I’ve noticed something about action/crime films. A lot of them promise high stakes but forget to give you a reason to actually care. Explosions happen, people chase each other through cities, bullets fly, and yet somehow the emotional core is missing. So when I decided to watch this one, I kind of expected a typical action movie built purely on speed and violence considering its production's year. But somewhere between the father-daughter conversations and that now-iconic phone call, I realized this film had something strong driving it which is the terrifying power of a loving parent who has nothing left to lose.
Brief Synopsis
The film follows Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), a retired CIA operative trying to reconnect with his teenage daughter Kim (Maggie Grace). Kim travels to Paris with her friend Amanda, hoping for adventure and freedom. But that freedom quickly turns into a nightmare when the girls are abducted by a human trafficking ring shortly after arriving. Forced to listen helplessly over the phone as his daughter is taken, Bryan uses the only advantage he has left which is his very particular set of skills, to track down the people responsible and bring Kim back home before she disappears into a system designed to erase girls like her.
The Fear That Drives the Film
What makes this film effective in my opinion though isn’t just the action but the fear beneath it. The idea that someone you love can vanish in a matter of minutes is one of the most terrifying realities in the world. The film doesn’t spend too much time dwelling on it emotionally, but the weight of that fear is always there. You feel Bryan’s panic, but you also feel his determination. He doesn’t break down or hesitate. The moment Kim is taken, the movie instantly becomes a relentless pursuit.
And that famous phone call scene? It works because it’s not only threatening, it’s chillingly calm. Bryan isn’t bluffing. He’s stating facts.
I know I recently got to see this film but I have watched Liam Neeson’s film that preceded this one and in those ones, he was mostly known for dramatic roles, historical epics, and serious characters. But this film turned him into something else entirely, an aging action hero whose strength comes not from swagger but experience. His character Bryan Mills isn’t flashy but methodical in nature.
Watching him tear through the criminal underworld of Paris is oddly satisfying, not for the glamorous violence, but because it feels like a man refusing to accept that his daughter’s life can be reduced to a transaction.
Another thing that makes this film unsettling is that the premise isn’t fantasy. Human trafficking is a real global crisis, and the film taps into that fear without trying to soften it. The criminal network Bryan confronts feels disturbingly organized and routine, which adds another layer of dread to the story. It reminds you how easily people can become commodities in systems built on exploitation.
Of course, this film isn’t flawless. Characters outside Bryan feel underdeveloped, also, the story moves so quickly that it sometimes skips emotional depth in favor of momentum.
Finally, Taken isn’t just an action film. It’s a story about a father who refuses to accept helplessness. It taps into a universal fear of losing someone you love and transforms that fear into a brutal rescue mission that never slows down.
It’s a very intense, direct, and unforgettable film. I do recommend it although it’s a lil old. The cinematography is great regardless.
Rating: 8/10