Fast & Furious: Han’s 8 Best Quotes, Ranked

He might not be a lead character but Han Seoul-Oh (Sung Kang) is an integral cog in the Fast & Furious wheel since the timeline of the franchise has been structured around his decisions and fate. His Toyko adventures are linked to the events in Fast & Furious 6, which in turn create a pathway to the events in the latest film, F9.

Even though Han tends to be introverted, he is a daredevil who never hesitates to get into fights or hit the highest of speeds, no matter the risks involved. He is a firm believer in romance too, as seen through his relationship with Giselle. And whenever he feels like talking, he always lays out words that leave the viewer impressed.

8 “I Have Money, It’s Trust And Character I Need Around Me.”

One of the best scenes in Tokyo Drift involves Han teaching Sean Boswell how to drift. He hands over the keys to his Nissan Silvia Spec-S S15 to Sean but he crashes it. Given how much money the car costs, Sean is surprised that Han isn’t angry but Han explains why.

Han has been a member of Tokyo’s underworld for years and he understands how hard it is to find someone that can be trusted. He has seen something in Sean, a man who is not only willing to learn but one who is also apologetic. Han’s words are always a way to make Sean indebted to him. The American crashed his car hence he’ll have to agree to do him favors in the future.

7 “I Thought We’d Be Robbing Banks By Now.”

Han is bothered by the slow progress of the team in Fast & Furious (2009) when he is given the task of hitching his car to a tanker in order to steal fuel. Letty has the perfect response for him, letting him know that gas is as valuable as gold.

Han’s words in this first installment of the franchise highlight his ambition and it’s no shocker that he chose to focus on the underground racing circuit in Tokyo later on in the franchise. Stealing gas just doesn’t appeal to him. His words also serve as a moment of foreshadowing since the crew would go on to not just steal from banks but steal from police stations.

6 “You’d Still Be Shaking Down Tea Houses For Chump Change If It Wasn’t For Me.”

Villainous street racer Takashi decides to pull a gun on Han in Tokyo Drift when his uncle Kamata, a Yakuza member, informs him that Han has been stealing from them. Han isn’t thrilled, so he reminds Takashi how he gave him his first opportunity before causing a distraction and fleeing in a Mazda RX-7.

It’s a common quote that’s normally altered slightly to fit the situation. Nevertheless, it still holds much weight as it serves to highlight Takashi’s ungratefulness. As a wealthy and entitled racer, it’s expected of the villain to not recall the help he got along the way. The phrase “shaking down tea houses” might not be so obvious to the viewer and that adds to the complexity of the quote. It points to the common mafia practice of ordering business owners to pay protection fees.

5 “Please Stop Talking?”

When he first notes the attraction between Han and Giselle in Fast & Furious 6, the comical Roman Pearce begins making fun of the two to the point where it becomes annoying. Han thus decides to hush him.

Roman Pearce’s best quotes in Fast & Furious are also some of the funniest in the franchise but if no form of regulation is put on his speech, he can go on for the hours. Here, his commentary about Han and Gisele keeps getting awkward since he has never been in a proper relationship himself. It’s thus relieving for viewers when Han asks him to be quiet.

4 “Well, I Don’t Know, Never Been To Madrid.”

There is a sweet ending for the entire family in Fast Five after the successful heist of $100 million from Rio kingpin Hernan Reyes. Tej and Roman buy two of the most expensive cars in the Fast & Furious franchise while Han and Gisele are seen kissing while speeding on a highway. Gisele asks where they are heading and Han feels they’ll go wherever their money takes them.

While it’s a surprise that a globetrotter like Han has never been to Madrid, his words serve the bigger purpose of outlining the celebratory mood of Dom and his crew members after their biggest and most profitable heist. Han’s arc also seems to develop too as it seems by inviting Gisele to Tokyo, he is ready to start a new chapter in his life.

3 “Look Back.”

During one of his driving sessions with Sean Boswell, Han advises him on how to live his life without any regrets. All one has to do is make a firm decision then keep it moving.

It’s easier said than done but Han’s advice is applicable to every area of life. More is lost by dilly-dallying than by making a firm decision, even if it turns out to be a wrong one. Han lives by this policy and that’s why he fakes his death and disappears even without informing his most trusted confidants.

2 “It’s Good To Be Back.”

There was much speculation about Han’s return for a while and in F9, it finally happens. The rest of the “family” are both shocked and happy to see, considering that everyone was sure he was dead.

It’s one of Han’s bests quote so far because he says it in his most iconic moment. The words give a reason to rejoice to not only Han’s former colleagues but the fans as well. It’s not just him that is glad about the return, everyone is. While there are questions about how Han’s return is executed in the movie, the moment itself is indeed heartwarming.

1 “My Death Became The Best Way To Stay Alive.”

Still related to Han’s ‘death’, his crash is one of the most rewatchable scenes in Fast & Furious due to its believability, and the former street racer doesn’t return without explaining how it happened. He explains that Mr. Nobody had a part to play and that he had to fake his death so as not just to keep himself safe from Deckard Shaw but also Elle.

The quote is the most brilliant so far because it clears all the absurdity surrounding Han’s return. Initially, it had been clear that Han was dead. His return had to be explained in a way that made sense and it did. Han’s words also put an end to the “Justice For Han” narrative. Deckard Shaw didn’t kill him hence there was no point. Now he can take care of the man himself.

About The Author

Philip Etemesi
(1212 Articles Published)

Philip Etemesi is an author, journalist, screenwriter and film critic based in Nairobi. Kenya. As a child, he preferred watching movies like The Goodfellas instead of Home Alone. His girlfriend constantly has to pull him from the front of the TV but he just keeps returning. Stubborn dude! An animal lover, Philip also has a pet giraffe called Refu.

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