This movie was highly recommended to me by a few friends at the office. I decided to look for a DVD and was able to watch it Sunday morning. For those who are big fans of action flicks that really don’t have a deep story, this movie is for you. Taken stars Liam Neeson as an ex-CIA operative who gets his daughter kidnapped. He then goes on a crazy and insane journey to rescue her. Film review and synopsis after the jump.
Kim – Bryan’s 17-year old daughter
Plot Synopsis
Bryan (Liam Neeson) decides to retire from the CIA to make up for lost time with his 17 year old daughter, Kim. He’s already separated from his wife (who’s now married to a rich old dude) and he’s trying his best to be there for his daughter. He goes against his better judgement to allow Kim to go on a trip with her friend Amanda to Paris. While in Paris, the two girls get kidnapped by a bunch of Albanians who are known for women trafficking and prostitution. Bryan manages to talk to one of the kidnappers and he says one of the most unforgettable quotes ever.
“I don’t know who you are, or what you want. If you’re looking for ransom I can tell you I don’t have money. But what I do have are a particular set of skills. Skills that I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let me daughter now, that will be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don’t, I will look for you. I will find you. And I will kill you.”
What happens next is a crazy roller coaster ride. Bryan flies off to France and literally tears up the town killing dozens of mafia bosses, drug lords, and criminals in order to find his daughter. He uses all of his skills as a CIA agent and manages to track her down from one place to another. Here you see him transform into a really kick ass SOB that can take on anyone.
Here’s the trailer uploaded on Youtube:
Review
This film is all about action, action, and even more action. Don’t expect it to shower you with life changing lines and story arcs. It’s very simple – here you have a father hellbent on rescuing his daughter from an Albanian crime syndicate. For a 56 year old, Liam Neeson is definitely able to deliver as an action star. I like the fact that they made him look really weak and the start and he transforms into something akin to James Bond or Jason Bourne when he gets to Paris.
From Old Man to RAMBO
For all of you guys out there who like action movies, I strongly recommend you watch this one. It’s really fun and it will keep you at the edge of your seats. 
ronn on March 15, 2009
great film indeed. Ala Jack Bauer in season 1.
Jerome on March 15, 2009
Napanuod ko itong movie na ito sa bus habang papunta ako sa school hahaha.
shagojyo on March 15, 2009
The actress who played the main actor’s daughter really looks matured in the picture you posted.
Master Diwa on March 16, 2009
I’ve seen the film. It’s very intense and enjoyable for action buffs. But I really can’t help think that it took lots of elements from the “24″ series.
The Gooseman on March 16, 2009
Most of the actors and actresses that play teenagers are quite old compared to their characters. This is because it is rare for young actors and actresses to have the drama skills needed for stories like this. Most of the real teenagers in TV and movies only appear in comedic roles or as minor characters. This doesn’t apply to all, Dakota Fanning comes into mind.
By the way, Maggie Grace, the actress that plays Kim in Taken was born September 21, 1983. That makes her 25 years old. She’s a 25 year old actress playing a 17 year old girl.
No wonder most Filipinos are bad at guessing Westerner’s ages.
ronn on March 16, 2009
I suggest you watch the seventh season of 24.
Best Show on TV.
meme on March 16, 2009
hala… 17-year-old daughter? mukhang 30+ na sya.. lol
Alkeizer on March 16, 2009
Siya ung girl sa Lost. And yes she’s already 25 years old.
Mitee on March 16, 2009
hindi po cyz CIA… British Intelligence po yata..
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[...] anyone here watched the movie Taken? Basically it’s about how the daughter of an ex CIA agent gets “kidnapped” while [...]