--- title: "Fast Five" year: 2011 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/fast-five" fi1m_id: "fast-five" imdb_id: "tt1596343" tmdb_id: 51497 wikidata_id: "Q401976" fi1m_score: 72 critics_score: 69 critics_reviews: 17 published: "2026-10-10T18:51:13.148182+00:00" updated: "2026-10-10T18:51:13.787804+00:00" region: "BE" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Fast Five (2011) Directed by Justin Lin · 2h 11m · Action, Thriller, Crime ## Identity Fast Five - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/fast-five - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** fast-five - **IMDb ID:** tt1596343 - **TMDB ID:** 51497 - **Wikidata ID:** Q401976 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596343/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/51497, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q401976 **Fi1m score: 72** · Critics 69 from 17 reviews *In a sentence:* The one where they tow a bank vault through Rio, and it is the most sensible thing anyone does > Justin Lin turns a street-racing series into a heist film, puts Dwayne Johnson in the middle of it and finds its best shape yet. Too long, with a cardboard plot, but the last half hour earns the evening. ## Synopsis Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) is on a prison bus when Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) and Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster) run it off the road. They go to ground in Rio, where Dom’s friend Vince (Matt Schulze) brings them a job: hijack a train. It goes wrong, and the haul turns out to belong to Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida), who owns the favelas and most of the police, so Dom decides to take his money instead. He calls in Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson), Tej Parker (Ludacris), Han Lue (Sung Kang) and Gisele Yashar (Gal Gadot). Meanwhile Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson), a federal agent, lands in Rio looking for them. ## Review Five films in, the street-racing series has stopped being about street racing. Justin Lin, directing his third, has made a heist film instead: a crew, a target, a vault, and Rio to drive it through. *Fast Five* is loud, long and not clever, and it is the first of these films we would recommend to someone who does not already own a lowered Honda. Most of that is down to the last half hour, and a good deal of the rest to Dwayne Johnson. It opens well. A prison bus carrying Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) is run off a desert road by Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) and Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster). Then Rio, and a job: a train to be hijacked, which the crew does at speed. Chris Morgan’s screenplay knows what the audience has paid for and gets to it inside twenty minutes. Stephen F. Windon shoots the city from helicopters, over and over, the statue on the hill, the bay, the favelas climbing the slope, and after the third pass we had the geography and did not need the fourth. Johnson arrives as Luke Hobbs, a federal agent sent to bring the Torettos in, and the film changes temperature. He wears a goatee and a bulletproof vest and appears to have been oiled before every take; Sanja Milkovic Hays puts him in tactical black against Diesel’s white vests, so that even standing still they look like opposing teams. When the two finally go at each other, in a warehouse Peter Wenham has furnished with enough glass and plaster to break, it is two large men throwing each other through the scenery, and we enjoyed it more than we are comfortable admitting. There is no grace in it, and the film does not pretend there is. The crew is drawn from the earlier films, and Lin uses them as a comedy troupe. Tyrese Gibson’s Roman Pearce talks, Ludacris’s Tej Parker rolls his eyes at him, Sung Kang’s Han Lue eats and watches Gal Gadot’s Gisele Yashar, and Tego Calderón and Don Omar bicker in Spanish about whose turn it is. None of it is sharp, but the actors like each other and it shows. Joaquim de Almeida’s Reyes, who runs the favelas by handing out money and taking it back, is a dull villain, soft voice and expensive shirt, and the film seems to know it, because Hobbs does most of the threatening. The middle hour is the problem. Morgan’s plot needs the crew to find the money, lose it, find it again and plan the job, and the planning means a lot of standing around a table while Tej explains a palm scanner and Roman makes a joke. A race against a traffic camera exists only because these films must have a race in them. At 131 minutes it is twenty minutes too long, and we could tell you which twenty. Brian Tyler’s score pushes brass and drums under every scene, including the ones where people are only talking, so that when the real chase starts the music has nowhere higher to go. Then the vault. Two cars, a safe the size of a garden shed, most of the police in Rio behind it, and the three editors, Fred Raskin, Christian Wagner and Kelly Matsumoto, cut it so we always know where the safe is, which way it is swinging and what it is about to hit. We laughed out loud when it took a corner and a bank’s front wall with it, and we were laughing with the film, not at it; the sequence was built by people who knew exactly how stupid it was and how to make that land. It also flattens a good deal of a poor city for our amusement, and the film never notices. We noticed, and then the safe hit a bus. The first film, in 2001, was a small story about an undercover cop and a man who loved his car, with its plot borrowed from [*Point Break*](https://film.one/film/point-break). This is a big story about nothing in particular, and it is much more fun. Watch it with the sound up and somebody who will not ask where the police helicopters went. It carries a 12A; the fights are long and nobody bleeds much. *Fi1m score 72, published 10 October 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics enjoy it, and several call it the best film in the series so far. The praise gathers around the set pieces: the vault dragged through the streets of Rio, the train hijacking, the rooftop footrace. Justin Lin’s staging and pacing are credited with turning the absurdity into a virtue, and Dwayne Johnson’s arrival is welcomed as a good fit for the franchise, his clashes with Vin Diesel singled out more than once. The reservations are consistent even among admirers: the film is too long, the finale especially, and the plot and dialogue are thin. The spread is fairly wide. The Guardian finds it predictable and overindulgent, with stunts that seem to go on for ever, and Slant Magazine calls it a generic heist picture that has abandoned what made the series distinctive. The AV Club, though positive, is uneasy about how cheerfully the film flattens Rio’s poorest neighbourhoods. ## Straight answers **Is Fast Five worth watching?** *Fast Five* is worth watching for anyone who wants a loud, silly heist film with a last half hour that pays off, and we scored it 72. It is twenty minutes too long and the plot is cardboard, but the vault chase through Rio and Dwayne Johnson's arrival as Hobbs make the evening work. Come for the finale, not the planning scenes. **How long is Fast Five, and what is it rated?** *Fast Five* runs 2h 11m. It is an action and thriller film. **Where can I watch Fast Five in Belgium?** *Fast Five* is streaming on Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix in Belgium, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from €3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is Fast Five, and is it suitable for children?** *Fast Five* carries a 12A, and that is about right: long fist fights, car chases and gunfire, but very little blood on screen. The warehouse brawl between Diesel and Johnson is two large men going through scenery rather than anything cruel, and nothing in it is frightening. Older children used to action films should be fine; the very young may find it noisy and long. **How does Fast Five compare to Fast & Furious?** *Fast Five* is the better film than [*Fast & Furious*](https://film.one/film/fast-and-furious), because it stops pretending to be about street racing and becomes a heist film with a crew and a target. The earlier one has a properly staged opening tanker heist and then loses its way in a border tunnel; this one sags in the middle but finishes with its best sequence. If you only watch one, make it this. **Do you need to have seen the other Fast & Furious films before Fast Five?** *Fast Five* is a fair place to start the series, since the heist plot explains itself and the crew is introduced as it arrives. You will miss why Dom is on a prison bus and who Brian and Mia are to him, but the film tells you enough to keep up. It is the first in the series we would recommend to someone who has seen none of the others. **What should I watch after Fast Five?** After *Fast Five*, try [*Ronin*](https://film.one/film/ronin) (1998, Fi1m 80): Frankenheimer’s Paris chases are the grown-up version, driven by stuntmen you can see. Then [*Ocean's Eleven*](https://film.one/film/oceans-eleven) (2001, Fi1m 80): The crew-assembles-for-one-job film this one is quietly copying, done with more wit; and [*The Raid*](https://film.one/film/the-raid) (2011, Fi1m 83): Same year, a fraction of the budget, and fights that make Diesel and Johnson look polite. **What order should I watch the Fast & Furious films in?** Release order is the safe choice for Fast & Furious, and it is the order [our collection page](https://film.one/collections/fast-and-furious) lists them in. *Fast Five* is number 4 of the 10 Fast & Furious titles on Fi1m; before it comes [*Fast & Furious*](https://film.one/film/fast-and-furious) and after it [*Fast & Furious 6*](https://film.one/film/fast-and-furious-6). [The full order.](https://film.one/collections/fast-and-furious.md) ### Reviews we read (17) - **Variety**, Robert Koehler (85/100, inferred): Koehler calls it the best entry in the series so far and says its blend of familiar elements and novelty should delight audiences. He especially praises the breakneck pacing and the elaborate Rio heist and chase sequences. [Read](https://variety.com/2011/film/reviews/fast-five-1117945052/) - **The AV Club**, Scott Tobias (B+): Tobias finds the film a streamlined, hugely satisfying action sequel that turns its absurdity into an asset. He praises the well-orchestrated setpieces, while noting its troubling destruction of Rio’s poor favelas. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/fast-five-1798168093) - **Radio Times**, Alan Jones (4/5): Jones finds the film enormously enjoyable, praising its high-velocity action and returning cast. He says Justin Lin’s picturesque swooping shots are the only blot. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-b8hugv/fast-five/) - **Empire**, Nick de Semlyen (75/100, inferred): The critic finds it the series’ most entertaining entry despite its clunky scenes and excessive length. Dwayne Johnson’s larger-than-life presence and the extravagantly destructive final chase stand out for praise. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/fast-furious-5-rio-heist-review/) - **RogerEbert.com**, Roger Ebert (★★★): Ebert gives the film a positive verdict, finding it an effective action spectacle. He singles out the ensemble’s chemistry and the heist’s entertaining scale. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/fast-five-2011) - **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis (75/100, inferred): Dargis’s verdict is broadly positive, presenting the film as an especially entertaining entry in the series. She singles out its energetic action spectacle as a key strength. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/movies/fast-five-with-vin-diesel-review.html) - **Film Comment**, Scott Foundas (70/100, inferred): Foundas suggests the fifth installment is a success for fans of lowbrow vehicular mayhem. The standfirst singles out its appeal to lovers of that kind of action. [Read](https://www.filmcomment.com/foundas-on-film-the-arbor-fast-five/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (70/100, inferred): Sharkey finds the film an audacious, entertaining action spectacle, calling it the best entry in the series so far. She praises the rooftop footrace and Diesel–Johnson clashes, but says the long finale and overall runtime should have been cut down. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-apr-29-la-et-fast-five-20110429-story.html) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Megan Lehmann (70/100, inferred): Lehmann finds the film a gleefully silly, durable action spectacle that restores goodwill toward the franchise. She praises its metal-crunching set pieces, especially the vault careening through Rio, while noting the weak acting and thin plot. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/fast-five-film-review-179847/) - **Vulture**, Margaret Lyons (65/100, inferred): The critic gives the film a qualified yes, while questioning whether the franchise deserves its progressive reputation. They single out its abundance of hugging and mugging, alongside its approach to race. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2011/05/review_fast_five_in_one_senten.html) - **Time Out**, Anna Smith (3/5): The three-star rating suggests a mixed-to-positive verdict, while the review notes the franchise’s surprising longevity. The available text does not reveal what else the critic singles out for praise or complaint. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/fast-furious-5) - **Total Film**, James Mottram (3/5): Mottram finds it an entertaining, full-throttle action film that understands its audience, though it is no mould-breaker. He singles out the train hijacking as the standout sequence and praises Dwayne Johnson’s fit with the franchise. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/fast-five-review/) - **The Guardian**, Philip French (40/100, inferred): French finds the film predictable and overindulgent, despite its spectacular action. He singles out the elaborate car theft and safe-dragging stunts, which he says seem to go on for ever. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/apr/24/fast-five-review) - **Slant Magazine**, Nick Schager (1.5/4): The critic finds the film a dim-witted, generic heist story that abandons the franchise’s distinctive focus. He praises the momentum and brawn of the opening sequence and finale, but complains that the rest is weighed down by a shopworn plot and stock elements. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/fast-five/) - **Den of Geek**, Ryan Lambie (4/5): Lambie finds the film an absurd but hugely entertaining, high-octane action movie. He praises its technical craft and spectacular set pieces, while criticizing the weak writing and slow stretches between them. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/fast-and-furious-5-review/) - **The Playlist**, The Playlist Staff (B): The review finds the film entertaining despite its excessive length, violence, and diminished car-culture appeal. It praises Lin’s staging and pacing, especially in the climactic vault-dragging chase. [Read](https://staging2.theplaylist.net/review-fast-five-keeps-enough-fuel-in-this-aging-franchise-to-still-be-fun-20110427/) - **Eye for Film**, Jennie Kermode (75/100, inferred): Kermode finds the film an enjoyable, energetic success despite its excessive length and formulaic plot. She particularly praises the inventive, destructive car-action set pieces and their pacing. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/fast-five-film-review-by-jennie-kermode) ## Details - **Director:** Justin Lin - **Director:** Justin Lin - **Screenplay:** Chris Morgan - **Cinematography:** Stephen F. Windon - **Editor:** Kelly Matsumoto, Christian Wagner, Fred Raskin - **Music:** Brian Tyler - **Production design:** Peter Wenham - **Costume design:** Sanja Milkovic Hays - **Producer:** Vin Diesel, Michael Fottrell, Neal H. Moritz - **Cast:** Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto; Paul Walker as Brian O'Conner; Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto; Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce; Ludacris as Tej Parker; Matt Schulze as Vince; Sung Kang as Han Lue; Gal Gadot as Gisele Yashar - **Runtime:** 2h 11m - **First release (Australia):** 20 April 2011 - **Genres:** Action, Thriller, Crime - **Part of:** [Fast & Furious](https://film.one/collections/fast-and-furious.md) · 4 of 10 - **Budget:** $125 million - **Box office:** $626 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSDNZeRX_1Y ## Where to watch in Belgium - Disney+: streaming, hd - Amazon Prime Video: streaming, uhd - Netflix: streaming - Amazon Prime Video: rent €3.99, uhd - Apple TV: rent €3.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy €7.99, uhd - Apple TV: buy €7.99, hd *Checked 2026-10-05.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, AZ, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, SK, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *The Italian Job* (1969): The original car heist in a foreign city, with better jokes and smaller cars. - *Ronin* (1998), Fi1m 80: Frankenheimer’s Paris chases are the grown-up version, driven by stuntmen you can see. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ronin.md) - *Ocean's Eleven* (2001), Fi1m 80: The crew-assembles-for-one-job film this one is quietly copying, done with more wit. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/oceans-eleven.md) - *The Raid* (2011), Fi1m 83: Same year, a fraction of the budget, and fights that make Diesel and Johnson look polite. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-raid.md) - *Mad Max: Fury Road* (2015), Fi1m 88: If the vault chase is what you came for, here is two hours of it. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/mad-max-fury-road.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/fast-five