Watch Drivers Wanted

Drivers Wanted is a 2005 documentary that depicts the lives of four taxi drivers in New York City - David, Ricardo, Tyrone, and Danilo. The film, directed by Joshua Z Weinstein, provides a poignant insight into their personal struggles, motivations and experiences in the cab industry. The documentary begins with a monologue by David who talks about his passion for driving taxi and the freedom that comes along with it. He shares his stories of the interesting characters he met as passengers, including a man who claimed to be Elvis Presley's half-brother and a woman who was a descendant of Geronimo. We also see David driving around Manhattan, Harlem, and Brooklyn, interacting with various people on the streets.

The movie then introduces us to Ricardo, a Colombian immigrant who works tirelessly to provide for his family back home. He talks about how difficult it is to make a living driving a taxi, especially with increasing competition from ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. Despite the challenges, Ricardo remains optimistic and even takes up classes to improve his English, hoping it would boost his chances of securing more profitable fares.

Tyrone, another driver featured in the documentary, speaks candidly about his struggles with drug addiction and how it affected his life. He shares his tales of the highs and lows of the cab industry, from stumbling upon a $2,000 tip to being robbed at gunpoint. The film also touches on Tyrone's journey towards sobriety and how it has shaped his perspective on life.

Finally, we have Danilo, a Dominican driver who emigrated to the United States to escape poverty and provide a better life for his family. He shares his thoughts on the American Dream, and how the taxi industry proved to be a means to an end for him through sheer determination and hard work. In one scene, he talks about how he used to live in his car and eat canned foods just to make ends meet.

As we follow the daily lives of these drivers, we get an intimate glimpse into the diverse struggles and sacrifices that people make to pursue their dreams. Drivers Wanted highlights the humanity behind the wheel and the important role that taxi drivers play in any city's fabric.

Visually, the documentary captures the bustling streets of New York City, with the camera tracking the taxis as they navigate through heavy traffic and deal with erratic passengers. The film's editing is smooth and fluid, weaving together the drivers' personal stories with their on-the-job encounters.

Overall, Drivers Wanted is a touching and honest portrayal of a profession that's often overlooked and underappreciated. It's a film that resonates with anyone who has ever faced obstacles in life and is a testament to the grit and resilience of the human spirit.