Subway (1985) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Released in 1985, Subway is a visually captivating French crime-comedy directed by Luc Besson. The film is a hallmark of 80s French cinema, blending a unique blend of crime, romance, and surrealism within the backdrop of the Paris Metro. With its vibrant neon aesthetic and eclectic soundtrack, Subway offers an exciting and unconventional ride through Paris’ underground world. Featuring standout performances from Christopher Lambert and Isabelle Adjani, this film helped solidify Besson’s reputation as a pioneering filmmaker.
In this review, we’ll explore the plot, visual style, performances, and how to stream Subway online.
Plot Summary
Subway follows Fred (Christopher Lambert), a charming but rebellious thief, who seeks refuge in the labyrinthine world of the Paris Metro after stealing a briefcase of sensitive documents from a wealthy businessman. Fred soon becomes entangled in the underground world of eccentric characters that inhabit the Metro, from roller-skating hooligans to quirky musicians, each of whom contributes to the film’s strange and surreal atmosphere.
While on the run from both the police and the businessman’s hired goons, Fred falls for Héléna (Isabelle Adjani), the beautiful but cold wife of the man he has stolen from. Intrigued by Fred’s rebellious nature and dissatisfied with her privileged but dull life, Héléna is drawn to the wild freedom Fred represents. As their romance unfolds, Fred also gets involved in a plot to organize a heist and pursue his dream of forming a rock band with the eclectic group of subway misfits he meets along the way.
The film’s narrative is more about mood and character interactions than plot, as Fred navigates this bizarre underworld and tries to woo Héléna, all while evading capture. The central focus is on Fred’s quest for freedom and self-expression, set against the backdrop of the Paris Metro’s chaotic, neon-lit tunnels.
Why Subway is a Must-Watch
- Luc Besson’s Distinctive Directing Style: Subway is often credited as one of Luc Besson’s early masterpieces, showcasing his signature style, which would later be seen in films like The Fifth Element and Léon: The Professional. The film’s blend of crime, surrealism, and romantic undertones is quintessential Besson. His ability to create an entire world within the claustrophobic confines of the Metro, filled with offbeat characters and dreamlike visuals, is a testament to his innovative filmmaking.
- Christopher Lambert’s Iconic Performance: Christopher Lambert, best known for his role in Highlander, shines as the mysterious and rebellious Fred. His portrayal of Fred, who oozes charm and nonchalance, gives the film its emotional core. Lambert balances the character’s criminal tendencies with an undeniable vulnerability, particularly in his interactions with Héléna, played by the ever-enigmatic Isabelle Adjani.
- A Visual Feast: The film’s vibrant aesthetic, neon lighting, and gritty underground locations create a world that feels both hyper-realistic and fantastical. The Paris Metro, a character in its own right, is transformed into a futuristic, almost otherworldly landscape, where anything seems possible. The film’s use of color and its stylish cinematography evoke the neon-noir atmosphere of 80s films, making Subway a visual treat for audiences who appreciate stylish filmmaking.
- Memorable Soundtrack: Another major highlight of Subway is its eclectic soundtrack, which blends rock, punk, and new wave music. Composed by Eric Serra, the film’s music adds an energetic pulse that mirrors Fred’s frenetic lifestyle and his aspirations to form a band. The film’s musical elements are seamlessly integrated into the story, creating a sense of rhythm that flows with the film’s dynamic pacing.
- Eccentric Characters and Humor: Subway is filled with quirky and colorful characters, from roller-skating gangsters to enigmatic drummers, who help create the surreal world that Fred navigates. Their antics, combined with Besson’s dry humor and absurdist touches, make for an entertaining and unpredictable viewing experience. The film’s humor is understated yet sharp, offering moments of levity amidst the otherwise tense and fast-paced narrative.
Key Themes in Subway
- Freedom and Rebellion: At its core, Subway is about freedom and the desire to break away from societal constraints. Fred, with his rebellious nature and disdain for authority, represents the yearning for freedom, both from the law and from the monotony of life. His underground hideout in the Metro becomes a symbol of escape, where he and the other eccentric characters can live outside the rules of the world above.
- The Clash Between Worlds: The film explores the clash between different social worlds—Fred’s underground existence in the Metro contrasts with Héléna’s upper-class, controlled life. This theme is emphasized through their romance, which feels like a meeting of two completely different worlds. The Paris Metro itself acts as a metaphor for the divide between the underground and the above-ground, both literally and figuratively.
- Surrealism and Escapism: The film’s dreamlike quality, created through its visual style and eccentric characters, brings an air of surrealism to Subway. Fred’s journey through the Metro is less about escaping his pursuers and more about escaping into a world of fantasy, where he can live on his own terms, form a band, and find love. The film encourages audiences to embrace the absurd and to find beauty in the chaos.
Where to Watch Subway Online
1. Criterion Channel
Subway is available for streaming on the Criterion Channel, which is known for its curated selection of classic and influential films. This platform is ideal for cinephiles looking for high-quality, restored versions of classic films.
- Availability: Streaming (Subscription required)
2. Amazon Prime Video
You can rent or purchase Subway on Amazon Prime Video in both standard and HD formats. This option allows you to stream the film on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and tablets.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $12.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
3. Apple TV (iTunes)
The film is also available for rent or purchase on Apple TV (iTunes), making it easy to stream on Apple devices or download for offline viewing.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $12.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
4. Google Play Movies & TV
On Google Play, Subway can be rented or purchased and streamed on various Android devices, smart TVs, or via Chromecast.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $12.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
5. Vudu
Vudu offers Subway for rent or purchase, allowing for streaming in HD. It can be accessed on devices like Roku, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $12.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
Conclusion
Subway is a stylish and unique entry in 80s French cinema, showcasing Luc Besson’s flair for blending genre elements into a visually and musically dynamic experience. Christopher Lambert’s charismatic performance as the rebellious Fred, combined with the film’s surreal aesthetic and energetic soundtrack, makes Subway a must-watch for fans of quirky, offbeat films.
With its themes of freedom, rebellion, and escapism, Subway invites viewers into a fantastical underground world, where reality and fantasy blur. Whether you’re a fan of Besson’s other works, like The Fifth Element and Léon: The Professional, or simply looking for a film that defies convention, Subway delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience.
