A Taxi Driver
A Taxi Driver Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: A Taxi Driver
| Movie | A Taxi Driver |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Director | Jang Hoon |
| Genre | Action / Drama / History |
| Runtime | 138 minutes (2h 18m) |
| Language | KO |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is A Taxi Driver (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in A Taxi Driver are led by Song Kang-ho . The supporting cast, including Thomas Kretschmann and Yoo Hai-jin , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
A Taxi Driver stands out as a strong entry in the Action genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Action narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, A Taxi Driver has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Action fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: A Taxi Driver
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, A Taxi Driver is a Action, Drama, History film directed by Jang Hoon, written by Eom Yu-na. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Song Kang-ho as Kim Man-seob.
Story Breakdown
In this high-octane feature, Jang Hoon establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. May, 1980. Man-seob is a taxi driver in Seoul who lives from hand to mouth, raising his young daughter alone. One day, he hears that there is a foreigner who will pay big money for a drive down to Gwangju city. Not knowing that he’s a German journalist with a hidden agenda, Man-seob takes the job. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Song Kang-ho, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: A Taxi Driver opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes, introducing Song Kang-ho as Kim Man-seob in the midst of conflict. Jang Hoon wastes no time setting up the action blueprint, and across its 2h 18m runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Song Kang-ho, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers powerfully, with Song Kang-ho at the center of the action. Jang Hoon's staging of the climax raises the stakes to their highest point.
Ending Explained: A Taxi Driver
A Taxi Driver Ending Explained: Directed by Jang Hoon, A Taxi Driver delivers a satisfying and emotionally impactful resolution. The ending highlights the core action themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Song Kang-ho. Many viewers have praised the way the narrative builds toward its final moments.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the action themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of A Taxi Driver leave a lasting impression and strengthen the overall impact of the story.
A Taxi Driver Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is A Taxi Driver Based on a True Story?
A Taxi Driver is inspired by documented historical events. As a action, drama, history film directed by Jang Hoon, the production explores how real events can be adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version
The film balances factual inspiration with cinematic storytelling. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
Many viewers have praised the film for respecting the spirit of the real events.
Accuracy Assessment: A Taxi Driver successfully adapts real-world inspiration into a compelling cinematic story. Viewers interested in the real history may want to explore historical sources alongside the film.
Who Should Watch A Taxi Driver?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Action cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate spectacular action sequences and intense confrontations
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: A Taxi Driver
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.8M |
| Worldwide Gross | $81.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
A Taxi Driver Budget
The estimated production budget for A Taxi Driver is $12.8M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch A Taxi Driver Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with AdsA Taxi Driver Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about A Taxi Driver age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of A Taxi Driver (2017) is 138 minutes (2h 18m). Directed by Jang Hoon, the film runs for 138 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.0/10, and global performance metrics, A Taxi Driver is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Taxi Driver worth watching?
A Taxi Driver is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find A Taxi Driver parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for A Taxi Driver identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of A Taxi Driver (2017)?
The runtime of A Taxi Driver (2017) is 138 minutes (approximately 2h 18m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
