Taken
Taken
A retired CIA agent travels across Europe and relies on his old skills to save his estranged daughter, who has been kidnapped while on a trip to Paris.
Hakihiko reviewedDecember 16, 2024
A Tense and Thrilling Action Classic
"Taken" is a gripping, fast-paced action-thriller that knows exactly what it wants to deliver: a tense, adrenaline-fueled ride with a compelling central performance by Liam Neeson. Directed by Pierre Morel, the film introduces us to Bryan Mills, a retired CIA operative whose "very particular set of skills" are put to the ultimate test when his teenage daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) is abducted by human traffickers while on a trip to Paris.
What makes "Taken" stand out is its simplicity. The plot is straightforward but executed with a sense of urgency and intensity that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The pacing is tight, with minimal downtime, and the action sequences are brutal and efficient, showcasing Bryan's methodical approach to rescuing his daughter.
Liam Neeson's performance is the heart of the film. He brings gravitas to Bryan Mills, making him a relatable and sympathetic father while also exuding the cold, calculated efficiency of a seasoned operative. His now-iconic phone speech ("I will find you, and I will kill you") has become a defining moment in action cinema, setting the tone for the rest of the film.
The cinematography and direction work well to heighten the tension, though some of the fight scenes could have benefited from cleaner choreography. The villains, while serviceable, are rather generic and don't offer much depth, but the film doesn't dwell on them long enough for this to become a major flaw.
"Taken" is not without its shortcomings-it's light on character development beyond Bryan, and the story doesn't break new ground in the genre. However, its sheer intensity and emotional stakes more than make up for these limitations. It's a film that thrives on its no-nonsense approach and delivers exactly what action fans crave.
For anyone looking for a high-octane thriller with a strong emotional core, "Taken" is a must-watch. While it may not redefine the genre, it remains a standout example of what a well-crafted action movie can achieve.