An early Jason Statham film that fans are calling an 'absolute banger' is set to thrill television audiences on Film4 tonight.
The Film That Made Statham an Action Star
Released in 2002, The Transporter marked Jason Statham's first of three performances as the iconic driver Frank Martin. The film propelled Statham into the action star stratosphere, establishing a formula that would define his career.
In the movie, Statham plays a British mercenary driver living in France who specialises in high-risk deliveries. The plot thickens when a routine job goes disastrously wrong, pulling him into a human trafficking conspiracy. His character's hardened exterior begins to crack when he must protect a female victim, revealing a more compassionate side.
Behind the Scenes and Box Office Performance
The film was directed by the late Hong Kong film director Corey Yuen, whose expertise in choreography shaped the movie's distinctive action sequences. The supporting cast featured Shu Qi, François Berléand, and Matt Schulze.
Financially, the film was a clear success. It pulled in $44 million at the worldwide box office, working from a production budget of $20.5 million. This demonstrated the potent appeal of Statham's particular brand of no-nonsense action cinema.
A Film of Critical Divide and Fan Adoration
Critical reception was mixed, with the film garnering a harsh 54% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences have consistently praised it, with one fan succinctly calling it an 'Absolute banger of a movie...'.
Many reviewers award it high marks, with one giving it 4.5 stars and describing it as 'a masterclass in stylish, no-nonsense action' and 'a must-watch for any action fan'. They praised the expertly crafted stunts and Statham's magnetic charisma, noting the film's success without relying on overcomplicated plots or excessive CGI.
Another fan highlighted the influence of co-writer Luc Besson, noting the blend of 'style, grit, and unexpected heart'. They stated the film 'redefines cool' with its jaw-dropping stunts and sleek cinematography.
Not every viewer was impressed, however. Some critics were far less kind, with one-star reviews labelling the film a 'complete waste of 90 minutes' and criticising it for feeling like a 'Budget Bruce Lee' project or a 'Bond Wanna Be' film.
The Transporter airs on Film4 at 9pm on Monday 10 November, offering viewers a chance to revisit the film that cemented Jason Statham's status as a modern action icon.
