Sininen enkeli vividly depicts the colorful upswing of the 1980s in Helsinki, where money grows on trees, convertibles guarantee the thrill of speed and the solarium is the new sun. Marko Hyyryläinen, who hides his country background, arrives in the city and wants his share of money and love.
The reception for Finland's Independence Day is rudely interrupted when the presidential palace is attacked and the state leadership is taken hostage. Max Tanner of the Security Police is appointed as a negotiator in the hostage crisis, that unfolds as part of a bigger plan to undermine European security.