Taken (2008)
A relentless action thriller in which a former operative tears through Paris to rescue his kidnapped daughter from a ruthless human trafficking ring.
Taken - Movie Information
- Original Title: Taken
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Pierre Morel
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French, Arabic, Albanian
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 18, 2008 (Germany - 16), January 30, 2009 (United States - PG-13), January 30, 2009 (Canada - 14A), September 26, 2008 (United Kingdom - 18), February 27, 2008 (France - 16), August 14, 2008 (Australia - M), September 19, 2008 (Brazil - 14), August 16, 2008 (Mexico - B-15), August 14, 2008 (Italy), August 5, 2011 (Spain - 18), April 9, 2008 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: 96 Hours - Taken 1 (DE), Taken - Io vi troverò (IT), 96 Sati (HR), Búsqueda implacable 1 (MX), L'enlèvement (CA), Busca Implacável (BR), Taken (KR), 96時間：2008 (JP)
- Production Companies: EuropaCorp, M6 Films, Grive Productions, Seaside Film Taken, All Pictures Media
- Production Countries: France, United States of America
Taken - Plot
Bryan Mills, a former government operative, is trying to reconnect with his teenage daughter Kim. After reluctantly agreeing with his ex-wife to let Kim go to Paris on vacation with a friend, his worst nightmare comes true. While on the phone with his daughter shortly after she arrives in Paris, she and her friend are abducted by a gang of human traffickers. Working against the clock, Bryan relies on his extensive training and skills to track down the ruthless gang that abducted her and launch a one-man war to rescue his daughter.
Taken - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Bryan Mills's relentless pursuit unfold:
They took his daughter. He'll take their lives.
Where to Watch Taken
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Taken - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Pierre Morel
Main Cast
- Liam Neeson
- Maggie Grace
- Famke Janssen
- Olivier Rabourdin
- Leland Orser
- Jon Gries
- David Warshofsky
- Holly Valance
- Gérard Watkins
- Arben Bajraktaraj
Writers
- Luc Besson
- Robert Mark Kamen
Producers
- Pierre-Ange Le Pogam
- Luc Besson
Taken - FAQs
What is the famous phone speech in Taken?
Bryan Mills delivers an iconic monologue to his daughter's kidnapper, warning: 'I don't know who you are... but I will find you, and I will kill you.' This chilling improvised-style speech became one of cinema's most quoted lines and cemented Liam Neeson's action-hero persona.
Where can you stream Taken online?
Taken is available to stream on Disney Plus and fuboTV. It can also be watched via YouTube TV. For digital rental or purchase, it is available on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for current regional availability.
Is Taken based on a true story?
Taken is not based on a specific true story. However, screenwriter Luc Besson drew inspiration from real-world concerns about human trafficking and sex tourism in Europe. The film's portrayal of organized trafficking networks reflects documented criminal operations, lending it a disturbing sense of plausibility despite being fictional.
Who are the main actors in Taken?
Taken stars Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills, Maggie Grace as his daughter Kim, and Famke Janssen as ex-wife Lenore. Supporting cast includes Olivier Rabourdin, Leland Orser, Jon Gries, David Warshofsky, Holly Valance, Gérard Watkins, and Arben Bajraktaraj as the primary antagonist Marko Hoxha.
What is the age rating for Taken?
Taken is rated PG-13 in the United States for intense sequences of violence, disturbing thematic material involving kidnapping and sex trafficking, and brief strong language. In other territories it carries stricter ratings, including an 18 certificate in the United Kingdom and a 16 rating in Germany and France.
How long is Taken and when was it released?
Taken has a runtime of 1 hour 34 minutes. It was first released theatrically on February 18, 2008, in Germany, followed by France on February 27, 2008. It reached US audiences on January 30, 2009, where it became a major box office hit despite its relatively modest $25 million production budget.
Did Taken spawn any sequels or franchise films?
Yes. Taken's commercial success — earning over $226 million worldwide on a $25 million budget — led to two sequels: Taken 2 (2012) and Taken 3 (2014), both again starring Liam Neeson. The franchise also inspired a television series. It effectively launched Neeson's late-career reinvention as an action star.
Who directed and wrote Taken?
Taken was directed by Pierre Morel, known for his kinetic, stripped-down action style. The screenplay was written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, the prolific duo behind numerous EuropaCorp action films. Besson also served as a producer alongside Pierre-Ange Le Pogam.
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