“Taken” is a 2008 film that stars Liam Neeson of Schindler’s List fame. Schindler’s List was directed by Steven Spielberg. Naturally when such a critically acclaimed actor stars in a Hollywood movie, expectations become high. But Taken does not live up to expectations. The film deals with the journey of an ex cop who travels to France to save his daughter from the hands of sex traffickers.

The film deals with the run of the mill action drama that we have so been accustomed to for years. The film has a series of action sequences shot in various scenes of Paris that can ask for some credit.

Bryan is divorced from his wife. His daughter Kim lives with his wife and step father. On a holiday, when Kim asks for permission to go for a Europe tour, Kim’s mother concedes. But she asks Kim to take permission from her father as well. As Kim is scared that Bryan won’t give permission, she tells him that she would be going to Paris only.

In Paris, Kim and her friend Amanda are befriended by a seemingly good looking man who comes with them to their house. But as soon as he gets out, we come to know, that he works for the Mafia. He gives their address to his bosses.

Kim is on the phone with her father when unknown men come and kidnap her and Amanda. Kim gives the descriptions of the men to her father through the phone. Through high connections in the office as well as some help from Kim’s stepfather’s office, Bryan is able to get information about the Mafia. He goes to Paris and after a series of adventures is able to save Kim. But Amanda dies.

The story of Taken is based on a stereotypical Hollywood way of looking at things. Taken has been directed by Pierre Morel.