Released in 2002, The Transporter (original French title: Le Transporteur) is an English-language action thriller that marks the explosive beginning of what would become a globally recognized franchise. Directed by Cory Yuen and produced in collaboration with legendary French filmmaker Luc Besson and screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen, the film blends European style with Hollywood action, creating a fast-paced story centered around a mysterious and highly skilled driver-for-hire.
At the heart of the film is British actor Jason Statham in the role that catapulted him into global stardom. He plays Frank Martin, a disciplined, no-nonsense ex-special forces operative turned mercenary driver. Frank has relocated to the French Riviera, where he offers a unique and highly specialized service—transporting packages, no questions asked. His rules are simple: never change the deal, no names, and most importantly, never look inside the package. These rules ensure his safety, anonymity, and, most of all, a clean getaway. However, things begin to spiral out of control when he breaks one of his golden rules.
Frank’s latest assignment seems straightforward: transport a package from one point to another. But curiosity gets the better of him, and when he opens the package, he discovers a young woman bound and gagged inside. The woman, Lai Kwai (played by Shu Qi), turns out to be the daughter of a Chinese crime lord. By breaking his own rule, Frank unknowingly steps into the dark and dangerous world of human trafficking. This single act puts him in the crosshairs of both criminals and the authorities.
As Frank tries to uncover the truth and protect Lai, he becomes the target of a ruthless smuggling operation led by Darren “Wall Street” Bettencourt (played by Matt Schulze). The operation is more extensive and sinister than Frank initially realized, stretching across borders and involving a network of corruption and violence. Along the way, he must rely on his resourcefulness, combat training, and driving skills to outmaneuver enemies, dodge the police, and bring justice to those who exploit the innocent.
Supporting Statham and Shu Qi is François Berléand, who plays Inspector Tarconi, a clever and slightly quirky French police officer who forms a unique rapport with Frank. Although initially suspicious of Frank’s activities, Tarconi gradually comes to understand that Frank is more than just a criminal-for-hire and eventually lends subtle support in his own discreet way. Ric Young also appears in the film, portraying Lai’s father, whose role becomes critical in understanding the depths of the trafficking ring Frank is up against.
What makes The Transporter stand out is not just its action sequences—which are plentiful and expertly choreographed—but also the style in which they’re delivered. Director Cory Yuen, with his background in martial arts and Hong Kong action cinema, brings a kinetic energy to the film. The fight scenes are tight, brutal, and fast, combining hand-to-hand combat with creative choreography involving the environment, improvised weapons, and even car parts. Frank’s BMW becomes almost an extension of himself—nimble, powerful, and always ready for an escape. The car chases through narrow European streets, beachside roads, and industrial docks are filmed with a thrilling precision that keeps viewers glued to the screen.
The film draws inspiration from The Hire, a series of short films produced by BMW that showcased top directors crafting short, stylish car-based action pieces. Luc Besson saw the potential of turning that concept into a full-length feature, and thus The Transporter was born. Besson and Kamen, who had previously worked together on action-heavy films like The Fifth Element and Kiss of the Dragon, brought their experience into crafting a story that, while not overly complex, provided a slick and stylish framework for the action.
The Transporter made its premiere at the Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles on October 2, 2002. It was released in the United States on October 11 by 20th Century Fox and debuted in France shortly after, on October 23, distributed by EuropaCorp. Upon release, the film received a mixed response from critics. While the plot was seen as formulaic by some, the high-intensity action scenes, the charisma of Jason Statham, and the overall production style were widely praised. Viewers appreciated the film for what it was—a fun, adrenaline-fueled ride that didn’t try to be something it wasn’t.
Despite its critical reception, the film found an audience. With a worldwide gross of $43.9 million, it was a commercial success, especially considering its modest budget. More importantly, it laid the groundwork for a full-fledged franchise. The success of The Transporter led to the release of Transporter 2 in 2005, followed by additional sequels and even a television series. The character of Frank Martin would go on to become one of Jason Statham’s most iconic roles, embodying the stoic, resourceful action hero who does what’s right—even when it’s dangerous.
Today, The Transporter is often looked back on as a pivotal moment in early 2000s action cinema. It introduced a new kind of action star in Jason Statham—one who wasn’t overly muscled or invincible, but calculated, professional, and deadly. The film’s stylish direction, fast cars, and intense fight scenes have made it a favorite among action fans and a model for similar films in the years that followed.
Whether you’re watching it for the wild car chases, the expertly choreographed fight scenes, or the cool demeanor of Frank Martin himself, The Transporter delivers exactly what action fans crave. It’s a tightly packed thrill ride that established a beloved franchise and proved that sometimes, breaking the rules is the only way to survive.
