"Taxi" is the first film of the franchise, which was written by Luc Besson, and shot by Gerard Pires in 1998. The story tells about Daniel, who starts his new career as a taxi driver. Being crazy about speed and racing, he has plenty of modification on his car and often breaks road rules. Once captured by Emilien, a police detective, Daniel gets involved in working for police as a trainee himself, for the main purpose of capturing bank robbers’ gang. As the gang is known for detailed and meticulous strategy, skilled driving and their usage of certain cars as escape vehicles, Daniel's help as a specialist in the area seems highly needed. Being put in the same boat by accident, main characters will form firm friend ties as the story continues. The film also features two love stories of both Daniel with his girlfriend Lilly and Emilien with his colleague Petra. Their relationship will evolve later into the franchise. The underpinning of the story is humor, though. Besson introduces us the police department, where Emilien works. The department includes tones of caricature yet real characters, with the sole leader of Commissioner Gibert, who totally makes a killing. Sloppy, charismatic and energetic, Commissioner provides us with loads of jokes and references we can relate to. Skillfully maneuvering on the edge of primitive jokes and wit, "Taxi" really makes you laugh and enjoy every second of the show.
