“Taxi 3” / 「TAXi③」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 2003, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) U42

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 2003 Japanese release of Taxi 3 / 「TAXi③」, directed by Gérard Krawczyk and written and produced by Luc Besson. The film opened in Japan on 17 May 2003.

The third instalment in the French action-comedy series reunites its familiar partnership of a fearless taxi driver and an accident-prone police inspector, taking their adventures from Marseille into the snowy French Alps.

The Japanese poster captures this change of setting with a spectacular image of Daniel’s modified Peugeot racing through an Alpine landscape beneath airborne skiers.

Film background

The story returns to Daniel, the Marseille taxi driver whose obsession with cars frequently overshadows his personal life, and Émilien, the enthusiastic police inspector struggling to make progress against an elusive gang of bank robbers.

For eight months, the criminals have repeatedly outwitted the Marseille police, using increasingly inventive methods of escape. Commissioner Gibert’s confidence offers little protection against their carefully organised operations.

When Émilien is kidnapped, Daniel’s extraordinary driving skills become essential to rescuing his friend. The pursuit takes the action away from the city streets and into the snow-covered Alps.

Daniel’s familiar white Peugeot 406 returns with further modifications, including equipment designed for the mountain terrain. Meanwhile, his relationship with Lilly and Émilien’s relationship with Petra bring new complications to their already chaotic lives.

The film was directed by Gérard Krawczyk, from a screenplay by Luc Besson, who also served as producer.

The principal cast includes:

Samy Naceri
Frédéric Diefenthal
Bernard Farcy
Marion Cotillard
Emma Sjöberg
Bai Ling

The music credits include DJ Kore and DJ Skalp, continuing the series’ association with contemporary French hip-hop.

Poster design

This striking Japanese poster uses dramatic perspective and a sweeping mountain landscape to communicate the film’s combination of motoring spectacle and winter adventure.

Daniel’s white Peugeot occupies the centre of the composition, seen from behind as it launches across a snowy slope. Its oversized rear spoiler, visible underside, and angled bodywork create an immediate impression of speed and instability.

The familiar rooftop sign reads:

“TAXI MARSEILLE”

This small detail connects the car to its home city even as the action moves into an entirely different environment.

Across the upper foreground, skiers leap overhead. Their boots, skis, and dark clothing frame the image, while sprays of snow reinforce the sense of movement. The viewpoint places the viewer directly beneath the airborne figures, looking towards the taxi and the valley beyond.

Snow-covered peaks, dense mountain forests, and a small settlement stretch into the distance. Deep blue shadows contrast with warm sunlight across the slopes, giving the composition both depth and a crisp winter atmosphere.

The enormous yellow headline across the top reads:

「激走アルプス!! 雪山決戦!!」

Translated:

“Racing through the Alps!! Showdown on the snowy slopes!!”

The title:

“TAXi 3”

dominates the lower section. The word “TAXi” appears in metallic gold lettering, with a large silver 3 enclosed within a circular emblem. Its warm colour stands out sharply against the blue snow beneath it.

The prominent production credit below reads:

「製作・脚本 リュック・ベッソン」

Translated:

“Produced and written by Luc Besson.”

The lower credit block identifies the principal cast and filmmakers, with Japanese distribution information for Asmik Ace and the original campaign website address along the bottom.

The result is an energetic piece of Japanese action-film advertising, combining the franchise’s recognisable white taxi with the unexpected spectacle of a mountain chase.

Condition

Excellent+ condition. A highly attractive example with vivid colour, clear photographic detail, and excellent overall display impact.

There are light signs of handling, including a few small creases and gentle paper undulations, most apparent on the reverse. Overall, the poster presents extremely well.

Reference: U42.

Please review the photographs carefully, as they show the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 2003 Japanese release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now over 23 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.