User Reviews

I still rate this pretty high even if the last 10 minutes got totally out of hand and went crazy, action-wise. By "out-of-hand," I mainly refer to the usual excessive action and bad guys-keep-missing-good guys-even-from-short range-type mentality. Actually, a lot of the film is that but it's such a fun movie that I didn't care.

Jason Statham is very cool in the lead and it's he that makes this a decent film. I also enjoyed Shu Qi, a very pretty woman; the witty dialog of Francois Berleand and some stylish, tongue-in-cheek directing by Louis Leterrier and Corey Yuen. Another director whose films are known for their hip styles also co- wrote this: Luc Besson.

Some of the action scenes are outrageous. To Statham's credit, he did most of the action scenes himself. I guess he's a tough guy in real life, too. He's pretty amazing.

A no-brainer-but lots of fun movie.

The Transporter (2002) was a fun action film that was directed by Jet Li's fight director Corey Yuen and it starred Jason Statham. Jason stars as Frank Martin. He's a hired gin who does driving jobs for a hefty fee. For his services he'll use his superb driving skills to get his paying customers out of a jam. He asks no questions and needs precise instruction in order to perfectly time his getaways. His number one rule is to never ask questions. One day he takes a gig from a sleazy and shady man named Betancourt (Matt Schulze). Instead of delivering the goods, he breaks his number one rule and peeks inside the package...

A fun action film filled with bone breaking action and wild stunts. People have unfairly slammed this movie for being unrealistic. What do you expect? The action scenes are performed to flamboyant ans stylized you have to suspend belief. It's one of those movies that doesn't throw in realism all of a sudden to make the movie more interesting. Jason Statham is pretty cool as well as the Transporter and he seems legit, not another tough guy phony. HE looks like he can knock the tar out of you in a real fight. Co-stars Shu Qi (she learned to speak English phonetically for her role in this movie).

Highly recommended.

There's no question that Luc Besson is one of Europe's biggest action producers. I mean with the cult classics "La Femme Nikita" (1991) and "The Professional" (1994) behind him, he's basically been given the green-light for every big action picture he comes across. One of his latest and most ambitious projects was "The Transporter," released in 2002.

I have to admit this is one flick I approached with a very open mind - very open. I mean, I like Jason Statham. I think he's a pretty cool guy and at first, even I questioned his casting as Frank Martin in "The Transporter." But the problem is, and I'm assuming this is the result of the quickly edited action scenes (which were toned down to make the film "PG-13"), he's not being given the room to really be the best he can be.

As the lead character, he's a transporter. He can get you, your associates or your property anywhere, anytime, on time, no questions asked. But you know what? Common sense tells us that it was curiosity that killed the cat, and the cat in this picture thankfully doesn't die some horrible death but instead, curiosity yields him a break - a beautiful woman named Lai (Shu Qi) - bound and gagged, and in the trunk of his BMW.

It's not spoiling much that she and Frank get together and as a result, are forced to do battle with shady and vicious American businessman Wall Street (Matt Schulze) and his army of high-kicking, disposable assassins. There's a little more to the plot and Lai, and the circumstances surrounding her appearance in the trunk of Frank's car, and it involves some smuggling of poor Chinese immigrants from China to Europe, where much of the action takes place.

Speaking of action and there's plenty of it, Statham does display some pretty impressive moves but the frantic editing just doesn't do him justice. He obviously worked out for this part and there are frequent moments when his ripped torso is on display. He also (barely) manages to shy away any possible accusations that he's just a British novelty to American audiences. Director Corey Yuen (whose work on Jet Li's 2001 action film "Kiss of the Dragon" I admired), is behind it and Besson's got a producer credit.

The problem may not be Statham because I think he's a really cool actor with a raspy British accent, but the script is worth some deeper examination by more thoughtful minds. There are plenty of holes and unanswered questions (i.e., the extent of Frank's military training and experiences, Lai and how she wound up with Frank and her quarrelsome relationship with her father who is played by Ric Young, and the plot with the Chinese smuggling).

But why am I making such complaints? "The Transporter" is an action movie; no plot required. Despite some bumps in the road, "The Transporter" is pure action fun from beginning to end, and I got my free ticket to see "The Transporter 2" on Friday.

7/10

Nearby Nice, Frank Martin (Jason Statham) transports and delivers illegal cargoes. His business is supported by three basic rule: Rule no. 1 – The deal is never to be changed; Rule No. 2 – No names; and Rule No. 3 – Never watch the cargo. The day he breaks his own rules, he realizes he is transporting a Chinese girl, Lai (Qi Shu), and he gets in many troubles due to his fault. This movie is pure action having all the usual clichés: car chasing, explosions, fights when nobody uses guns, the lead actor gets some kind of involvement with the victim etc. But the choreography is excellent and the action scenes are great. Jason Statham recalls Bruce Willis in `Die Hard'. If the viewer do not think, he will have an enjoyable entertainment. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): `Carga Explosiva' (Explosive Cargo')

Back in the 1990s Luc Besson was a top action director in the US and France, best known for films like Leon and Nikita. In the early part of the 21st Century, he turned to producing and one of his major hits was The Transporter, the film that made Jason Statham into an action star.

Frank Martin (Statham) is an ex-military man who turned into a driver for hire in the South of France. He lives by three rules: No.1 never change the deal, No.2 no names, No.3 never open the package. But on a job he opens the package to find a Chinese woman (Shu Qi) tied up and gag, resulting with him crossing an American gangster, Bettencourt (Matt Schulze) who wants Frank dead. Frank has to work with the woman, Lai, and a police detective, Inspector Tarconi (François Berléand), to bring down Bettencourt and his operator.

The Transporter takes a basic B-Movie plot and story and gives it an MTV flash. The highlight of the film is action sequences which director Corey Yuen injected a load of fun elements with martial arts, gun battles, an axe fight and the famous oil fight scene. There are flashy moments like when a gun is in the air and the downwards camera on a gun when a machine gun magazine clip drops to the ground. There is some weak CGI but it is rare and the best parts of the action is the practical effects and stunt work. The real problem with the action is at times there was too much quick cutting which made some of the action sequence and it made them hard to follow: this was the particularly the case with the fight in the bus which was too tight, too close and overly edited. The best sequence for me was the highway chase because it was easier to tell what was happening and for the most part the fighting and gun fights were well done.

The Transporter was Statham's first leading role outside of Guy Ritchie's films. He had the action chops with his physique and his martial arts ability and he was already showing his shy wit. But he gave his character a weak American accent which kept slipping. Likely Statham had enough charisma and was able to give Frank enough menace in his look. Statham also had very good chemistry with Qi who did have charm as Lai. The pair worked well and were surprisingly believable in the context of their world.

The Transporter lacked a threaten villain: Schulze played his role more as a man who is partier then a ruthless crime lord who will kill anyone who crosses him. Schulze's performance also did not help giving the character smug, frat boy characteristics. The film also introduces a character called Leon who was able to beat up and knock out Frank, leading you to think that there is going to be a showdown between the characters: but it never comes about, which is very disappointing.

Stanley Clarke gave The Transporter a more modern, techno score which was fitting for the most part, especially when it becomes pumping for the action sequences near the end. The score combined by the French setting reminded me a little bit of The Bourne Identity. But The Bourne Identity is a much more intelligentially stimulating film.

The Transporter is a very paced actioner that does not rest. There are fine action sequences throughout the film and a decent start to The Stath's action persona: but this is a film for Statham fans.

All action movies should strive to be this imaginative! OK, the plot was not particularly intriguing, but what action movie's actually is? But the plot was secondary to the action, it only served to make the bad guys bad and the good guys good. The rest was up to Jason Statham's considerable fighting talents.

There were some unbelievable yet jaw-dropping stunts, a terrific fight scene in oil, and some great car chase scenes. There were no smarmy one-liners making light of good action sequences as is too often the case in American-directed action flicks. The hero was cold, yet compassionate. He didn't kill unnecessarily, but when he had to, he was ruthless. There are many great action sequences, some so unbelievable you have to just shake your head and remember that action movies are not supposed to be based on reality. There is even a great shot of the hero jumping off a speeding semi while it races over a bridge onto the back of a bus going perpendicular to the truck under the bridge!! I mean, come on! It would never happen, but I have to give credit to the stunt coordinator who imagined the possibilities.

There is another hilarious scene where the hero chases down an airplane on foot, hijacks it, jumps out of the plane at great altitude in order to land on the back of a speeding transport with a conveniently located borrowed parachute! I am glad all crop dusters carry such indispensable equipment and that it is so easy to land on the back of a truck speeding down the highway at 130 KM/hour.

All in all, 90 minutes of sheer enjoyment. Even with the predictable ending, I have to highly recommend this movie. If you can suspend belief for a little while, you will be rewarded.

The first time I watched this movie, I was hooked, I think it is a sleeper cult classic.

This movie has all the makings of a great testosterone flick. It starts with a wild car chase in France, introduces some memorable phrases, adds an attractive woman and antagonist with a very bad hair piece. There is also the required explosions and fight scenes, but they are not over-the-top.

The plot is not spectacular, but hey, it's a guy movie. Jason Statham makes a great tough guy, loved him in The Italian Job as well.

I recommend inviting your friends over, grabbing some Orangina, and watching this great movie.

This thrilling film is packed with unstopped action , stirring car races and sensational fights .The former mercenary called Frank Martin(Jason Statham in his starring debut) turned in security agent is now serving as chauffeur for delinquents and mobsters . He is contracted by a gangster to make a delivery, but when Martin stops along route, he aware his "package" is moving. Frank's curiosity leads him to break the rules, and he discovers the package is delivering to Wall Street contains an amazing surprise . Violating his own personal rules, he breaks his own code and looks inside the trunk , finding its contents to be a wonderful Oriental woman named Lai ( the Chinese Qi Shu ) . Learning that Martin broke the rules and aware about Lai, Wall Street (Matt Schulze) orders his mercenaries to kill him . Later on , he becomes involved in human smuggling by ominous nasties( Matt Schulze, Ric Young). Meanwhile , an astute Police Instector (Francois Berleand ) is investigating the deeds .

This exciting picture gets frenetic action, suspense, thrills, tension , terrific chase scenes, and lots of violence when the struggles and killings happen , being pretty entertaining. Chases galore abound with breathtaking velocities and overwhelming pursuits where the cars bound, leap and fly. It's a run-of-the-mill action film but from the start to the finish the action-packed is interminable. Furthermore , incredible fights with bound and leaps by the trainer master Corey Yeun (artificer of spectacular choreography from Hong Kong cinema) and spectacular chases including a moving ending involving a plane and trucks . Impressive car races and pursuits were made by authentic stunts and computer generator effects. Jason Statham is top-notch as action hero, he lives what seems to be a luxurious life along the French Mediterranean, hiring himself out as a mercenary "transporter" who moves goods from one location to another , he's a tough man fighting stunningly . Matt Schulze is magnificent as an extremely clever villainous .Lively musical score fitting to the action by Stanley Clarke . Spectacularly photographed by prestigious cameraman Pierre Morel (Taken , District 13), subsequently successful director , shot on location in the followings places : Avenue De Saissy, Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes, Cassis, Bouches-Du-Rhône, Eze Village, Alpes-Maritimes, Marseille, Nice, Paris, and Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Aix-en-Provence;Saint-Tropez, Var, France , Villefranche-Sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes, France. The motion picture is lavishly produced by the notorious producer , writer and director Luc Besson and well directed by Louis Leterrier (Fury of Titans, Incredible Hulk , Danny the Dog) and Corey Yeun , two notable experts on action cinema. In conclusion the film provides fast and furious entertainment and action unstopped with no sense and developed with fast paced and continuous movement. It's a must see for action lovers .Followed by two sequels Transporter 2 (2005) by Louis Leterrier and Transporter 3 (2008) by Olivier Megaton , repeating Jason Statham and Francois Berleand .

A hard-boiled ex-soldier (Jason Statham) runs a private 'transporting' business in which he moves goods for clients from point A to point B, no questions asked, no packages opened and no names exchanged. One day, he breaks his own rule by opening the large bag he is transporting and finds a beautiful gagged woman (Qi Shu) in it.

Jason Statham of Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels fame slips into the buff testosterone-fuelled action-hero role with almost effortless conviction and the perfection with which he delivers his cheesy lines deserves credit ("All right, that's enough juice for now."). From the campy winks, the fast-paced drop-kicks and packing punches and just generally badass attitude, Statham clearly masters the B-action genre. He knows what he needs to do to entertain the audience, and he does it like he means business. Hardcore, in other words.

However his "American" accent clearly deserves less credit. If you were BLOWN AWAY by Kevin Costner in Prince of Thieves or Natalie Portman in V for Vendetta, you will like his efforts. Ditto Qi Shu whose performance keeps us guessing (mostly about what the hell she is saying). In all fairness, I thought she was really cute as Lai – the woman who complicates things by popping up from the bag, but also viciously annoying with her little high-pitched girly screams and submissive approach. Thankfully, Statham and Shu's on-screen chemistry makes up for this and facilitates the whole plot on an important, fundamental level. Because they are so different (macho-man vs. girly girl), they somehow look great juxtaposed.

This plot never strays from its template story. Ever. It's simple. It's straightforward. It's action-packed and amazingly fast-paced. Twenty minutes fly past like five. But enough praise, because "The Transporter" really isn't a good movie. Even if you're looking for cheap adrenaline kicks this would not be the first film I'd recommend (it's probably be Poseidon [2006], ha) -- this simply lacks 'oomph' and the good guys are too GOOD and the bad guys are too BAD. Nothing new -- next, please!

6/10

What was Statham thinking?? I was excited to see this film, as I liked him in "Snatch", and "Two Smoking Barrels". However, this was full of such implausibility's the action was overshadowed by the idiotic scenarios. Take a cookie cutter plot (rescue girl, fall in love, help her save lives) was very poorly implemented.

There were good things in the movie. The fight scenes were very good and original. If you can ignore the fact that one car follows him and he gets attacked by at least 10 people, you will love this movie. If you can also ignore the fact that the police chief hints at Martin's (Statham) illegal activities, but does not develop it, but will put his life and job on the line to assist him for no substantial reason. If you can ignore the fact that in the opening minutes, Martin is stopped right next to some police officers who see him in his car and then he goes through a very elaborate car chase scene, but still no one can identify him. If you can ignore the fact that he breaks his rules of opening the package for no good reason, but rescues the girl, and she is a subservient non-entity, who uses sex ("What we did last night was real") for her own reasons. If you can ignore all those things, then go see this movie fast, or wait until it goes to video (where it should have started).

Jason Statham plays the Transporter, an ex-military man who will move anything that needs to be moved...no questions asked. He has three simple rules. But when he breaks his cardinal rule, no peeking, he opens a varitable pandora's box that he might not survive. Statham plays one cool character. I could see him as a serious action hero type. The project was spearheaded by Luc (The Professional) Besson and directed by Cory Yuen. The film has high energy and is a load of fun. The fighting scenes are cool and the beginning and ending sequences are a blast. Forget the Fast and the Furious use The Transporter 8/10

The Transporter is directed by Louis Leterrier and Corey Yuen and written by Luc Besson (who co-produces with Stephen Chasman) and Robert Mark Kamen. It stars Jason Statham, Shu Qi, Matt Schulze & François Berléand. Music is by Stanley Clarke and cinematography comes courtesy of Pierre Morel. Plot sees Statham as ex-soldier Frank Martin, a much respected courier in the underworld who is dynamite behind the wheel of a car and electric with his fists and feet. Living it up nice and cushy on the French Riviera, he lives by a set of rules that should not be broken, but during this particular "transport" job, he breaks his rules out of curiosity and gets embroiled in a fight for life.

The Transporter made back double its production budget, enough of a financial swing to ensure that sequels would follow (two so far, with the first sequel easily the best of the three). With Stallone et al on the wane, and the likes of Diesel and The Rock yet to convince, The Transporter gave ex-model-turned actor-Statham the chance to flex his muscles and make a mark in the action genre. Which he did, with great physicality, deft of movement and rugged good looks. Which is just as well since all those around him are rather bad. He's helped enormously by the choreography of Yuen, who gives the fight scenes plenty of zest and originality to leave them memorable. The spirit of Hong Kong action movies reigns supreme in The Transporter, with the added bonus being that of Morel's pleasing photography. But strip away the action and there's nothing left, the plot is boorish and the dialogue just dreadful, worse still is Clarke's music score, where instead of adrenalin boosting urgency we get leaden comedy. Very poor, and indicative of the production. It seems that the makers had themselves a bunch of great action set pieces to begin with, and then built the film around them, without due care and attention.

It does what is expected of it as an action piece of popcorn, but it's pretty shallow outside of that. 6.5/10

Frank Martin (Jason Statham) is a hired transporter willing to deliver anything with simple rules. Never change the deal. No names. Never look in the package. Frank's latest job is to transport for a guy named Wall Street (Matt Schulze). However on the way, he opened the package which turns out to be a Chinese girl.

Written by Luc Besson, this has all the cool people who looks cool, and does cool fighting. And Jason Statham is great at this. From this point on, he becomes the go to guy for all your cool fighting needs. François Berléand does well as Inspector Tarconi and Qi Shu makes a good looking kidnap victim. However, it's not really about any acting. It's all about the action. And director Corey Yuen is an expert at the HK action style.

My biggest problem is that people keep losing or not bringing their guns. So it's a lot of kung fu fighting when gunplay would make more sense. However sense has little to do with this. You must leave reason out of it.

I love that choreography and many explotions. Must watching!

I saw "The Transporter" with my brother and sister while holidaying in Scotland. I was expecting a formulaic and predictable film with bad acting and mechanic action, but what I got was the complete opposite. There may be some weak spots in the script, and Shu Qi doesn't always convince as the beautiful captive. But the film is beautifully filmed with lovely cinematography and gorgeous scenery, and has terrific action sequences that help the film go along at a fast pace. The story is a good one, and the soundtrack is energetic. With the exception of Shu Qi, the acting is not bad at all. Jason Statham has a cool charisma that does shine through, and Matt Schulze seems to be having a lot of fun as the lead bad guy. The direction is efficient enough, overall this is a fun action flick if a tad on the short side, helped enormously by a confident sense of style and the action. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Actually, Claudio, it was a Japanese girl that Frank was transporting! But I guess, to a Brazilian, all orientals look the same!! For a low budget (I assume) movie, this isn't half bad - just as long as you don't take it too seriously. Jason Statham is every bit as good as the various Bond actors and, dare I suggest it, if his character had been named James Bond, this movie would be rated every bit as good as all those 007 movies. The action is unbelievable (let's face it, NO ONE could do what Frank (or JB) does but that doesn't matter. The film is made to entertain and that's what it does. If you want realism then this movie probably isn't for you but if you enjoy a nice break from the mundane, then go for it!

Jason Statham rules.

Qi Shu delivers some very cute and adorable lines.

Matt Schulze is utterly convincing as a bad guy.

The script is poorly written. The direction is obvious in only 1 place. The martial arts choreography is downright brilliant and Jason Statham is exceptional at performing it utterly convincingly. (I highly recommend you see Statham in "Snatch" an 10/10 movie where Statham shines brighter than any star among a sea of talent.)

When is Hollywood going to discover Statham?

• Zafoid

Just saw this one today. It was interesting, the script was intelligent and the idea is unique. For a 12yr old movie, i guess it met its standards well. Except since i watched it in 2014, i found many loose ends to it. The most obvious were the fighting sequences, the acts were poorly choreographed and designed. I could see the non-reality element in them. Even otherwise, keep aside the lack of reality the stunts were also weak n laid back. Otherwise, the movie is quite enjoyable. The story flows smoothly. I loved the work of Jason Stathom and the actress Qi , both made a good duo. I hope the sequels r better, i plan to see them sometime very soon.

Hi, I've just finished watching The Transporter.

One question. Why would Jason Stathan sign up for this? I know he is capable of much more (e.g. Snatch).

The movie was horrible from start to the end. The chinese chick just put the icing on the cake. She was very annoying. Someone or something should've killed her way before. What about plot? You ask, what plot? Exactly. There was no plot.

Rating 1 out of 10. wait for PPV.

The action/fight scenes themselves would explain the rating I'm giving this movie! Sure some of the action scenes are over the top but not so much to take away from the film itself, so for me, it worked! I thought the French detective guy played his role nicely and so did the Asian girl. This is definitely a rewatchable movie because some of the action/fight scenes are a nicely executed.

I really enjoyed this movie on the first viewing, but found myself reaching for the fast-forward button on subsequent viewings.

I was REALLY surprised with Jason Statham's acting - he was good in Lock, Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels but was part of a larger ensemble. In this, he was the lead and tougher and way more cool and the fact that he did 99% of the stunts himself was impressive.

Personally, I would have liked to have seen much more actual "transporting" though, so we could enjoy more of the driving scenes. The ones we do see were cool, unbelievable, but enjoyable ! The soundtrack was good and Qi was an attractive choice - not sure why they needed to pass her off as Japanese though ?! For those who like action movies, with scant disregard for reality, this is an entertaining flick.