Taken (2008)

My Dad talked about this movie a lot and so I finally got down to watch it. I was prepared for it to be kick-ass but, wow. It blew my mind!

Title: Taken

Director: Pierre Morel

Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, and Famke Janssen

Rated: Unrated (Theatrical in the USA was PG-13)

Released: 2008

Rating: 4.5/5

Basic Plot: Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) has to go after Kim (Maggie Grace), his daughter, who has be kidnapped and taken into Human Trafficking.


Lesson of the Movie
Whatever you do, don't piss off Liam Neeson. You will NOT survive. He kills around 35 people in order to rescue his daughter. His character of Bryan Mills does not just have the drive to rescue his daughter, he has the skills necessary. Some of the things he does aren't just brute strength, they require skill and thinking. When he threatens the guy who kidnapped his daughter, you know that the caller just made a serious mistake.

No Weakness
Even though Liam Neeson kicks a lot of ass in this movie, I was still somewhat disappointed that it never felt he was in any danger except in a few instances. I would've liked the fights to feel more threatening, though making his kick-ass lower would probably end up ruining more of the film.

Kim Getting Taken
I was flinching when she got taken. The most disturbing parts were when Bryan told his daughter she was about to be taken and when he listened back to her final scream before she was taken. The atmosphere at this part was great. I really loved the tension.

Human Trafficking
This movie discusses this as it's a big reason for the plot. By the end of the movie the whole trade isn't dissolved or discussed (it ends with Kim about to take voice lessons by the singer). But, in my opinion, Human Trafficking was just a reason for the plot but the whole movie is really about a father's love for his daughter. So having the ending reflect that fit the tone of the movie.

Final Thoughts
I watched the Unrated Version (the International Cut) and enjoyed this. I wouldn't recommend watching this movie in a mixed setting. This movie does get graphic at times and you should be forewarned of that. Plus it get uncomfortably tense in a few instances. For everyone who makes that venture, you're in for one hell of a ride!