Before seeing the film, I knew absolutely nothing about it other than it was released in the 80s, and reflected the 'cinéma du look'- an 80s film movement. My first impressions were that style had been perhaps over-emphasised in order to smokescreen a less-than-intriguing plot, but later on I found the film to develop many relevant and pertinent themes, such as gender, social class, and national identity. Music played a significant part the film, and the director played around with both diegetic and non-diegetic music. I had heard Subway compared to Drive by an acquaintance, but I found few similarities myself other than the use of synthesised music, and in terms of camera use, several close-ups of characters' expressions to show emotions and the building of relationships. The film depicts the 'underground culture' of the metro, where Fred meets many colourful characters, many of whom do not serve the plot, but bring humour to the film. In terms of class, we see a distinct contrast between the bourgeoisie characters, and the habitants of the metro, with the character of Helena sliding from one to the other. Interestingly in terms of gender, the metro appears to be portrayed as a 'mans space', and Helena is later shown as a strong woman, who makes her own decisions. It is said that Luc Besson mixed genres for a playful effect and for reasons of style over cinematographic statement, and references to popular culture, such as the mention of Batman and Robin. The ending is rather ambiguous, we are left wondering the fate of Fred and what will happen regarding his relationship with Helena. Overall, despite a plot which is not strictly concrete or wholly intriguing, the film is enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing, with humour and romance which was pleasing to see.

Subway is one of the first Luc Besson's movies, and one of his best too.It features a string of actors who are superstars in France (Galabru, Reno, Bohringer, Bacri, Adjiani, Lambert, Anglade), some of whom will later on get international recognition. They are the type of artists who can transform a few simple lines into memorable scenes.The ambiance is cleverly created. A few marginals who do not care about belonging to "society" all meet in that maze that is the Paris underground and its maintenance tunnels. They are moody, unpredictable, and uninterested by retirement plans or the perfect consumer life that most are buying into. And the police that tracks them is equally as twisted and moody. Of course, there are means gangsters throw in for good measure ... and a true love story.The script comes across quite well in English, but some of the humor gets lost along the way.This is cult movie from the 80s. Many french in their 30s have probably seen it more than 5 times, many of whom likely own a copy of the soundtrack. Highly recommended: 9 out of 10

If there is a director in the realm of French cinema who can challenge American films in terms of content,narration,presentation,style etc,it is Monsieur Luc Besson.His cinematographic vision is so grand that even ordinary spectators from USA hold his films in high esteem.Most of his films like Subway,Leon,The Big Blue,The Fifth Element have fared well at American box office.Subway is a film that will always be remembered for its inventiveness.There are no so many directors who can film an impossible love story in Parisian metro,which is considered to be one of the most busiest areas in Paris.It is hard to tell who is the real star of this film ? Is it Subway's central character Fred the burglar (Christopher Lambert) who is in love with bourgeois Héléna (Isabelle Adjani) or Parisian metro which is home to many oddball characters ? Subway is a successful film which tries to remain close to reality.In Subway's Parisian metro there might not be so many oddball characters who have made it their home but gullible travelers are always taken for a ride when their bags and belongings are snatched by thieves.Those who have seen this film and have enjoyed innumerable rides in Parisian metro will not hesitate to state that in 2008,it is as fresh,imaginative and real as it was when filmed in 1985.

I was in high school when subway came out and it ran at the rep theater in my town. the first foreign and subtitled movie I even saw. It changed my life-I fell in love Christopher Lambert, car chases, foreign film and the buwaunwaun of the bass. I saw it 6 times on the big screen. All grown up now and its been a long time but I watched it again and loved it just the same. In no way is it a perfect movie, but in that is its strength. the kwirkyness of the story and characters blended with the atmospheric soundtrack creates a fun modern day twisted fairytale - a rare movie. a worthy movie. Like all good french cheese, a little stinky but thats what makes it all the better