'Knows' how to deliver an exciting thriller.

Rating: 7/10 (7 May 2011)

"Unknown" is a quality thriller that hooks you in with intrigue and suspense and then keeps you waiting right till the end before it delivers its knockout twist. And I'll wager that you won't guess what that twist is.
The film is fast paced with plenty of action and it will have you scratching you head, but it does slow down from time to time to give the viewer a chance to pause for thought. That said, it's not difficult to follow what is going on ( why it is going on is another matter), so you won't have to watch it again to understand it.
Liam Neeson gives a very assured performance and is ably supported by Diane Kruger. Frank Langella brings his customary restrained dark menace to the screen, whilst the involvement of Bruno Ganz as a former Stasi agent brings a tangible element of the Cold War to the proceedings. January Jones and Aidan Quinn adequately perform their roles, although she looks a little to similar to Diane Kruger.
Berlin, which is often a popular location for films, is an excellent setting for "Unknown", with the architecture of the city adding to that Cold War feel. I don't know when it was filmed but the gloomy weather and the fact that many scenes were filmed late evening adds to that 'shrouded in secrecy' effect.
Most of the action scenes are excellent, particularly the car plunging into the river early on. However there are a few scenes where you may find yourself saying that this is all a bit too implausible. It spoils the realism of what is otherwise a very entertaining watch.
At just under two hours, it is just the right length for an evening's entertainment.