Teringer An Exercise In Nonsense

Beystiman It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

Iseerphia All that we are seeing on the screen is happening with real people, real action sequences in the background, forcing the eye to watch as if we were there.

Fulke Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

Red-Barracuda Luc Besson was one of the leading directors of the French cinema movement which was to go on to be referred to as cinéma du look. These films tended to favour style over substance and were a direct response to the 'quality' cinema of at that time, which tended to focus on realism and avoided 'vulgar' cinematic spectacle. With Subway, Besson delivered what can only be described as a textbook example of what cinéma du look was all about. Like several of its peers it has a somewhat weak story but its slick presentation and consistent quirkiness meant that the ropey narrative was relegated to the margins. Events focus on a thief called Fred who steals important documents from a member of the Paris elite while attending a birthday party for a bored socialite called Héléna, the wife of the high flyer. After being pursued by henchmen, he winds up hiding in the hidden depths of the Paris Métro where he encounters a secret community of social outcasts who live there. In the meantime, police and gangsters seek Fred, while he embarks on a dangerous love affair with Héléna.The story is wilfully absurd and is pretty far from realistic. So what we have is an unashamedly cinematic piece of work. The idea of an underground culture compromising of disenfranchised youths living on the fringes of society is a common one for these types of movies. Like others in its sub-category Subway also has a strong focus on imagery, with characterisation very stylised also. Consequently, this isn't really a film for showcasing acting, with Christopher Lambert certainly looking the part at least and Isabelle Adjani doing as much as she can with the material. There is an English dubbed version out there, which is quite commonly available. It really is to be avoided though as the dubbing is quite poor and really affects the performances even further – seek out the original French language version for sure. But ultimately, Subway is a film that never relies on its paper-thin characters and ropey story-line; its appeal is in its stylisation and quirks. The camera-work is often very good and some of the action-oriented sequences such as the opening car chase and the various pursuits through the Métro are handled very well indeed and are an early indicator that Besson was a great director of stylised action, which he perfected later in the likes of Nikita (1990) and Léon (1994). The other notable feature of Subway is its eccentric quirkiness, which is typified by more or less all the characters to some degree, from the roller-skating thief, to the body-builder who works out with subway parts and the inept cops called Batman and Robin. And that is not to mention the whole plot strand about the rock band formed from Subway musicians, which takes quirkiness to new levels. Also, I reckon Subway has to be one of the most 80's films of all time, from the haircuts, to the fashions and the music – this is a film that screams out 80's at every turn. Despite its deficiencies in story and characters, this one gets by on its over-the-top style. It's so bold in its execution and so unashamedly daft, that it's a film that is quite difficult to dislike. The best way to approach this one would be to not think too much and just accept its strange logic; if you can manage that, there's fun to be had here.

Allie Taylor Subway is full of action and will take you places you have never been. The lead character, Fred, is constantly on the run from the cops and is wanted by the woman of his dreams, but not in the way he wishes. This film throws you into an unfamiliar world filled with quirky characters, all of which are involved in some sort of shenanigans deep in the depth of a Paris subway station. Moments after Fred's buddy, a thief notorious for riding on roller skates, gets arrested on the subway, Fred is chased through the long dark corridors, zigzagging through the crowds to escape their hold. He then flees their sight by slipping into an elevator and maneuvering his way through the secret ages of the subway.Luc Besson directed Subway in 1985. The films main actors include Isabelle Adjani (Helena) and Christopher Lambert (Fred). Subway is not rated. Filming was partially held in the Paris Metro and the Paris RER, along with scenes filmed on sets. After spending his night at an upper-class party held for the lovely Helena, Fred gets his hands on very important documents belonging to an entrepreneur/gangster, Helena's husband. He abandons the party and winds up on the run in the Paris Metro among exotic strangers.Fred discovers this convenient hiding spot among people who are similar to him. He can't help but fall in love with the woman out to get him, Helena. All while becoming part of the underground world of the subway Fred and his friends are persistently being chased down by the police and their enemies. To add even more pizazz to the film, Fred gathers a group of musicians to play incredible tunes that comprise the soundtrack of the film.The music in Subway really gives it a unique touch. It isn't the kind of music you hear in your typical action movies. It has it's own jazzy vibe to it. Also, the fact that a piece of the film is centered on the music really draws you into it more. It is fun to see these characters who are lounging around underground all day, make some ear pleasing music. It sets the tone as a eccentric, action-filled film.I recommend this film. I must include that children should steer clear of watching this film, because of its vulgar language. I think many people will enjoy this film, because Luc Besson has created something different from the norm. With this film you can get some laughs and be put on the edge of your seat at moments. Its interesting music makes it amusing to view and listen to.

Lloyd_Dobbler I love French cinema, just so you know. However... This movie has no plot, no character development, no vision, and no coherence. It starts nowhere and goes nowhere. It doesn't so much "end" as much as it just "stops". I own this film on DVD, and I can't even give it away because I'd feel responsible for whoever else would watch it. Besson is a master. Even the masters can craft some dreck. This is a terrible, terrible, terrible film.

rainfall When I first saw this movie I was magnetized by its unique atmosphere. Luc Besson created amazing out-of-genre movie. "Subway" inherits traditions of european films of the 70-ies and has something new and magnetic at the same time; and it is certainly Besson's most european film. Maybe it is the reason of it's not so high ratings by american critique. Strange, but Lambert's early and best roles in "Subway" and Marco Ferreri's "I love you" are crossed out by his later films. Talking about "Subway", this movie stands in a row of other films of the middle and the end of the 80-ies that were last before the sunset of european cinematograph and the wind of pan-american influence. And although many american movies are real masterpieces, two traditions can't be mixed. This is one of those cult films that create amazing style that can't be repeated. And although I find "Leon", "Nikita" and "5th element" really good movies, they all were commercial projects. And "Subway"... well, who saw it, they will understand. And maybe not. 10 out of 10.