Taxi 5 is the fifth installment of the iconic French action–comedy franchise that began with Luc Besson’s original Taxi (1998). This time, new characters take over the steering wheel, bringing back the chaotic energy of Marseille’s streets.
Detailed Summary
A New Policeman in Marseille
Paris police officer Sylvain Marot (Franck Gastambide), a highly skilled driver, is transferred to Marseille as a disciplinary action. Instead of chasing large criminals in the capital, he finds himself dealing with petty conflicts, local bureaucracy, and a slower pace of life he clearly despises.
The Connection to the Legendary Taxi
Marot learns that a notorious Italian gang, known for using supercars to commit robberies, is terrorizing the city. To stop them, he needs a car faster than theirs. This leads him to Eddy Maklouf (Malik Bentalha), nephew of the franchise icon Daniel Morales (played by Samy Naceri in previous films). Eddy works as a taxi driver and happens to own the legendary white Peugeot 406 taxi—modified and kept alive as a relic of past glory.
The Return of the Super Taxi
The car needs work, the partnership is awkward, and Eddy is a terrible driver compared to his uncle. Yet the two team up and slowly begin to form a comedic yet effective duo. They get help from the Marseille police unit, still filled with humorous incompetence and chaotic disorder.
The Italian Car Gang
The main antagonists are flashy criminals with Ferraris and Lamborghinis, giving this installment a modern twist on car-chase set pieces. Marot, who prides himself on being “the best driver in France,” is forced to rely on Eddy and the absurd taxi modifications to keep up.
Movie Ending
The final act centers on a high-speed pursuit against the Italian gang. After multiple messy failures, Marot and Eddy finally utilize the full potential of the enhanced Peugeot taxi. With hidden modifications, speed boosts, extended bodywork, and absurd gadgets, the car becomes the true hero of the finale, staying loyal to the roots of the franchise.
In a long chase around Marseille, they manage to outmaneuver and disable the gang’s supercars using tactical driving and comedic strategies. The criminals are captured, and Sylvain becomes a hero not because of his Parisian skills, but thanks to Marseille teamwork and the legacy of Daniel’s taxi.
The film ends teasing that Marot and Eddy may continue working together as a new taxi–police duo. The final moments pay homage to the older films, showing the taxi boosted for new adventures, suggesting that the Taxi legacy will live on with new drivers.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
There is no post-credits scene, but a humorous montage continues through the credits, containing small comedic moments, not directly tied to a sequel.
Type of Movie
Taxi 5 is a high-energy action–comedy with crime elements, emphasizing car chases, buddy humor, and the spirit of Marseille. Its tone mixes slapstick humor with impressive stunt driving.
Cast
- Franck Gastambide as Sylvain Marot
- Malik Bentalha as Eddy Maklouf
- Bernard Farcy as Gérard Gibert
- Sabrina Ouazani as Samia
- Ramzy Bedia as Rayan
- Salvatore Esposito as the leader of the Italian gang
Film Music and Composer
The soundtrack blends urban beats and upbeat comedy themes. Composers include DJ Kore, known for French hip-hop collaborations, giving the film a more youthful, modern sound compared to the older installments.
Filming Locations
The movie was shot primarily in Marseille, France, utilizing real streets, tight corners, and iconic spots that have been trademark visuals since the first film. The setting itself is narrative fuel because the narrow streets of Marseille allow for unique chase choreography, something no Paris scene could replicate.
Awards and Nominations
The film did not receive major awards, but it gained attention in France as a box-office draw and maintained the popularity of the franchise. It was nominated in some national fan-voted categories, primarily for comedy and action sequences.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Franck Gastambide, the lead actor, is also the director, carrying pressure to live up to Luc Besson’s iconic franchise expectations.
- The actors underwent real driving training, but professional stunt drivers performed the fastest sequences.
- Real modified Peugeots were used, with multiple versions for different stunts.
- Samy Naceri was not brought back due to past legal issues, influencing the film’s decision to start a new generation story.
Inspirations and References
- Inspired by Luc Besson’s original characters and tone, but with a modern street-culture influence.
- References to previous taxis, jokes about Daniel’s driving, and nods to past chase styles are present.
- The Italian gang acts as a tribute to exotic-car villains commonly seen in old-school European car films.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- Early scripts considered a cameo by Samy Naceri, but it was cut due to personal and contractual limitations.
- Several chase variations were filmed but trimmed for pacing.
- A longer comedic subplot involving Eddy’s dating life was removed to focus more on action.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Taxi 5 is not based on a book, but rather continues the cinematic universe established by prior films. The narrative is original but built on the iconic franchise format: new cops + the legendary car + absurd crime = chaos.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- First reveal of the legendary white Peugeot taxi hidden in a garage.
- The disastrous first chase attempt where Eddy embarrasses himself.
- The final high-speed pursuit through Marseille’s streets.
- The comedic police briefing full of incompetence.
Iconic Quotes
- Sylvain: “Driving is not about speed. It’s about control.”
- Eddy: “Don’t worry, my uncle taught me everything… almost.”
- Gibert: “In Marseille, we don’t need superheroes. We have taxis.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Old posters and photographs of Daniel appear in Eddy’s home.
- The number 406 appears repeatedly, referencing the original car model.
- Some chase sound effects replicate those used in earlier films.
Trivia
- Gastambide and Bentalha previously worked together in French comedy projects, boosting their chemistry.
- The film released for the 20th anniversary of the first Taxi.
- Real Ferrari and Lamborghini models were used and partly damaged during filming.
Why Watch?
You should watch Taxi 5 if you love fast-paced car action blended with lighthearted comedy. It’s a continuation of a beloved franchise, offering nostalgia, Marseille’s personality, and a modern buddy-cop vibe. The film is not trying to recreate the past exactly; it aims to carry the spirit forward with a new generation.
Director’s Other Works
- Pattaya (2016)
- Les Kaïra (2012)
- Sous le soleil de Marseille (2023)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Taxi (1998)
- Taxi 2 (2000)
- Taxi 3 (2003)
- Taxi 4 (2007)
- Michel Vaillant (2003)
