Liam Neeson stars as an amnesia-stricken scientist in Berlin, desperately trying to remember his old life, whilst his current one spirals into violent chaos.
The build up to this film mentioned Taken (2008) incessantly. Being another action film starring Neeson it was less than surprising, but be warned, this film is not Taken. Whilst there are a few glaring similarities, the general make-up of the film remains wildly different. First of all, the premise has more in common with a film like The Bourne Identity (2002), throwing in plenty of sporadic memories, ulterior political motives, and a lust for stunt-filled scenes. Taken had a far more down-to-earth gritty grace, a hard-hitting realism that made the film seem bolder than most action/thrillers.
Neeson’s character Dr. Martin Harris loses his identity after a car crash in Berlin. He recalls some of his past, but is baffled by the stranger posing as him, and the fact that his wife and those who knew him seem to now see him as a stranger.
Unknown takes place in the cold and unappealing capitol of Germany, with a metallic-cum-graffiti landscape. This is a brilliant choice, as a squeaky clean L.A or N.Y would have made the film fall into the typical action category. Plot wise the story unfolds with quite a few twists and turns, and Neeson is still excellent as the leading role. His ability to portray a character who is vulnerable yet deadly in unmatched.
A couple of the female roles are played well, and most of the stunts are impressive. A decent action film, but one to not expect much from. If you go in to this expecting the heights of a film like Taken, you will probably leave disappointed.
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