Taken tells the story of Bryan Mills, a retired CIA hitman who is trying to rebuild his relationship with his daughter. Liam Neeson takes the starring role in this tense thriller that doesn’t let up from the moment the action kicks off.
Mills’ 17 year old daughter decides to take a trip to Europe to visit the museums there… or at least that is what she tells her father. It transpires her and a friend (Amanda) are off to follow U2 Vertigo’s tour across Europe. Bryan’s ex wife was aware of the plan all along and eventually, despite his better judgement, he relents and gives his permission for her to travel.
While there she is on the phone to her father when three men burst into the apartment and begin to kidnap Amanda – Bryan talks his daughter through what to do to give him the best chance to find them and he immediately travels to France to try and track the girls down.
Taken is brutal and bleak – Bryan Mills’ journey back into the world he had left behind is one you won’t forget in a hurry and Neeson’s performance is astounding. We watch this man’s struggle to get his child back as panic almost eats him alive.
Needless to say this isn’t a film for the faint hearted but Taken really is a quality film. This is one of the best films I’ve seen in years.
Rating: 10/10
