Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) is a retired CIA operative who has moved to Los Angeles to establish ties with his 17-year-old daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace). It isn’t easy, but things are slowly moving in the right direction. Then Kim leaves for Paris for a vacation with a friend. While on the phone with her, Bryan hears her being kidnapped. His training springs to the fore and he is soon single-mindedly searching for her in every violent way he can.

CRITIQUE

Film productions are increasingly becoming cross-national undertakings. Not only are casts filled with actors from different countries, but directors of American productions can come from all over the world. An example of that is this film, which is as much a French production as an American one. Action-packed and furiously paced, Taken delivers on a thrilling premise with strong direction and an impressive lead performance.

When someone becomes a victim of a criminal, their family members understandably wish to exact revenge. This film presents the question, “What if someone did have the skills to rescue their loved one and make the bad guys pay?” Revenge is a theme that many films have explored, but the combination of family drama and well-choreographed action here makes it feel fresh.

As a matter of fact, Taken feels quite European, and not just because most of the story takes place in Paris. French director Pierre Morel is French lends that sensibility to the film, specifically in the swiftness of the editing. The staging throughout is good as well, while the script itself is very much above-par for an action film, written by Luc Besson (The Professional, The Fifth Element) and Robert Mark Kamen (co-writer of The Transporter trilogy).

Bryan Mills’ character and abilities are established well and quickly, and the topic of human trafficking is not explored much in American productions. A positive aspect of the story is that it will hopefully prompt everyone (especially young women) to be appropriately cautious when traveling abroad.

Furthermore, Morel adds certain artistic touches that make the film strong, such as when utilizing flashbacks, colors differentiate and various movements appear in the frame. The opening shot of the film appears as a home movie, and is revealed to be Bryan’s memories of Kim as a child. These make the film truly cinematic, and the wonderful locations do so just as well.

The cast is probably Morel’s most important and successful decision, especially getting Liam Neeson to play the protagonist. He may not strike many viewers as an action hero, but he has played one before and he also has the physical presence for it (he’s 6’4”). Taken is really his show and the fact that he is such a talented actor is a huge benefit to all the action he has to do. Taken features a great lead performance, but also a captivating narrative and thrilling direction.

This DVD offers the Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut of Taken on one disc. This reviewer suggests watching the Extended Cut.

THE VIDEO

Taken is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. Picture quality is pretty good, but this reviewer was provided a screener-only copy for review, and therefore cannot accurately comment on the video as the final retail DVD product will be much better authored.

THE AUDIO

Taken is presented in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. Dialogue, music and sound effects are clear and easy to understand. Spanish and French Dolby dub tracks are available, as are optional English and Spanish subtitles.

THE EXTRAS

Audio Commentary: Two tracks are offered on this disc, one from director Morel and cinematographer Michel Abramowitz, and Michel Julienne and one from writer Robert Mark Kamen. The first track is all in French and subtitled onscreen, so viewers should be aware of that. There are excellent bits of information revealed here. Besides the usual location information, we learn that light-sensitive cameras were used in certain shooting conditions and that there are over 2500 shots in the film. The second track is less impressive. Kamen utters “Um” a lot and curses a bit. Also, though, he discusses mostly character and plot fairly interestingly. He talks about Besson showing him an actual place that is like the construction site brothel in the film and he also reveals that the earliest drafts of the script were even more violent. I also like the way he describes action sequences as having three acts like a film itself does. Film buffs may want to give both tracks at least one listen.

Making Of: This is the usual behind-the-scenes featurette; fun to watch once. Neeson and Grace give interviews, while Morel speaks in his native French. Aside from all the praise for each other going around, there is some good discussion of character and locations. They specifically talk about Paris in interesting terms.

Avant Premiere: This brief extra consists of footage from the French premiere of the film, which took place almost a year prior to the American release. Considering that he produced and co-wrote it, the appearance of Luc Besson here is good and the comments from the French audience after seeing the film (again subtitled) are fun. It is sad, though, to see Natasha Richardson by Neeson’s side in the footage in light of her recent tragic death.

Inside Action: Side By Side Comparison: Six action scenes from the film are placed next to footage from the set of the actual filming of the scene. This is fun stuff, but only the die-hard action buffs will want to see them more than once.

A Digital Copy of the film is also included with this set (on a second disc) for portable media players.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Taken executes an exciting premise thrillingly, through the talents of an outstanding lead actor and visually dynamic director. The script is much fresher than many recent action films, and the extra features on this disc have some value as well. Even those not usually interested in action films may want to at least rent this film, and buying it is worth it.