Taxi lacks the subtle commentary of Saura's previous films under Franco like Los Golfos (1960). Without censorship, Suara has attempted to directly portray the real violence in Madrid during this time period but the result is somewhat contrived and the addition of the love story moves the focus away from what might have otherwise been an important commentary. Between the blatant violence and predictable love story, something is lost and the audience fails to connect the horror and overt symbolism to something meaningful. The obviousness of the subject demands a presentation of a solution or at least the implication of one, however, all that is given to us is the overt symbolism of the protagonist Paz who disapproves of violence. At the culmination of the film in which Paz and Dani reunite does not address problems presented but simply suggests that peace is good, violence is bad and that love overcomes everything, including Neonazism.
Plot summary
A young girl, after failing an exam, is forced by her father, a taxi-driver, to learn his profession. Soon she discovers that her father is not only a driver but also a member of a racist group eliminating immigrants, homosexual, transvestite, etc. people. She also falls in love with a boy, also a taxi-driver and a "socio" of the group.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
February 10, 2023 at 11:31 AM
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
The plot follows Paz, a young woman who becomes reacquainted with "the family", friends of her father who are taxi drivers and part of a Neonazi faction in Madrid.
Is fascism sexy???
This is a great movie about how fascism can become "sexy". Greatly directed, keeps a nice pace and the storyline is really catching. Great acting by the 2 main characters. Politically, this movie is a "must see", especially because it is studying how easily the racist and fascist phenomenon is rising within underground and also bourgeois European urban environment. This is far more interesting, than a "normal" story of a reckless teenager who is just experimenting to find the path to his/hers life. Paz is a real symbol of the constant personal and collective struggle, in order to change ourselves and society as a hole. Another great one from Spain!!!
More authentic and gripping than the Luc beson TAXI
A frightening tale of racism and resurgent fascism in Madrid in the late '90s. Essential viewing for people interested in the 'New Europe" and all the baggage that comes with it. The movie presents no answers, just observations...
I saw it late one night on irish TV - dunno if it's available on video.