After growing up in the tough streets of Panama, Manuel Noriega (Bob Hoskins) joins the military in search of a better life. He finds success there, eventually becoming dictator of the entire country. But he wants to hold on to his leadership at any cost, including murdering those who get in his way and working with dangerous drug cartels. Eventually he goes too far, and everyone, including his wife (Denise Blasor) and his mistress (Rosa Blasi), abandons him as U.S. troops invade.