The 2008 action-thriller film Taken, directed by Pierre Morel and scripted by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, is an adrenaline-fueled narrative that transformed Liam Neeson into an emblematic action star. The film, featuring an ensemble cast including Maggie Grace, Katie Cassidy, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser, and Holly Valance, centers around the harrowing ordeal of Bryan Mills, an ex-CIA operative portrayed by Neeson. His daughter Kim, played by Maggie Grace, and her friend Amanda, embodied by Katie Cassidy, are kidnapped by Albanian human traffickers during a Parisian escapade. Bryan's relentless pursuit to rescue his daughter forms the crux of this gripping saga.
Released in France on 27 February 2008 by EuropaCorp and globally by 20th Century Fox, Taken received mixed critical reviews but emerged as a colossal financial triumph, grossing an impressive $226 million. This monumental success marked a turning point in Neeson’s career, redefining his on-screen persona and cementing his status as a formidable action protagonist. The film's acclaim and financial success spurred the creation of a franchise, leading to the sequels Taken 2 and Taken 3, as well as a television adaptation in 2017, starring Clive Standen as a younger Bryan Mills.
The plot unfolds with Bryan Mills, a retired Green Beret and CIA officer, attempting to rebuild his relationship with his 17-year-old daughter Kim. Amidst this endeavor, Kim seeks Bryan’s permission to travel to Paris with her friend Amanda. Although initially reluctant due to safety concerns, Bryan eventually consents. However, upon their arrival in Paris, the girls fall prey to a human trafficking syndicate. Following Bryan’s instructions during their abduction, Kim yells a description of her captor over the phone, providing a vital clue for Bryan.
Bryan's unwavering quest to rescue Kim leads him to Paris, where he enlists the assistance of his former colleague Sam. Their investigation uncovers that the kidnappers are part of an Albanian trafficking ring led by Marko Hoxha. Bryan’s relentless pursuit involves tracking down the perpetrators, confronting an old ally turned adversary, Jean-Claude Pitrel, and navigating through the perilous underbelly of Paris. His odyssey is marked by high-octane confrontations, daring escapes, and an unyielding determination to save his daughter.
One of the film’s most intense sequences transpires in a makeshift brothel, where Bryan rescues a drugged young woman wearing Kim’s jacket. This clue propels him to a house where trafficked girls, including Amanda, are held. The discovery of Amanda’s overdose demise intensifies Bryan’s resolve. A brutal confrontation ensues, leading to Bryan torturing Marko for information. This trail ultimately guides Bryan to an opulent auction where Kim is being sold.
Bryan’s infiltration of the clandestine auction, posing as a bidder, culminates in a fierce showdown. Overpowering the guards and confronting the syndicate leader, Patrice Saint-Clair, Bryan learns of Kim’s location aboard a yacht. The climax sees Bryan decimating the yacht’s guards and confronting the sheikh, Raman, who holds Kim at knifepoint. A swift, lethal resolution follows, with Bryan eliminating Raman and rescuing his daughter.
The cast, spearheaded by Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills, delivers compelling performances. Maggie Grace portrays the vulnerable yet resilient Kim, while Famke Janssen embodies Lenore, Bryan’s ex-wife. The supporting cast, including Leland Orser as Sam and Olivier Rabourdin as Jean-Claude, enriches the narrative with their nuanced portrayals. Each actor’s contribution adds depth and texture to the film, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
Taken was produced by Luc Besson’s EuropaCorp, with Pierre Morel at the directorial helm. Morel’s collaboration with Besson, previously seen in District 13, set the stage for this high-stakes thriller. Initially, Jeff Bridges was cast as Bryan Mills, but after his departure, Neeson embraced the role, seeking a physically demanding part. Despite Neeson’s initial perception of the film as a minor detour, Taken redefined his career, embedding him in the annals of action cinema.
The production journey of Taken is as intriguing as the film itself. Luc Besson, renowned for his knack for creating taut thrillers, envisioned this project as a father’s desperate fight against time to save his daughter. His partnership with Pierre Morel, who had a background in cinematography, ensured that the film would be visually dynamic and intensely paced. The narrative's foundation, built on the universal theme of a parent's love and protection, resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to the film's universal appeal.
Filming took place in various locations across Paris, capturing the city's contrasting landscapes, from its picturesque streets to its seedy underworld. The production design meticulously recreated the ominous settings that Bryan navigates, enhancing the film's immersive quality. The action sequences, choreographed with precision, added to the film’s visceral impact. Neeson’s dedication to performing his stunts further elevated the authenticity of the action scenes, earning him acclaim for his commitment to the role.
Taken is more than just an action film; it is a poignant exploration of a father’s relentless pursuit, the lengths he will go to protect his child, and the harsh realities of human trafficking. The film’s success lies in its ability to blend heart-pounding action with an emotional core, making it a standout in the genre. This seamless integration of action and emotion, coupled with stellar performances and meticulous direction, ensures that Taken remains a seminal work in contemporary action cinema.
