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Taken is an action thriller film that was released on January 30, 2009. Directed by Pierre Morel and starring Liam Neeson, the movie quickly became a fan favorite due to its gripping storyline, intense action sequences, and powerful performances. The film tells a fast-paced and emotionally charged story of a father’s relentless pursuit to rescue his kidnapped daughter.
With a mix of suspense, action, and emotional depth, Taken captivated audiences worldwide. The movie’s simple yet engaging premise, combined with Neeson’s strong performance, made it one of the most memorable action films of the 2000s. This review will explore the film’s plot, strengths, weaknesses, target audience, and box office success.
Plot Summary
The story follows Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), a retired CIA operative who is trying to reconnect with his teenage daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace). When Kim and her friend travel to Paris for a vacation, they are kidnapped by a human trafficking ring.
Using his unique set of skills, Bryan embarks on a relentless mission to track down his daughter and bring her home safely. With time running out and dangerous criminals standing in his way, Bryan stops at nothing to rescue Kim, showcasing his deadly abilities along the way.
What’s Good?
Liam Neeson’s Performance
Liam Neeson delivers an outstanding performance as Bryan Mills. His portrayal of a desperate yet highly skilled father is both convincing and emotionally impactful. His famous line, “I will find you, and I will kill you,” has become one of the most iconic quotes in action movie history.
Action and Fight Sequences
The film is packed with intense action scenes, including hand-to-hand combat, car chases, and tactical takedowns. The realistic fight choreography adds to the authenticity of the movie.
Direction and Pacing
Pierre Morel’s direction ensures that the film remains fast-paced and engaging from start to finish. The storyline unfolds with a sense of urgency, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Emotional Depth
Unlike many action films, Taken also delivers a strong emotional core. Bryan’s love for his daughter drives the entire movie, making it relatable to audiences.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Strong Lead Performance: Neeson’s acting elevates the film above a standard action thriller.
- Tight Storytelling: The film’s short runtime ensures there are no unnecessary scenes.
- Realistic Action: The fight choreography and stunts feel raw and believable.
- Engaging Narrative: The story keeps the audience invested throughout.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Plot: While the movie is thrilling, the storyline follows a familiar pattern.
- Lack of Character Development: Most supporting characters receive minimal development.
- Limited Antagonist Depth: The villains feel somewhat generic, lacking strong motivations.
Target Audience
Taken is perfect for action movie lovers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with high-stakes drama. Fans of Liam Neeson will especially appreciate his intense performance. Due to its violent content, the film is more suitable for adult audiences rather than families or younger viewers.
Box Office Details
Taken was produced on a budget of approximately $25 million (around INR 210 crore). The film turned out to be a massive success, grossing over $226 million (approximately INR 1,900 crore) worldwide.
Box Office Collection (Worldwide)
| Category | Earnings (USD) | Earnings (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $25 million | INR 210 crore |
| Total Gross | $226 million | INR 1,900 crore |
First 5 Days Earnings
| Day | Earnings (USD) | Earnings (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | $9.4 million | INR 79 crore |
| Day 2 | $11.5 million | INR 97 crore |
| Day 3 | $13.2 million | INR 111 crore |
| Day 4 | $10.1 million | INR 85 crore |
| Day 5 | $8.7 million | INR 73 crore |
The film’s strong box office performance solidified its status as one of the best action thrillers of the decade.
Recommendation
Taken is a must-watch for fans of action-packed thrillers. Liam Neeson’s gripping performance, combined with intense action and an engaging storyline, makes this movie an unforgettable experience. If you enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes films, Taken is highly recommended.
Genres:
Action, Thriller
Rating:
7.395/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Liam Neeson | Bryan Mills |
| Maggie Grace | Kim Mills |
| Famke Janssen | Lenore St. John |
| Olivier Rabourdin | Jean-Claude Pitrel |
| Leland Orser | Sam Gilroy |
| Jon Gries | Mark Casey |
| David Warshofsky | Bernie Harris |
| Holly Valance | Sheerah |
| Gérard Watkins | Patrice Saint-Clair |
| Arben Bajraktaraj | Marko Hoxha |
| Xander Berkeley | Stuart St. John |
| Katie Cassidy | Amanda |
| Radivoje Bukvić | Anton |
| Nicolas Giraud | Peter |
| Jalil Naciri | Ali |
| Goran Kostić | Gregor |
| Camille Japy | Isabelle Pitrel |
| Héléna Soubeyrand | Girl with the Jacket |
| Opender Singh | Singh |
| Nabil Massad | Sheik Raman |
| Michel Flash | Gio |
| Rubens Hyka | Leka |
| Valentin Kalaj | Vinz |
| Christophe Kourotchkine | Gilles |
| Anca Radici | Ingrid |
| Nathan Rippy | Victor |
| Tommy Spahija | Nezir |
| Anatole Taubman | Dardan |
| Mathieu Busson | Undercover Agent |
| Edwin Krüger | Jean-Claude’s Assistant |
| Fani Kolarova | Prostitute |
| Bertrand Treuil | Taxi Driver |
| Marc Amyot | Pharmacist |
| Christy Reese | Paper Shop Clerk |
| George Hertzberg | Security, Stuart’s Mansion |
| Ivette González | Maid |
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