Taxi (1996)
Release Year: 1996
Nation: Spain
Alternative Title: Taxi de nuit, Im Schutz der Nacht, Taxi, Madrid, タクシー
Director: Carlos Saura
Writer: Santiago Tabernero
Production & Genre
Producer: Producer: Javier Castro, Concha Díaz
Executive_Producer: Fernando Bauluz
Companies: Canal+ España, Producciones Cinematográficas Filmart S.L., Saura Films
Budget: N/A
Awards & Similar
Awards:
Similar: N/A
Keywords
Keywords: black people, drug addict, fascist, gay, gay slur, happy ending, hate crime, homophobia, homosexual, immigrant, lesbian, persons of color, prostitute, shot through the mouth, skinhead, taxi driver, transvestite, urination, violence, xenophobia
Story
Taxi follows a young girl named Laura, who, after failing an exam, is compelled by her father to learn his profession of driving a taxi. As she starts working alongside him, she discovers that he harbors a dark secret - he is not just a taxi driver but also a member of a racist group targeting immigrants, homosexuals, transvestites, and other marginalized individuals for hate crimes. Laura struggles with this revelation as she begins to fall in love with a boy named Paco, who happens to be a 'socio' (member) of the same group she now knows her father belongs to.
Summary
Taxi is a Spanish drama directed by Carlos Saura that premiered in 1996. The film explores themes of racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and intolerance through the lens of a young girl's journey to uncover her father's hidden life as part of an extremist group. Set against the backdrop of Spain's social tensions during the late 20th century, the movie is a critique of hatred and violence targeted towards marginalized communities. Despite its heavy themes, Taxi offers moments of tender romance between Laura and Paco, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.
