BMW's Gift to Moviedom: The Hire Series

Back in 2001 and 2002, BMW released eight short films starring Clive Owen (who at the time was rumored to become the next James Bond) and its entire vehicle line-up. Along with C'etait un Rendezvous, the films in BMW's The Hire series are the best short films about fast cars ever made. Top action movie directors from around the world were chosen to direct the movies. Co-stars included James Brown, Forest Whitaker, Gary Oldman, Don Cheadle, Madonna, and Mickey Rourke. I loved watching them when they first came out. Today, they are just as fresh and exciting. Let's hope other carmakers follow BMW into this unique form of advertising.

I have compiled all of the films below. Watch them all in one sitting or bookmark this blog and come back for a movie a day. It will keep Dr. Z away.

Ambush: John Frankenheimer, 7-series


Chosen: Ang Lee, 5-series


The Follow: Wong Kar-Wai, 3-series


Star: Guy Ritchie, M5


Powder Keg: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, X5


Hostage: John Woo, Z4


Ticker: Joe Carnahan, Z4


Beat the Devil: Tony Scott, Z4

CKY