Escapist entertainment that relies mostly on its leading man, Neeson

Rating: 6/10 (7 March 2012)

Liam Neeson is Dr. Martin Harris, a scientist who travels to Germany with his wife, Liz (January Jones, Mad Men), for a bio-tech conference. Before checking into the hotel, he realizes he's left his briefcase and passport behind so he flags down a taxi driven by Gina (Diane Kruger, Inglorious Basterds). Her expert driving skills sends them careening off of a bridge and into the drink. She manages to save herself and Martin, then flees the scene, not wanting to risk deportment because she's an illegal immigrant from Bosnia.
After waking up from a coma, Martin can only remember who he is and why he's in Berlin. He finds his way back to the hotel where he finds Liz, only she denies that she's his wife or that she even knows him. Worse yet, she's with a man (Aidan Quinn) claiming to be her husband and the real Dr. Martin Harris. Lacking any identification to prove that he is who he claims to be, he's removed from the premises. And the mystery surrounding the dual Dr. Harrises begins.
He tracks down Gina and, together, they try to understand what is happening to Martin and why Liz denies that she's his wife. They're lousy detectives. If it weren't for the mystery men constantly in their faces (I don't want to give too much away), they'd be wandering aimlessly around Berlin.
Yes, there are plot holes and more than enough "reeeeally?" moments, but Neeson makes it all worthwhile. At 58, he's still got it. The action is intense, the suspense and thrills are the perfect tone, and the mystery is well done. It's up to you to decide whether the twist at the end is satisfactory. This isn't a flawless film. It's escapist entertainment that relies mostly on its leading man. Unknown is The Bourne Supremacy with less action.