Ambush (2001)

A mysterious BMW driver must protect an eccentric old foreigner from criminals.

Director:

John Frankenheimer

Writer:

Andrew Kevin Walker

Stars:

Clive Owen, Tomas Milian, Franklin Dennis Jones

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Clive Owen	...	Driver
Tomas Milian	...	Passenger

Storyline

The Driver is a shadowy BMW driver who serves as a chauffeur. On a dark night, he is carrying an elderly old Cuban. They are startled by a van full of armed terrorists, demanding a cache of diamonds stolen by the passenger. At first the Driver is willing to give it up, but when he learns that his cargo actually swallowed the diamonds, he decides to do the right thing.

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Plot Keywords:

product placement | promotional | car chase | secret agent | the hire

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Genres:

Action | Short

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Details

Official Sites:

BMW Films (registration req'd)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 April 2001 (World-wide)

Also Known As:

The Hire: Ambush

Company Credits

Production Co:

Anonymous Content, BMW Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

6 min 9 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

John Frankenheimer revealed in an interview that none of the footage in the film is sped up. The stunt with the semi was done at the speed seen in the film, and they really did race down the highway in excess of 120mph. The latter required a mile of the highway to be lit, as the film was also really shot at night (not day-for-night).

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Goofs

When the BMW avoids hitting the oncoming truck, the right rear light is broken. A few seconds later, the right (now intact) rear light is destroyed again by a shot.

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Connections

Spoofs The Car Thief and the Hit Man (2001)

User Reviews

A brilliant short.

Before the review, a brief plot summary: The Driver, a chauffeur-for-hire, now has a new customer in his BMW: a mysterious old man from Cuba. As they drive, however, a van pulls up next to them, a gun sticks out, and it's drivers contact The Driver. His passenger is carrying a suitcase full of two million dollars in uncut diamonds, and they want The Driver to pull up and let the man out so they can have his suitcase. When the pleading man explains that he swallowed the diamonds, and that they will cut him open to get it, The Driver realises he can't let these criminals get a hold of his cargo, and a car chase ensues.

This short, which is really a commercial for BMW and the first in the "The Hire" series, is one of the most brilliant shorts ever. Directed by John Frankenheimer (of "Reindeer Games" and "Ronin") this ad has some of the best car stunts you can find on film. The acting is great, Clive Owen is a pleasure. "Gone in Sixty Seconds" can barely match this one. The climax is great, the suspense and tension build up quickly, and The Driver remains as mysterious as ever.

It even promotes safety! The BMW is powerful, and can outrun a van full of crooks, but always buckle your seat belt. Your kids will like it, there's no langauage or such, it's mostly just a lot of fun watching The Driver show the true power of the BMW.

Watch this film, as well as it's sequels, "The Hire" series. It's worth downloading, although I am blessed with a modem that downlands FAST. I pity those of you who must wait, but believe me, it's worth it!