony [Tony Schiena]. The pair locate Kim and Nicholas, keeping them hidden at Max’s house while Ben plans a direct strike against Sun Quan’s operation. Ben fixes his sights on Andy Wang [Tom Wu], a Triad member he identifies from police mugshots, believing Wang’s movements will reveal the Triads’ next moves.
The plan escalates quickly as Tony and Ben storm a brothel to confront Wang, brutally killing him and several other Triad members. The trail of violence widens when Da Costa [Warrick Grier], the homicide detective assigned to the murders, crosses paths with the escalating conflict. An autopsy at the morgue reveals a chilling fact: the immigrants who died on the ship were being used as drug mules, and a dangerous heroin operation is at the heart of Sun Quan’s syndicate. Da Costa’s involvement in investigating the cogs of the trafficking circle becomes a dangerous liability for everyone involved.
Back at Max’s house, Max and Raymond force Hoggins to confess to his role in the heroin smuggling scheme—and to how the boat will be used that night. Their vigilante justice turns deadly when they torture Hoggins to death, a bitter reminder that this war has no clean lines. Ben returns to the morgue, only to find that Da Costa and the morgue attendants have been killed and the heroin he was pursuing has vanished, carried away by two Triad riders on motorbikes. The hunt intensifies as Sun Quan’s men race to recover their missing cargo and protect Kim and Nicholas.
With Kim and Nicholas hidden, Ben and Tony move to intercept Sun Quan at the docks. They corner Sun Quan’s men aboard a ship, and a fierce confrontation erupts. In the chaotic standoff, Sun Quan holds Nicholas as a hostage, forcing a brutal eye-to-eye moment with Ben. The two men exchange gunfire, and Sun Quan dies in the ensuing exchange, while Ben is grievously wounded. As the police close in, Ben embraces Nicholas, a poignant closing image that marks both a personal victory and the high cost of vengeance.
Wake of Death Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Wake of Death (2004) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Ben Archer relocates to Los Angeles to pursue legitimacy and family time
Ben Archer leaves Marseille and moves to Los Angeles, hoping to pursue a legitimate life. He wants to spend more time with his wife Cynthia and son Nicholas. This relocation signals a shift away from his mob enforcer past toward a family-focused future.
Cynthia takes in Kim and seeks asylum for her
Cynthia discovers Kim among immigrants intercepted at sea and decides to bring her home despite regulations. She argues to a judge and INS agent Mac Hoggins that the girl would be in grave danger if deported and asks for a week to prepare her asylum case. The decision sets off a dangerous chain of events.
Sun Quan discovers Kim and attacks at the restaurant
Sun Quan tracks his daughter to Los Angeles using a corrupt Hoggins and arrives at the restaurant where Cynthia and Kim are dining. He and his Triad henchmen launch a brutal attack, killing Cynthia, her parents, and many workers. The massacre shatters the family and triggers Ben's vow of vengeance.
Ben arrives too late and finds Cynthia murdered
Ben rushes to the restaurant, engages Triad members during the escape, but cannot stop them from getting away while he finds his wife's body. The sight drives him into deep grief and fuels his decision to rescue the children and avenge Cynthia. This moment marks the turning point from protector to avenger.
Ben vows to rescue the children and avenge Cynthia
Overwhelmed by grief, Ben decides to take vengeance and rescue Nicholas and Kim. He resolves to confront Sun Quan and dismantle the Triads' operation, signaling a plan to end the threat. He begins to assemble allies and resources for his mission.
Ben enlists Max, Raymond, and Tony
Ben reaches out to Cynthia's uncle Max, a French mobster, who agrees to help. Max brings in his bodyguard Raymond and friend Tony to support the mission. The group forms an alliance to counter the Triads and locate Kim and Nicholas.
Nicholas and Kim hide at Max's house
Kim and Nicholas are found and kept hidden at Max's house, away from Triad pursuit. The shelter provides time for Ben to plan and for the allies to coordinate. The siblings begin to depend on Max's network for protection.
Ben and Tony raid a brothel to kill Andy Wang
Ben and Tony learn that Triad lieutenant Andy Wang frequents a brothel and storm it, killing Wang along with several other Triad members. The raid demonstrates Ben's ruthless commitment and takes a direct shot at the Triad leadership. The action widens the conflict and tightens the noose around Sun Quan.
Da Costa investigates; Hoggins kidnapped for answers
Da Costa, the homicide detective, reviews the crime scenes and grows suspicious of Hoggins' involvement. Ben and Tony kidnap Hoggins and take him to Max's house, where they brutalize him for answers. The interrogation hints at Sun Quan's heroin-smuggling operation and the plan to move a boat that night.
Max and Raymond kill Hoggins to extract confession
Max and Raymond torture Hoggins to death to exact revenge and expose the depth of Triad corruption. The confession includes Sun Quan's heroin smuggling operation and the boat schedule that night. The death eliminates a key insider and escalates the Triad conflict.
Morgue confrontation and heroin theft
Ben arrives at the morgue to find Da Costa and the immigrants dead and to learn that heroin has been stolen by Triad members on motorbikes. He chases the culprits, reigniting the pursuit across Los Angeles. The morgue scene confirms the breadth of Sun Quan's operation.
Ben rescues Kim; Nicholas is captured by Triads
Back at Max's house, Ben confronts the fleeing Triads and rescues Kim, but Nicholas is kidnapped again. The rescue underscores the personal stakes and raises the emotional toll on Ben. The family is separated once more, raising the stakes for the final confrontation.
Max and Raymond killed; Ben's resolve strengthens
Tony informs Ben that Max and Raymond have been killed, leaving him with fewer allies. The loss hardens his resolve to end Sun Quan's operation and protect what's left of his family. The mission becomes more personal and urgent.
Final assault on Sun Quan at the docks
With knowledge that Sun Quan will be at the docks, Ben and Tony storm his ship and kill the remaining Triad members on board. The assault brings the film toward its climax and intensifies the showdown with Sun Quan. The power struggle inches closer to a definitive end.
Confrontation, Sun Quan's death, and reunion with Nicholas
Sun Quan holds Nicholas as a hostage in a tense standoff; Ben and Sun Quan exchange fire, and Sun Quan is killed. Ben is severely wounded, but the police arrive to secure Nicholas. He embraces Nicholas, bringing a fragile peace and a heavy cost to the family.
Wake of Death Characters
Explore all characters from Wake of Death (2004). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Ben Archer (Jean-Claude Van Damme)
Former mob enforcer turned aspiring legitimate, Ben Archer is driven by loyalty to his wife and son. He is pragmatic, skilled in handling violence, and willing to bend rules to protect his family. His grief after Cynthia's murder pushes him into a ruthless mission of revenge.
Cynthia Archer (Lisa King)
An INS social worker, Cynthia uses her position to help immigrants but faces grave danger when she brings Kim home. Her decision to advocate for Kim sets off a chain of violence that claims her life and shatters her family. Her absence becomes the catalyst for Ben's vengeful quest and the fight for the children's safety.
Kim (Valerie Tian)
A young girl from Hong Kong who escapes the ship and finds refuge with the Arches. Her presence anchors the human stakes of the conflict and motivates rescue. Kim's vulnerability and resilience drive the emotional core of the story.
Sun Quan (Simon Yam)
Powerful Triad boss who ordered violence to reclaim his daughter and maintain control. He is calculating and ruthless, using intimidation and violence to achieve his goals. Sun Quan's pursuit of Kim forces Ben into a moral and physical showdown.
Max (Anthony Fridjhon)
Cynthia's uncle, a French mobster who offers protection and muscle for Ben's plan. He supplies the network and resources needed to take on the Triads. Despite being on the side of vengeance, Max also embodies the complex loyalties of crime figures.
Raymond (Claude Hernández)
Max's loyal bodyguard who participates in operations and shares in the brutal aspects of the plan. He provides manpower and a willingness to cross lines for the cause. Raymond's presence highlights the criminal code of honor in their world.
Tony (Tony Schiena)
Ben's ally who helps in tracking down Sun Quan's operations and storming the brothel. He is resourceful, street-smart, and deeply committed to stopping the Triads' plan. Tony's actions underscore the line between justice and violence.
Andy Wang (Tom Wu)
A Triad member who frequents the brothel and becomes a target of Ben's vendetta. His capture and killing are part of dismantling the Triads' network. The violence surrounding Wang reflects the personal nature of the conflict.
Mac Hoggins (Danny Keogh)
An INS agent who betrays the system by colluding with the Triads. He becomes a target for Ben's vengeance after he fails to protect the innocent. Hoggins' torture and death mark a brutal turning point in the pursuit of truth.
Da Costa (Warrick Grier)
A homicide detective assigned to the cases tied to Cynthia's death and Wang's murders. He uncovers the drug-smuggling operation but is also drawn into the danger surrounding Ben's quest. Da Costa's life is endangered as violence escalates.
Judge Brown (Bo Petersen)
A judge who is persuaded to see Kim's case as dangerous and worthy of asylum consideration, despite systemic constraints. Her decision becomes a pivotal legal moment in the narrative. The judge's role shows how law and corruption can intertwine in the quest for safety.
Wake of Death Settings
Learn where and when Wake of Death (2004) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Location
Marseille, Los Angeles
Ben Archer relocates from Marseille, a historic port city in southern France, to Los Angeles seeking a quieter life. The action unfolds across Los Angeles—from a restaurant scene to a dockside confrontation and a courtroom-tinged chase. The film blends European origins with a modern West Coast crime backdrop.
Wake of Death Themes
Discover the main themes in Wake of Death (2004). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🗡️
Revenge
Ben Archer's personal tragedy triggers a relentless pursuit of vengeance against Sun Quan and the Triads. He engages in brutal acts, including torture of a corrupt inspector and dramatic raids, to bring the criminals to justice. The pursuit blurs lines between justice and vengeance, testing his humanity. The final dockside showdown seals a deadly fate for both sides and leaves him morally changed.
👪
Family
Ben's motive expands beyond revenge to protecting Nicholas and Kim, the children caught in the crossfire. He partners with Cynthia's associates to keep the youngsters safe and out of Triad hands. The film places family loyalty at the center of choices, showing how love complicates justice. Their safety becomes a constant motivation driving risky decisions.
🕵️
Corruption
The story exposes corruption within law enforcement and organized crime, with Hoggins implicated in heroin smuggling and deceit. Ben's actions reveal a systems-level rot as he confronts both criminals and compromised officials. Da Costa's investigation and subsequent violence illustrate the peril of pursuing truth in a corrupt environment.
Wake of Death Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Wake of Death (2004). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the sun‑baked streets of Los Angeles, a city where the glitter of Hollywood masks a restless underworld, Ben Archer tries to leave his violent past behind. Once a feared enforcer for a Marseille crime family, Ben has built a modest life with his wife, Cynthia Archer, and their young son, hoping that ordinary routines will finally eclipse the echoes of his former world. The couple’s quiet existence is rooted in ordinary concerns—work, school, and the simple desire for safety—yet the shadow of Ben’s old life lingers, a silent reminder that the past is never far away.
When a refugee ship from Hong Kong brings a vulnerable child into Cynthia’s compassionate care, the delicate balance of Ben’s new life is threatened. The child’s unknown ties draw the attention of a powerful Chinese Triad, hinting at the reach of an ominous kingpin who will not easily let a stray be taken. As the city’s multicultural tapestry tightens around them, the promise of a peaceful future begins to fray under the weight of unseen forces.
Faced with a personal tragedy that forces him to confront the ghosts of his former profession, Ben is propelled back into the world he tried to abandon. Old allies—men who once fought beside him in the shadows—reappear, offering both a chance at redemption and a reminder of the ruthless code that once defined them. The tone is taut and gritty, a relentless blend of street‑level grit and high‑stakes suspense, where loyalty is tested and every choice carries a heavy price.
“Wake of Death” sets its story against a backdrop of neon‑lit alleys and stark desert expanses, weaving a mood of simmering tension that hints at a war brewing beneath the surface. The film promises a relentless, pulse‑pounding journey as Ben navigates the thin line between vengeance and salvation, driven by an unyielding desire to protect what remains of his shattered world.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.