Taxi 2

Taxi 2 (also called Taxi Taxi) is a French film directed by Gérard Krawczyk and released in 2000. It is a sequel to Taxi written by Luc Besson and directed by Gérard Pirès in 1998. It was followed by Taxi 3 in 2003.

Plot

A Japanese minister of defence is traveling to Paris to sign a weapons contract between Japan and France, but first, he is visiting Marseille to view and rate the city police's anti-gang tactics (using fake attacks on him). During the visit, however, he is kidnapped by a group working for the Japanese yakuza. Emilien (Frédéric Diefenthal) is determined to rescue the minister and detective Petra (Emma Sjöberg), his girlfriend who was also kidnapped, and restore the honour of his department. Once again, speed demon taxi-driver Daniel (Samy Naceri) is called upon to save the day with his high-speed driving skills.

Production

Luc Besson was investigated by authorities after a cameraman died during filming. A Peugeot 406 was supposed to land in a pile of cardboard after a stunt, but missed and hit several crew. A cameraman died later of internal injuries and another cameraman broke both legs. Authorities allege safety was compromised in an effort to cut costs. Pioneer stunt coordinator Rémy Julienne was given an 18-month suspended jail sentence and fined 13,000 euros. Luc Besson, Grenet and director Gerard Krawczyk were all cleared of charges. Also with the Peugeot, Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VI is also featured as a star's car driven by the Yakuzas.