Movie Review: Taken Starring Liam Neeson

For critics, the question often comes up as to whether a film is realistic. Already, it seems that Taken, the action thriller from writer Luc Besson and director Pierre Morel, has divided writers over its plausibility.

Taken stars Liam Neeson as ex-CIA "Preventer" Bryan Mills, skilled in hand-to-hand combat, weaponry, and stealth. Mills has retired from government work to live near his 17-year-old daughter Kim (Maggie Grace), and her mother, Lenore (Famke Janssen), in California. It is suggested early on that Kim's dream is to become a pop singer. Mills' ex-wife has remarried the ultra-wealthy Stuart (Xander Berkeley), who additionally showers Kim with extravagant gifts. In an early scene, we are given a taste of Bryan's skills when he decides to pick up some extra money working security at a concert for pop singer Sheera (Holly Vance).

However, it seems, Bryan has fallen short at building a relationship with his daughter, due to Lenore's intervention and Stuart's overshadowing of him. Thus, Bryan is overjoyed when Kim asks if the two of them can meet for lunch, alone. However, as it turns out, she merely needs her father's consent to take a trip to Paris with her friend Amanda (Katie Cassidy). Bryan, due to his experience with the lowest and most dangerous people of the world, refuses. The next day, however, he relents, with certain conditions.

When they arrive in Paris, Kim and Amanda meet a handsome, friendly stranger named Peter (Nicolas Giraud), who offers to share a cab with them. Little do they realize that Peter is not who he appears, and suffice it to say that their meeting leads up to both girls being kidnapped. Bryan, however, immediately becomes aware of their capture, and sends a message to the hostage taker that he will find and kill him.

Taken is a thrill ride from beginning to end, regardless of some of its plot holes. Bryan Mills is the type of character you may have seen Harrison Ford play in his younger days (e.g. Jack Ryan in Clear and Present Danger). The film, however, takes quite a few liberties with realism, and plays on American audiences' present-day fears of terrorism and organized crime.

Taken delves into the seedy underbelly of Paris, and the world of human trafficking, which is indeed a real problem. The idea of a single man taking down an entire organization, however, is wholly unbelievable; therefore, if seeing the film, don't go in expecting complete realism. Its hero is akin to James Bond, or other "secret agent" characters.

A past film critic, talking of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, mentioned the fact that it depicts children being used for slave labor in Sri Lanka. However, in the context of the film, it's merely a backdrop; audiences may not consider how horrible an idea it is, because they are caught up in the action. The same may be true of Taken, as Bryan more or less ignores the plight of other women caught in the same situation, in the name of pursuing his daughter.

Bryan's character, too, exacts some horrific human rights violations in the name of finding a family member. While most of us, were we fearing for our lives, would likely take any means necessary, it is doubtful that would include torture. Of course, in film, audiences are sometimes presented with situations that hopefully, in real life, they would never have to see.

All that aside, the film itself is enjoyable for its aesthetic value. The action sequences are intense and crisply edited; the sound, by Martin Bossau and edited by Sebastien Jeannot, is forcible and imperative in holding the audience's attention.

Its visuals, too, are essential in creating a dark underworld which the hero finds himself combating. The combination of dark reds, blacks, and oranges evoke the environment of seedy strip clubs, brothels, and drug houses.

Taken is, in some respects, reminiscent of writer Luc Besson's Leon (known in America as The Professional), in which a young girl's family is murdered by a corrupt DEA official, and she seeks revenge with the help of a "cleaner" (paid assassin). The premise, while it may sound ridiculous and implausible, is thrilling to watch.

Fans of the Lost series may also recognize Maggie Grace from her role as Shannon Rutherford. Though she performs well and is believable, she isn't given a whole lot of screen time.

On a side note, in case you're wondering if the film has influenced anyone to combat human trafficking, actress Famke Janssen, who plays Lenore, now serves as the Goodwill Ambassador for the U.N. Office Against Drugs and Crime, according to The Internet Movie Database. In terms of realism, too, Liam Neeson received training in the Filipino Kali martial arts system and elements of Jeet Kune Do; these are taught to the British Special Air Service and the U.S. Navy Seals.

Taken is worth seeing, if you are willing to suspend your disbelief and can handle some of the more violent sequences. There are some powerful performances and slick action...is that what you go to the movies to see? This might be your picture after all.