Dir: Pierre Morel (District B13)
France, 2009
Seen: January 30, 2009 at Scotiabank
Reason to see: Enjoyed District B13 and I'm always interested in checking out projects that involve Luc Besson (writer/producer for Taken)
This is one film where the buzz really has been building for ages and I feel like everyone has seen it even though it just came out here this week. It was released in France was almost a year ago, and we seem to be almost last in line to get it in comparison to other countries.
I found the film to be an impressive in terms of being an action film with heart, something that Besson is often very good at. Liam Neeson kicked butt, literally in the action sequences and throughout the film in a role that was demanding and diverse. The pace and story are swift which easily keep the attention of the viewer throughout.
As the title implies it is a film that involves kidnapping, which I know for parents in particular can be challenging to watch. More than that, the content and numerous scenes of women treated and presented as objects was what tipped the balance and ultimately made me unable to wholly enjoy the film. I kept thinking how awful the situations they present were. Yes, it's an action film and it's fiction but that doesn't mean that anything shown couldn't or doesn't happen. There were also inferred judgements in terms of associating monetary value with certain characteristics of a woman. The film in no way glorified or supported these scenarios but it was still set in that world which made it very uncomfortable, not only to watch but to also feel like people could watch it just as entertainment without being affected by the setting.
Warnings: Torture, harsh content
Shannon's Overall View:
I thought it was good, but couldn't completely enjoy it due to the content
I'd watch it again, but not over and over
I'd recommend it as action film but consider the warnings
15 minutes of preshow including commercial and at least 4 previews: Crank 2: High Voltage, Watchmen, Miss March and 12 Rounds
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© Shannon Ridler, 2009
Taken
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