Fans of action films should take note: Throughout his career spanning over 40 films, Jason Statham has a considerable number of movies that follow a specific formula: starting with the English word “The” and involving some profession where he transforms into a multi-genre star dominating the Hollywood landscape.
The Transporter
One of the breakthrough roles that brought Jason Statham to prominence in the action genre is The Transporter, marking one of Statham’s first major film roles. In this movie, Statham plays Frank Martin, a member of a special forces unit. After retiring, he relocates to France and becomes a transporter of goods. He adheres to three rules in his work: Never change the deal, never ask for names, and never look inside the package.
However, one day, Martin violated the third rule. He opened a “package” and discovered a beautiful girl, Lai (played by Shu Qi). Martin becomes entangled in a complicated web involving international smuggling, with the main antagonist being Lai’s father.
In The Transporter, Jason Statham showcased his full range of action star qualities, with impressive fight scenes, showcasing his masculine appeal and charisma.
The Bank Job
One of Jason Statham’s most critically acclaimed films is The Bank Job, which falls under the heist genre. Statham plays Terry, a small-time car dealer trying to turn his life around. His neighbor, Martine, persuades him to join a bank heist. Although he recognizes that it is a risky venture, Terry knows that it could also bring him a fortune.
The plan is laid out, and the group discovers a stash of gold bars hidden in Lloyds Bank in Marylebone, London. However, they are unaware that the bank’s safety deposit boxes contain secrets that could expose high-profile criminals, including politicians and members of the royal family.
In The Bank Job, Jason Statham continues to display the unique charm that distinguishes him in the action film genre: determination, cleverness, and a cool demeanor. While it may not contain many high-octane action sequences like his previous films, Statham’s portrayal of a heist mastermind brings a fresh perspective to his performances.
The Expendables
One of Jason Statham’s most recognized roles is that of Lee Christmas in the action-packed franchise The Expendables, alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Dolph Lundgren, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Lee Christmas is a skilled SAS soldier known for his hand-to-hand combat and blade skills.
With a humorous yet tough demeanor, Lee Christmas has become a favorite character among fans and is often considered one of the most beloved characters in the franchise. In the recent fourth installment, Jason Statham even took over the role of the lead star from Sylvester Stallone, receiving positive feedback for his performance.
The Mechanic
Another notable film featuring Jason Statham is The Mechanic, a remake of the 1972 film of the same name. Statham portrays Arthur Bishop, a professional assassin known in society by the moniker “mechanic”. Whether he likes it or not, Bishop gets caught up in complex assassination plots.
Bringing to life the character of Arthur Bishop, Jason Statham remains an emotionless assassin with a penchant for meticulous planning and execution. With The Mechanic, Statham continues to deliver intense and thrilling performances that captivate audiences, especially male viewers.
The Beekeeper
In 2023, Jason Statham is set to return in a film that echoes his previous works in the action genre. The Beekeeper, produced by Miramax, revolves around the story of Adam Clay, a beekeeper with a quiet life. After the death of a close friend, Adam Clay embarks on a revenge mission against those responsible for the bloodshed.
In this role as a beekeeper, Jason Statham continues to shine with intense action scenes, showcasing his ability to handle complex and thrilling combat sequences. The Beekeeper also hints at a possible future for a franchise in the action genre that Hollywood fans can look forward to.
THE BEEKEEPER – Vietnamese title: MẬT VỤ ONG – Set to premiere on January 12th.
