Taxi 2 received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics but was a massive audience success.
| Aspect | Critics’ View | Audience View | |------------|------------------|-------------------| | Action/Stunts | Highly praised for practical effects and thrilling chases. | Considered the film’s best asset. | | Humor | Deemed repetitive, juvenile, and reliant on stereotypes by some. | Generally appreciated for lighthearted, fast-paced comedy. | | Plot | Criticized as thin and secondary to action. | Not a major concern for target audience. | | Performances | Naceri and Diefenthal’s chemistry noted as strong. | Enjoyable, recognizable comic duo. |
Selected Review Quotes:
Taxi 2 is a "good story" because it knows exactly what it is. It doesn't try to be a serious crime film. It is a film about adrenaline, friendship, and the city of Marseille. It takes the "buddy
Taxi 2 picks up shortly after the events of the 1998 original. Daniel Morales (Samy Naceri), the demon taxi driver with a modified Peugeot 406, is still weaving through the streets of Marseille at impossible speeds, while his bumbling policeman friend, Inspector Émilien Coutant-Kerbalec (Frédéric Diefenthal), is still trying to pass his driver’s license exam.
The plot thickens when Émilien is assigned to escort a high-ranking Japanese defense official to a Franco-Japanese technological summit. Naturally, everything goes wrong. A mix-up involving a Yakuza delegation, a kidnapped daughter, and a police commissioner who is more of a caricature than a commander thrusts Daniel and Émilien into a race against time. The film’s centerpiece arrives when the Japanese minister’s daughter is kidnapped by a notorious gang, forcing Daniel to unleash the full arsenal of his taxi’s modifications—including retractable machine guns and smoke screens—to save the day.
Over two decades later, the search for "taxi 2 -2000-" persists. Why? Because the film represents a specific type of fun that modern blockbusters often miss. It is unapologetically ridiculous, proudly fast-paced, and entirely committed to its own lunacy.
The franchise would go on to spawn Taxi 3 (2003) and Taxi 4 (2007), as well as a Hollywood remake (2004’s Taxi with Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon), which famously failed to capture the original’s spirit. A French animated series and a 2018 sequel (Taxi 5) attempted to revive the magic, but fans almost universally agree that Taxi 2 (2000) is the peak of the series.
If you have never experienced Taxi 2, imagine The Fast and the Furious directed by a caffeinated Looney Tunes writer, set against the backdrop of the French Riviera, with a hero who delivers pizzas by day and drives a superhero taxi by night. It is absurd, it is politically incorrect by today’s standards, and it is an absolute masterpiece of adrenaline-fueled comedy.
For those searching for "taxi 2 -2000-" online, you are not just looking for an old movie. You are hunting for a piece of cinematic adrenaline that defined the turn of the millennium. Whether you are rewatching for the nostalgia of the Peugeot 406 or discovering it for the first time, buckle up. In Marseille, traffic laws are merely suggestions, and the meter is always running.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – A turbocharged sequel that knows exactly what it is: stupid, fast, and unforgettable.
Watch it if you liked: The Transporter, Taxi (1998), Rush Hour (1998), or any action comedy with zero self-seriousness.
Taxi 2: When Marseille Got Even Faster and Funnier (2000)
Released in 2000, Taxi 2 is the high-octane sequel to Luc Besson’s smash-hit 1998 French action-comedy. Directed by Gérard Krawczyk (with Besson writing and producing), the film reunites audiences with the oddest duo in Marseille: the hot-headed taxi driver Daniel Morales (Samy Naceri) and the hopelessly clumsy police inspector Daniel (often called Émilien, played by Frédéric Diefenthal).
The Plot – A Race Against Time
The story kicks off with a bang—literally. During a police demonstration, Émilien accidentally launches a missile during a speech by the Japanese Minister of Defense, instantly becoming a national embarrassment. Meanwhile, a dangerous Yakuza gang, led by the formidable Master Tsumami, arrives in Marseille to assassinate the Japanese minister as part of a revenge plot.
To complicate matters, the minister’s daughter is kidnapped, and the police’s high-tech surveillance proves useless. Enter Daniel, who is dealing with his own romantic troubles (his girlfriend, Lily, wants him to meet her parents). Forced into action, Daniel must use his souped-up, gadget-laden Peugeot 406 (now equipped with even crazier modifications) to navigate the chaotic streets of Marseille. The mission: rescue the minister’s daughter, catch the Yakuza, and save Émilien’s career before the minister's honor is lost forever.
The Car – The Real Star
The Peugeot 406 returns, but this time it’s more absurdly powerful. Beyond the iconic “turbo” button and transforming spoilers, the car now features:
The film’s centerpiece is a breathtaking chase through the narrow streets of Marseille, culminating in a helicopter-assisted jump over a drawbridge—a stunt sequence praised for its practical effects and real driving.
Humor and Characters
The comedy is broader than the first film, leaning heavily into slapstick, cultural stereotypes (the Yakuza are portrayed as both fearsome and comically rigid), and Émilien’s relentless ineptitude. His desperate attempts to impress the Japanese delegation—especially after he confuses a sumo wrestler with a Godzilla costume—are pure farce. General Bertineau (Bernard Farcy) returns as the screaming, vein-popping commissioner who blames everything on Émilien.
Legacy
Taxi 2 was a massive box office success in France, surpassing even the original. While critics noted it was sillier and more cartoonish than the first, audiences adored the increased speed, wilder stunts, and the perfect chemistry between Naceri and Diefenthal. It cemented the Taxi franchise as a French pop-culture phenomenon, leading to two more sequels and an American remake (which failed to capture its charm).
In short, Taxi 2 is pure adrenaline-fueled entertainment—a love letter to fast cars, absurd comedy, and the glorious chaos of Marseille. Fasten your seatbelt.
Released in March 2000, is the high-octane second installment of the French action-comedy franchise written and produced by Luc Besson
. Directed by Gérard Krawczyk, it picks up the frantic energy of the original 1998 film, moving the action from the streets of Marseille to the heart of Paris. Core Plot & Conflict
The story centers on the visit of a Japanese ambassador to Marseille to inspect the local police's anti-gang tactics. Tensions explode when the ambassador and officer Petra are kidnapped by a Yakuza group. The Rescue: The bumbling police officer
(Frédéric Diefenthal) must once again team up with the speed-demon taxi driver
(Samy Naceri) to rescue the captives and restore the department's honor. Daniel's iconic Peugeot 406
receives significant upgrades for this sequel, including deployable wings that allow the car to "fly" or glide over obstacles. Cast & Characters Samy Naceri as Daniel Morales:
The delivery driver-turned-cabbie whose modified taxi is the fastest thing on four wheels. Frédéric Diefenthal as Émilien Coutant-Kerbalec: taxi 2 -2000-
The well-meaning but hopelessly clumsy police officer who still hasn't mastered his driving test. Marion Cotillard as Lily Bertineau:
Daniel's girlfriend and daughter of a high-ranking general, adding a comedic layer of military discipline to Daniel's chaotic life. Emma Sjöberg as Petra:
The skilled detective and Émilien's love interest who plays a more central role as a hostage in this sequel. The Infamous Stunt Incident
While the film is celebrated for its practical effects and high-speed chases, its production was marred by a tragedy. The Accident:
During the filming of a stunt where the taxi was supposed to jump over a line of tanks, the car overshot the landing area. Consequences:
Cameraman Alain Dutartre was fatally struck by the vehicle. This led to long-running legal battles, eventually resulting in Luc Besson's production company, EuropaCorp , being fined for manslaughter in 2009. Reception and Legacy
from the year primarily refers to the high-octane French action-comedy film directed by Gérard Krawczyk and produced/written by Luc Besson. While there are other interpretations—such as the video game Crazy Taxi 2
(2001) or a bio-informatics tool called TaxI2—the year 2000 belongs to the cinematic sequel that redefined French action cinema.
Below is an article covering the film’s impact, production, and legacy. Taxi 2 (2000): The High-Speed Sequel That Defined an Era roared into theaters on March 29, 2000
, it wasn't just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon. Following the massive success of the 1998 original, Luc Besson returned to write and produce a sequel that promised—and delivered—more speed, more stunts, and the signature white Peugeot 406 that became a symbol of French street racing. 1. The Plot: A Diplomatic Crisis at 300 km/h
The film reunites the iconic duo: the speed-obsessed taxi driver Daniel Morales
(Samy Naceri) and the clumsy yet well-meaning police officer Émilien Coutant-Pekot (Frédéric Diefenthal).
The stakes are raised when the Japanese Minister of Defense visits Marseille to inspect the city's anti-gang tactics. When the Minister is kidnapped by a Yakuza cell using high-tech Mitsubishi Lancers, Daniel and Émilien must use their modified Peugeot to track them down through the streets of Marseille and Paris. 2. Technical Feats and the Peugeot 406 The true star of the film was the heavily modified Peugeot 406
, the car gained "wings"—literally. Retractable air foils allowed the taxi to perform massive jumps, most notably the "flight" over two tanks in the film's climax.
The sleek white sedan became so popular that it significantly boosted the real-world sales of the Peugeot 406 across Europe. The Sound:
The film’s energetic soundtrack, featuring French hip-hop artists like , became a staple of the year 2000 music scene. 3. A Bittersweet Production
Despite its box-office triumph—it remains one of the most successful films in French history with over 10 million admissions
—the production was marred by tragedy. During a stunt involving a car jumping over tanks, a cameraman, Alain Dutartre
, was fatally injured. This led to long-running legal battles regarding safety protocols on set, a somber shadow over the film's legacy. 4. Legacy and Influence
solidified the franchise's formula of mixing slapstick comedy, over-the-top stunts, and a "buddy cop" dynamic. It led to: Three more sequels: Released in 2003, 2007, and 2018. A Hollywood Remake:
In 2004, starring Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon (though it failed to capture the original's charm). Cultural Iconography:
The image of the "flying taxi" remains one of the most recognizable moments in European action cinema. Even 26 years later,
stands as a high-water mark for French blockbuster filmmaking, blending high-speed thrills with a uniquely European sense of humor. video game or the DNA barcoding tool?
Police question Taxi 2 director Krawczyk | News - Screen Daily
Taxi 2 (2000): The High-Octane Sequel That Perfected the Formula
When Taxi sped onto screens in 1998, it redefined the French action-comedy. Produced by Luc Besson, it blended lightning-fast automotive stunts with a "buddy cop" dynamic that felt fresh and quintessentially Marseillais. However, it was the sequel, Taxi 2, released in 2000, that solidified the franchise as a global phenomenon.
Directed by Gérard Krawczyk and written by Besson, Taxi 2 took everything that worked in the original—the speed, the slapstick, and the white Peugeot 406—and cranked it up to eleven. The Plot: From Marseille to Paris
The film reunites the iconic duo: Daniel Morales (Samy Naceri), the pizza-delivery-driver-turned-taxi-ace with a profound hatred for the police, and Émilien Coutant-Kerbalec (Frédéric Diefenthal), the bumbling, well-meaning police inspector who still hasn't mastered the art of driving.
The stakes are higher this time. The Japanese Minister of Defense is visiting Marseille to inspect the city’s anti-gang tactics before heading to Paris to sign a massive contract. However, a Yakuza gang with high-tech gadgets kidnaps the Minister to derail the deal. Daniel and Émilien must chase the kidnappers across the country, eventually leading to a spectacular showdown in the streets of Paris. The Real Star: The Peugeot 406
While Naceri and Diefenthal have undeniable chemistry, the real star of the movie is Daniel’s modified Peugeot 406. In the 2000 sequel, the car receives a legendary upgrade: retractable wings.
The moment the taxi deploys its wings to "glide" over a traffic jam or clear an impossible jump remains one of the most iconic images in French cinema. It pushed the film from a grounded street racer into the realm of "urban superhero" cinema, a niche Luc Besson would continue to exploit for years. Why It Worked Taxi 2 received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics but
The Humor: The film leans heavily into the absurdity of the French police force, particularly through Commissioner Gibert (Bernard Farcy). His "Ninja!" briefing and general incompetence provide the perfect comedic foil to the high-stakes kidnapping plot.
The Stunts: Before CGI dominated the industry, Taxi 2 relied on practical stunt driving. The car chases are visceral, featuring narrow European streets, massive pile-ups, and precision drifting that still holds up today.
The Pace: Clocking in at just under 90 minutes, the film is lean. It starts with a literal race (against a rally car) and doesn't let off the gas until the final credits. A Bittersweet Legacy
While Taxi 2 was a massive box-office success in France and abroad, its production was marred by a tragedy. During the filming of the final stunt—where the taxi jumps over tanks—a stuntman named Alain Dutartre was killed, and another was seriously injured. This led to legal battles that overshadowed the film’s release and served as a somber reminder of the risks taken to achieve the film's "real" feel. Final Verdict: The Peak of the Series
For many fans, Taxi 2 (2000) represents the peak of the five-film franchise. It struck the perfect balance between the gritty street racing of the first film and the over-the-top gadgetry that would eventually become too cartoonish in later installments.
Whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking for a laugh, Taxi 2 remains a high-speed time capsule of early 2000s European action.
Taxi 2 (2000): The High-Octane Sequel That Defined French Action-Comedy
When Taxi premiered in 1998, it transformed the French film industry by blending Hollywood-style spectacle with distinct Marseille charm. However, it was the arrival of Taxi 2 in 2000 that solidified the franchise as a global phenomenon. Produced by Luc Besson and directed by Gérard Krawczyk, this sequel took everything fans loved about the original—the speed, the slapstick, and the chemistry—and shifted it into fifth gear. The Plot: From Marseille to the Streets of Paris
The year 2000 sequel brings back the iconic duo: Daniel Morales (Samy Naceri), the pizza-delivery-boy-turned-taxi-driver with a need for speed, and Émilien Coutant-Kerbalec (Frédéric Diefenthal), the bumbling but well-meaning police officer who still hasn't mastered his driving test.
The stakes are significantly higher this time. The Japanese Minister of Defense is visiting Marseille to review the city’s anti-gang tactics. However, he is kidnapped by a Yakuza faction intent on hypnotizing him to cause an international incident. The chase moves from the sunny coast of Marseille to the crowded streets of Paris, culminating in one of the most ambitious stunt sequences in French cinema history: a taxi parachuting onto the streets of the capital. The Star of the Show: The Peugeot 406
While Samy Naceri provided the charisma, the real icon of Taxi 2 was the white Peugeot 406. In the 2000 film, the car received legendary upgrades. With the flick of a few switches, the sedan transformed into a racing machine equipped with: Advanced aerodynamic spoilers. Retractable wings for "flight" capabilities. A high-tech navigation system. An upgraded engine that could outrun a bullet train.
The film served as a massive commercial for Peugeot, but it also tapped into the "tuner" culture of the early 2000s, making the modified 406 one of the most recognizable movie cars of all time. Why "Taxi 2" Succeeded 1. The Chemistry of the Cast
The dynamic between Naceri and Diefenthal is the heart of the movie. Daniel represents the cool, rebellious underdog, while Émilien is the "everyman" who provides the physical comedy. Supported by Marion Cotillard (as Lilly Bertineau) and the hilarious Bernard Farcy (as the eccentric Commissioner Gibert), the cast felt like a family that audiences wanted to revisit. 2. Luc Besson’s Signature Style
Though he didn't direct this installment, Luc Besson’s DNA is all over the script and production. He brought the "Cinema du Look" aesthetic—bright colors, fast editing, and high-energy music—to a mass-market action film. 3. Practical Stunts
In an era before CGI dominated every action frame, Taxi 2 relied heavily on practical stunt driving. The opening sequence, featuring a high-speed rally through the French countryside, remains a masterclass in automotive cinematography. Cultural Impact and Legacy
Released in March 2000, Taxi 2 was a box office juggernaut in France, drawing over 10 million spectators to theaters. It proved that European cinema could produce "popcorn" blockbusters that rivaled American imports like Fast & Furious (which wouldn't debut until a year later).
The film also popularized the French hip-hop scene, featuring a high-energy soundtrack by One Shot (a collective including members of IAM and Disiz la Peste), which became as successful as the movie itself. Conclusion
Taxi 2 (2000) is more than just a sequel; it is the peak of the franchise's energy and creativity. It balanced absurd humor with genuine thrills, making us believe that a simple Marseille taxi driver could save the world—or at least the Japanese Minister—all while keeping the meter running.
The year 2000 was a landmark for taxi-related entertainment, most notably with the release of the high-octane French action-comedy Taxi 2, which solidified the franchise's cult status. The Cinematic Impact of Taxi 2 (2000)
Released in March 2000, Taxi 2 was the highly anticipated sequel to Luc Besson's 1998 hit. It continued the chaotic adventures of Daniel, a pizza-delivery-boy-turned-taxi-driver with a modified Peugeot 406 that could transform into a high-speed racing machine.
The Plot: The story follows Daniel and his bumbling police friend, Émilien, as they attempt to rescue a kidnapped Japanese Minister of Defense from a group of Yakuza using "ninja" driving skills.
The Car: The iconic Peugeot 406 featured in the film was modified to include wings for "flight" and retractable stabilizers, making it a dream for car enthusiasts of the era.
Cultural Legacy: The film was a massive box-office success in France and helped popularize the French "banlieue" action subgenre, known for its blend of slapstick humor and intense vehicle stunts. Taxi in the Year 2000 Pop Culture
Beyond the French franchise, the year 2000 sat at the peak of a "taxi obsession" in global media:
Big Yellow Taxi: While Joni Mitchell's original is timeless, the song saw a resurgence in the early 2000s, often used in soundtracks to evoke urban nostalgia. More recently, artists like Harry Styles have continued to cover it on platforms like BBC Radio 2, keeping the "taxi" motif alive in pop music [25].
Crazy Taxi: The year 2000 saw the peak of the Crazy Taxi video game craze on the Sega Dreamcast. Its "high-energy, chaotic" gameplay mirrored the vibe of the Taxi 2 movie, defining the "arcade racer" aesthetic of the millennium.
The "Anti-Taxi" Movie: While released in 1976, Taxi Driver remained a cultural touchstone in 2000 for its gritty portrayal of urban isolation. Quotes like Travis Bickle's grim outlook on the city were frequently referenced in film critiques at the turn of the century [26]. The Evolution of the Service
In the year 2000, the concept of a "taxi" was purely physical—hailing a car on the street or calling a dispatcher.
Slang and History: The term “hackney carriage” was still the formal English standard for the iconic black cabs, though most people had shifted to simply calling them "cabs" or "taxis" [27].
Shift to Tech: It would be nearly another decade before apps like Uber began to eliminate industry friction, marking the 2000 era as the final "golden age" of the traditional, radio-dispatched taxi [34].
The story of the 2000 film (the sequel to the French action-comedy Taxi) follows Daniel Morales, a pizza-delivery-turned-taxi-driver in Marseille with a legendary souped-up Peugeot 406. Plot Overview Watch it if you liked: The Transporter ,
The movie centers on the visit of the Japanese Minister of Defense to Marseille, where he is evaluating the city police's anti-gang tactics.
The Kidnapping: During a demonstration of police protection, the Minister is kidnapped by a group of Yakuza.
The Rescue Mission: Detective Émilien Coutant-Kerbalec, along with his kidnapped girlfriend Petra, must rescue the Minister to restore the honor of his department.
The Hero: Once again, Émilien enlists the help of Daniel, whose high-speed driving skills and modified taxi are essential to outrunning the Yakuza and their Mitsubishi Lancers.
Personal Stakes: Amid the chaos, Daniel must also navigate his relationship with his girlfriend, Lilly Bertineau, and win over her strict military father, General Bertineau. Key Highlights
The Car: The 1999 Peugeot 406 V6 remains the star of the film, featuring iconic gadgets like retractable wings for "flight".
Humor: The film is known for its absurd comedy, physical stunts, and the bumbling nature of the Marseille police force.
Tragedy During Production: Sadly, the film's production was marked by a tragic accident during a stunt involving a jumping taxi, which resulted in the death of a cameraman.
There is also a sequel to the American version (often cited in fan-made concepts for 2025/2026) starring Queen Latifah, or the video game Crazy Taxi 2 released in 2001.
(Samy Naceri), a speed-obsessed taxi driver, and his inept police officer friend Émilien Coutant-Kerbalec (Frédéric Diefenthal). The Mission:
During a high-profile visit to Marseilles to study French anti-gang tactics, the Japanese Minister of Defense is kidnapped by a group of The Rescue:
Daniel and Émilien must race from Marseilles to Paris to rescue the minister and Émilien's girlfriend, Petra, who was also taken. Key Stunt:
The film is famous for a sequence where the "super-taxi" (a modified Peugeot 406) is dropped from a plane via parachute into the streets of Paris. Cast & Characters Role Description Samy Naceri Daniel Morales The skilled, unlicensed taxi driver. Frédéric Diefenthal The accident-prone police inspector. Marion Cotillard Lilly Bertineau Daniel's girlfriend. Emma Wiklund A high-ranking officer and Émilien's partner. Bernard Farcy Commissaire Gibert The eccentric and bumbling police commissioner. Critical & Audience Reception Films - review - Taxi 2 - BBC
Depending on what you are looking for, here are the most likely "interesting papers" or resources related to that title: 1. Film Studies and Academic Analysis
Eduqas Film Studies Paper: There is a known academic resource used for A-level studies that compares modern Iranian cinema (like Jafar Panahi’s Taxi Tehran) with Western or historical cinema. You can find study packs and adapted papers that analyze the cultural impact and cinematography of these films.
Action Cinema Critiques: Since Taxi 2 (2000) was a major French action hit produced by Luc Besson, it is often cited in papers discussing the "Cinéma du Look" or the globalization of French action films. Critics like those at The Guardian have archived summaries of its plot involving the Japanese ambassador and high-speed skills. 2. Technical and Data Papers
If you meant a "paper" in the scientific sense that uses taxi data (often labeled "Taxi 2" in datasets):
Trajectory and Mobility Intelligence: There are numerous papers, such as "Visualization of taxi drivers' income and mobility intelligence," that analyze spatial-temporal multi-dimensional trajectory data from thousands of taxis to understand driver behavior.
Machine Learning Benchmarks: A recent 2024 paper titled TAXI: Evaluating Categorical Knowledge Editing for Language Models introduces a benchmark dataset called "TAXI" to evaluate how well AI models handle new facts. 3. Art and Prints Japan Taxi 2
: If the "paper" you're looking for is actual physical paper (like a print), there is a popular artistic photography print titled " Japan Taxi 2
" by Julian Zerressen, available through art retailers like DROOL Art.
Could you clarify if you are looking for a specific research article, a movie script, or perhaps a collectible item? Japan Taxi 2 - Print by Julian Zerressen | DROOL Art
Released in 2000, is the high-octane sequel that solidified the
franchise as a cornerstone of French action-comedy. Directed by Gérard Krawczyk and written/produced by Luc Besson, the film successfully doubles down on the "faster and funnier" mantra that made the 1998 original a breakout hit. High-Speed Absurdity
The plot reunites the iconic duo: Daniel (Samy Naceri), the speed-obsessed pizza-delivery-driver-turned-cabbie, and Émilien (Frédéric Diefenthal), the bumbling police officer who still hasn't mastered driving. The stakes are raised to an international level when the Japanese Minister of Defense is kidnapped by Yakuza during a visit to Marseille. Daniel’s legendary white Peugeot 406—now upgraded with wings that allow it to "fly"—becomes the ultimate weapon against the kidnappers. The Besson Formula
The film is a masterclass in the Luc Besson style of filmmaking: kinetic editing, slapstick humor, and a heavy emphasis on spectacle over complex narrative. By moving the action from the narrow streets of Marseille to the grand boulevards of Paris, the film scales up its set pieces. The climactic chase, involving a fleet of black Mitsubishis and a parachute-assisted landing into a military parade, remains one of the most memorable sequences in European action cinema. Cultural Impact
was a massive commercial success, drawing over 10 million admissions in France alone. It refined the "buddy cop" dynamic for a French audience, blending the gritty urban energy of the late 90s with a cartoonish sense of fun. While critics often dismissed its thin plot, the film's chemistry and stunt work resonated deeply with a generation of viewers. Conclusion Ultimately,
is a celebration of mechanical excess and French wit. It didn't try to reinvent the genre; instead, it polished the original’s engine, added more nitrous, and invited the audience along for a ride that remains a nostalgic high point for fans of 2000s cinema. used in the film or more about the soundtrack’s influence on French hip-hop?
For gearheads and car enthusiasts, the keyword "taxi 2 -2000-" is more than a movie title; it is a tribute to the Peugeot 406. This salon car was transformed into a legend. The "Taxi 2" variant featured:
The car chase sequences in Taxi 2 are a masterclass in practical stunts mixed with early CGI. The most famous scene—Daniel driving on two wheels through the narrow streets of Marseille while avoiding a missile—remains a benchmark for European action cinema.