The BMW Films series The Hire is made up of eight short films, each about ten minutes long, released online in 2001 and 2002. These branded content shorts, directed by famous filmmakers from around the world, feature Clive Owen as “the Driver” and showcase the performance of various BMW cars.
The series follows a nameless protagonist, “the Driver” (Clive Owen), a highly skilled professional driver of BMW vehicles. Each film’s plot is different, but they all revolve around the Driver being hired for various tasks, usually transporting important people or cargo while outmaneuvering pursuers.
I remember watching these for the first time 20 years ago. Now, there is a new, higher-quality version of them online. Check out the 4K remasters here.
Table of Contents
BMW Films – Ambush
The episode kicks off on a dark freeway with a van swerving close to the Driver, its door sliding open to reveal masked gunmen. They threaten to shoot unless the Driver stops and hands over his passenger—a seemingly innocent man they accuse of smuggling diamonds. It’s a do-or-die situation. Legendary director John Frankenheimer and Clive Owen team up to create a dramatic chase full of unexpected twists. This episode features a BMW 740i (E38) and stars Tomas Milian. Written by Andrew Kevin Walker and directed by John Frankenheimer.
BMW Films – Hostage
In this episode, the Driver is in a frantic race to find a kidnapped victim locked in the trunk of a car by the water’s edge. Connected to her only by cell phone, he has to pinpoint her location in a desperate battle against time and tide. This episode features a BMW Z4 3.0i (E85) and stars Maury Chaykin and Kathryn Morris. Written by David Carter, Greg Hahn, and Vincent Ngo, and directed by John Woo.
BMW Films – Ticker
In this episode, the driver saves a mysterious messenger with an even more enigmatic briefcase after an ambush on a rural highway. With a helicopter gunman hot on their trail, a gripping game of political intrigue unfolds, leading to a surprising conclusion. Featuring a BMW Z4 3.0i (E85), this episode stars Don Cheadle and F. Murray Abraham, with cameos by Ray Liotta, Robert Patrick, Clifton Powell, and Dennis Haysbert as US agents. It was written and directed by Joe Carnahan.
BMW Films – Beat the Devil
This episode kicks off decades ago when the legendary James Brown struck a deal with the devil for fame and fortune. Now, he wants to renegotiate. Hired to take Mr. Brown to meet the devil (played by Gary Oldman), the driver soon gets caught up in some devilish schemes. Featuring a BMW Z4 3.0i (E85), this episode stars James Brown, Gary Oldman, and Danny Trejo, with a cameo by Marilyn Manson. It was written by David Carter, Greg Hahn, and Vincent Ngo, and directed by Tony Scott.
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