The late 1990s saw Luc Besson solidify his position as a prominent action director, celebrated for iconic films like Leon and Nikita. As the 21st century dawned, Besson transitioned into production, and one of his early successes was The Transporter. This 2002 film not only became a box office hit but also served as the launchpad for Jason Statham’s now-legendary action movie career.
The Transporter introduces us to Frank Martin (Jason Statham), a former military operative now working as a highly skilled driver for hire in the picturesque South of France. Frank operates under a strict code of three rules: always stick to the agreement, never ask names, and never open the package. His disciplined routine is disrupted when curiosity gets the better of him, and he opens a package to discover Lai (Shu Qi), a bound and gagged Chinese woman. This breach of his own rules throws Frank into a dangerous conflict with American gangster Bettencourt (Matt Schulze), who now wants him eliminated. To survive and resolve the situation, Frank is forced to team up with Lai and reluctantly seek help from Inspector Tarconi (François Berléand), a local police detective, in a bid to bring down Bettencourt’s criminal enterprise.
What The Transporter lacks in narrative complexity – it’s essentially a classic B-movie plot – it more than compensates for with its dynamic and visually arresting action sequences. Director Corey Yuen injects a vibrant, almost MTV-esque energy into the film, making the action a key selling point. The movie is packed with creatively choreographed martial arts fights, intense gun battles, a memorable axe fight, and the now-iconic oil fight scene. While some dated CGI moments occasionally surface, the true strength of the action lies in its practical effects and impressive stunt work. However, the editing choices sometimes detract from the action’s clarity. Specifically, the fight sequence inside the bus suffers from excessive quick cuts and close-ups, making it somewhat difficult to follow. In contrast, the highway chase stands out as a highlight, being more coherent and allowing viewers to fully appreciate the well-executed stunts and combat.
The Transporter marked Jason Statham’s breakthrough as a leading man outside of Guy Ritchie’s films. Statham convincingly embodies the action hero persona, leveraging his physical presence and martial arts skills. Even early in his career, he displayed his characteristic dry wit. Although his attempt at an American accent occasionally falters, Statham’s inherent charisma and menacing screen presence effectively convey Frank Martin’s toughness and capability. He also establishes strong on-screen chemistry with Shu Qi, who brings considerable charm to the role of Lai. Their interactions are surprisingly believable within the heightened reality of the film’s world.
One of the film’s weaker aspects is its portrayal of the villain. Matt Schulze’s Bettencourt comes across as more of a spoiled party boy than a genuinely threatening and ruthless crime boss. Schulze’s performance leans into smug, frat-boy mannerisms, undermining the character’s credibility as a dangerous antagonist. Furthermore, the introduction of Leon, a character who initially overpowers Frank, hints at a potential showdown that frustratingly never materializes. This unresolved thread leaves a sense of missed opportunity in terms of villain development and narrative payoff.
Stanley Clarke’s score for The Transporter adopts a modern, techno-infused style, which largely complements the film’s high-octane pace, especially during the climactic action sequences. The score, combined with the French Riviera setting, evokes faint echoes of The Bourne Identity. However, it’s important to note that The Bourne Identity operates on a significantly more sophisticated and intellectually engaging level than The Transporter.
Ultimately, The Transporter is a relentlessly paced action film that rarely pauses for breath. It delivers consistently entertaining action set pieces and effectively launched Jason Statham’s career as a leading action star. While it might not be a cinematic masterpiece, The Transporter remains a solid and enjoyable action flick, particularly for devoted fans of Jason Statham and the genre itself. It’s a film that prioritizes thrills and spills over deep narrative or complex character development, and on those terms, it largely succeeds.
