When Taken burst into theaters back in 2008, hardly anyone could anticipate the cultural sensation it would make. With its quick pace, brutal action set pieces, and a performance so memorable by Liam Neeson that it became legend, the film was an overnight sensation and benchmark for the action thriller genre almost immediately.
The movie follows Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), a retired spy with the CIA, trying to re-acclimate to family life with his estranged daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace). After Kim and her friend travel to Paris, they are kidnapped by an Albanian people-trafficking ring. Having only one chance to get some words of farewell in on his daughter when she is taken captive, Bryan gives one of the most famous dialogue lines of the action cinema era:
"I will find you, I will look for you, and I will kill you."
The second is a frenetic pursuit around Paris, as Bryan uses his particular skillset in an attempt to locate his daughter and kill those who have kidnapped her.
The Strengths of Taken
1. Liam Neeson's Iconic Performance
Liam Neeson reinvigorated his career with Taken. Before he was well known for drama, Neeson's portrayal of Bryan Mills made him a legitimate action hero. He brings gravitas with him, and his reading of the now-famous monologue has been quoted and parodied ad infinitum.
His acting is emotionally intense and physically demanding. He adds depth to what would otherwise have been a simple action role, making Bryan a character that the audience can identify with. His desperation to rescue his daughter is believable, and his ruthless effectiveness in combat makes for an exciting ride.
2. Fast-Paced Action and Tight Storytelling
At a bit more than 90 minutes, Taken does not waste time on unnecessary filler. After Kim is kidnapped, the movie is in a breakneck pace, keeping one on the edge of their seat. The action sequences are choreographed, brutal, and concise, never crossing the line into the over-the-top absurdity of so many modern action movies.
The cinematography and editing serve to heighten the intensity of the movie. The fight scenes are quick and forceful, lending an intense and visceral quality to the violence. Bryan's pursuit of his prey on the Paris streets, the car chases, and the showdowns at high tension all possess a sense of urgency that never falters.
3. A Gritty, Realistic Tone
Whereas most action films of the era preferred slick and bombastic presentation, Taken plunges headlong into gritty and realistic style. The film does not rely on CGI-laden explosions and gratuitous fight choreography; instead, it gives us close-up combat, methodical planning, and a sense of urgency that feels true to life.
The international crime and human trafficking themes give the movie an added sense of real-world horror. Although some elements of the plot are exaggerated, Taken draws on real fears regarding travel safety and organized crime, so its stakes feel even more elevated.
Areas for Criticism
1. One-Dimensional Villains
While Taken is a great action movie, its villains are pretty one-dimensional. The Albanian traffickers do what they are supposed to do as a barrier for Bryan, but they are not well-developed or deep. They exist only to be beaten.
This is especially evident when compared to other action thrillers that provide greater motive or background for their villains. The lack of a recallable villain presence makes the film solely dependent on Neeson's performance, which, while fantastic, might have been better served with an even match.
2. Predictable Ending
With the movie's premise, there is never any doubt what will happen with it. The ride itself is intense and full of action, but the finish is easily anticipated. Bryan will do anything in order to save his daughter, and the movie never so much as hints at him not making it work. This diminishes some of the suspense, because the viewer is never actually uncertain about what is going to happen.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Despite whatever minor imperfections, Taken made a lasting mark on the action film genre. It turned Liam Neeson into an unlikely action star, and it gave birth to a series of such appearances in films like The Grey, Non-Stop, and The Commuter.
Taken also spawned two sequels, Taken 2 (2012) and Taken 3 (2014), although neither of them had the magic of the original. The franchise even gave rise to a short-lived television series. Even more broadly, Taken contributed to a generation of "older action hero" movies, proving that action movies do not have to include youth and bulk actors in order to be successful at the box office.
Does Taken Hold Up Today?
Definitely. Even years after its release, Taken is an extremely fun action movie. It isn't always the most understated of films, but it does precisely what it is supposed to do: offer high-octane action, a wonderful lead performance, and constant entertainment.
For action fans, it's an absolute must. And for people who have never seen it, it's worth watching—just to understand why Taken remains a cultural reference point. Just be prepared to hear Liam Neeson's legendary phone call monologue one more time.
My rating: 8.5
What did you think of the movie?
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