The dynamics of entangled¯exible polymers is dominated by physics general to many chemical systems. It is an appealing interdisciplinary ®eld where experimental and theoretical physics can work closely with chemistry and chemical engineering. The role of topological interactions is particularly important, and has given rise to a successful theoretical framework: the`tube model'. Progress over the last 30 years is reviewed in the light of specially-synthesized model materials, an increasing palette of experimental techniques, simulation and both linear and nonlinear rheological response. Our current understanding of a series of processes in entangled dynamics:`reptation',`contour length¯uctuation' and`constraintrelease' are set in the context of remaining serious challenges. Especial attention is paid to the phenomena associated with polymers of complex topology or`long chain branching'.