Taken—also known internationally as 96 Hours or The Hostage—is a high-stakes action-thriller film released in 2008. The movie was written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen and directed by Pierre Morel. It features a strong cast led by Liam Neeson, supported by Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Katie Cassidy, Leland Orser, and Holly Valance. Neeson takes on the role of Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative who embarks on a relentless mission to rescue his teenage daughter Kim and her best friend Amanda after the girls are abducted by Albanian human traffickers while vacationing in France. With its gripping plot and intense action sequences, the film struck a chord with global audiences and marked a major turning point in Liam Neeson’s career, transforming him into a leading figure in the action genre.
The film first premiered in France on February 27, 2008, through EuropaCorp, and was later released in the United States on January 30, 2009, by 20th Century Fox. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Taken was a box office success, earning more than $226 million worldwide. It became a cornerstone of what would grow into a successful franchise. The original film was followed by two sequels, Taken 2 in 2012 and Taken 3 in 2014, which further expanded Bryan Mills’ story. Additionally, in 2017, a television series based on the film’s concept premiered on NBC, with Clive Standen portraying a younger version of Mills. This TV adaptation provided fans with deeper insight into the character’s background and early years in covert operations.
At its core, Taken is more than just an action film; it’s a story about a father’s unbreakable bond with his daughter and the lengths to which he’ll go to protect her. Bryan Mills, having retired from the CIA, is trying to lead a quieter life while rebuilding his relationship with Kim, his 17-year-old daughter. Kim lives with her mother, Lenore—Bryan’s ex-wife—and her stepfather, Stuart, a wealthy businessman who provides Kim with a lavish lifestyle that Bryan cannot match. Despite this, Bryan remains deeply involved in Kim’s life, albeit with a cautious and protective approach that sometimes puts him at odds with her desire for independence.
Bryan’s professional instincts remain sharp, even after retirement. While working a security detail for pop superstar Sheerah, he saves her from a violent attacker wielding a knife. Grateful for his quick response, Sheerah offers to help Kim pursue her dream of becoming a singer. Initially, Sheerah had dismissed Bryan’s request, but after witnessing his dedication and skill, she changes her mind. However, before Bryan has the chance to share this opportunity with Kim, she comes to him with her own request—she wants to travel to Paris with her best friend Amanda.
At first, Bryan is hesitant to allow Kim to go overseas. His background in intelligence makes him acutely aware of the dangers that young travelers might face, especially in foreign countries. He expresses his concerns, wanting to keep his daughter safe. Kim insists that the trip is innocent and that they will be staying with Amanda’s cousins. Reluctantly, and in an effort to build trust with his daughter, Bryan consents to the trip but asks for frequent check-ins and gives her a specially prepared phone to stay in contact. However, just before Kim departs, Bryan discovers that she has not been fully honest—she and Amanda actually plan to follow the European leg of the U2 concert tour, using Paris as their launching point.
This revelation troubles Bryan, but he tries to remain supportive. Unfortunately, his worst fears are realized shortly after Kim and Amanda arrive in Paris. Upon landing, the girls share a taxi with a charming young man, who secretly relays their address to a criminal network. Not long after settling into the apartment, masked men break in and abduct both girls. Kim manages to call her father during the attack, giving him vital information before the phone is seized. In a chilling moment, Bryan listens as his daughter is taken, and he delivers one of the film’s most iconic lines to the kidnapper: “I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you.”
From that moment, the pace of the film accelerates as Bryan taps into his former CIA training. Within hours, he travels to Paris and begins tracking the network responsible for abducting Kim. Using a combination of technology, street-level surveillance, interrogation tactics, and sheer force, Bryan tears through the criminal underworld in search of answers. He uncovers a web of human trafficking operated by Albanians who target young tourists. His journey is filled with brutal confrontations, narrow escapes, and moral dilemmas that test the limits of his resolve.
Throughout the film, Bryan’s relentless determination contrasts with the cold indifference of those profiting from the trafficking ring. As he delves deeper into the operation, he uncovers corruption at various levels, including complicity among local officials. Yet he never wavers in his mission. His singular focus is on bringing Kim home safely, no matter the cost. The film climaxes with Bryan storming an auction house where young girls, including Kim, are being sold to wealthy clients. In a final act of courage, he rescues her and returns her to the United States.
Taken is more than just a cinematic thrill ride—it is a testament to a father’s love and the terrifying reality of human trafficking. Its impact extended beyond the screen, sparking conversations about global safety and travel precautions. For audiences, it was a reminder of the dangers that can exist in unfamiliar places, and for Liam Neeson, it marked a transformation that would shape the next chapter of his career. With its emotional depth, suspenseful storytelling, and unforgettable moments, Taken remains a standout in modern action cinema.
