Liam Neeson at his best

Rating: 8/10 (14 December 2008)

Again we see Liam Neeson at his best in this under-rated action thriller. Taken exhibits perfectly how a film with a sustained story line should be shot; fast, exiting, witty and gritty. The film's plot revolves around the abduction of Kim the daughter of Bryan Mills a highly successful US spy. Bryan's journey to France to track Kim down from the hands of an Albanian criminal mob grips the audience in Pierre Morel's first serious attempt to display his craft in directing. Two things stand out about this film, the superb acting by Bryan (Liam Neeson) and the camera shots.
The audience sympathises with Bryan the father from the outset, he is likable, confident and determined to establish some sort of a relationship with his daughter. Against the backdrop of a now liberated and catered for ex-wife, Bryan does not seem to be concerned with scoring easy points against 'Lenore' (Famke Janssen), but instead wants to get down to business; finding his daughter and in the process killing the bad guys, this leaves the audience with their thumbs in their mouths.
The camera shots successfully highlights Bryan's other persona, both professional and ruthless. The audience is left in awe of Steven Seagal style hand to hand combat without feeling that they squandered money on a cheesy 2nd rate film. The camera angles shows the brutally of Liam Neeson well in his pursuit for answers, which at times shows his character to be heartless especially when he ignores the plight of other trafficked girls, which leaves us wondering IS THIS GUY AN ACTION HERO OR NOT?! The simple answer is no. Pierre Morel is a realist it seems when it came to shooting this film, any father would be concerned about the welfare of his own in merciless times, and Bryan is no different.
Overall Taken is a great action film which surpasses expectation; yes the acting of the 17 year old daughter resembles a 13 year old, but Liam Neeson's execution as a resolute wise and competent character surely compensates the lack of ability of other actors.