Title: "Taken: Reflection on Women Trafficking in Modern Society"

Abstract

This paper examines the representation of women trafficking in modern society through the lens of the 2008 film Taken, directed by Pierre Morel. The narrative follows Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative, as he navigates a perilous journey to rescue his daughter from a trafficking ring in Paris. While the film is primarily an action thriller, it serves as a stark commentary on the alarming reality of human trafficking, particularly affecting young women. Despite criticisms regarding its sensationalism, Taken effectively raises awareness about the prevalence of trafficking and the extreme measures parents may take to protect their children. This reflection highlights the film's role in fostering a critical dialogue about the ongoing struggle against human trafficking in contemporary society.

Full text

MEDIA RESEARCH TECHNIQUES
Title: “Taken: Reection on Women Traicking in Modern Society”
Mariyam Shaliha A J
BSC Visual Communication
Abstract
This paper examines the representation of women traicking in modern society through the
lens of the 2008 lm Taken, directed by Pierre Morel. The narrative follows Bryan Mills, a
former CIA operative, as he navigates a perilous journey to rescue his daughter from a
traicking ring in Paris. While the lm is primarily an action thriller, it serves as a stark
commentary on the alarming reality of human traicking, particularly aecting young
women. Despite criticisms regarding its sensationalism, Taken eectively raises
awareness about the prevalence of traicking and the extreme measures parents may take
to protect their children. This reection highlights the lm’s role in fostering a critical
dialogue about the ongoing struggle against human traicking in contemporary society.
Introduction
The 2008 action thriller *Taken*, directed by Pierre Morel and starring Liam Neeson, is more
than an intense cinematic experience; it brings to light the dark realities of human
traicking, particularly aecting young women. The lm centers on Bryan Mills, a former
CIA operative who embarks on a harrowing mission to save his daughter, Kim, from a
traicking ring in Paris. This premise highlights the disturbing prevalence of traicking while
also showcasing the lengths a parent will go to for their child’s safety. Though some critics
have raised questions about the lm’s sensationalized portrayal, *Taken* undeniably
encourages viewers to confront the hidden but pervasive issue of traicking in society
(Smith, 2010).

Keywords
Human Traicking, Women Traicking,Action Cinema,Taken Film Analysis, Parental
Sacrice
The Dark Reality of Women Traicking
Taken confronts viewers with the often-hidden yet pervasive threat of human traicking. By
portraying Kim’s sudden abduction and captivity, the lm underscores how traickers prey
upon the young and vulnerable, frequently using deceit and coercion to ensnare their
victims. Kim’s storyline, from her initial excitement at traveling abroad to her terrifying
capture, mirrors countless real-life cases where young women are lured into dangerous
situations (Green, 2017). The lm’s portrayal, though dramatized, serves as a stark
reminder of the brutality and degradation endured by traicking victims. Through its intense
narrative, *Taken* sheds light on this urgent human rights issue, encouraging audiences to
remain vigilant about the dangers that young women face globally.
Plot Summary
The lm begins with Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), a retired CIA operative, attempting to
reconnect with his teenage daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace), who lives with her mother and
stepfather. While on a trip to Paris, Kim and her friend Amanda are kidnapped by an
Albanian human traicking ring, setting o a race against time for Bryan. His past skills and
relentless determination lead him on an intense search across Paris, encountering
dangerous adversaries as he navigates the city’s dark underworld. Among the lm’s most
iconic moments is Bryan’s tense phone call with the kidnappers, where he delivers his
infamous monologue, vowing to use his “particular set of skills” to rescue his daughter.
This line epitomizes Bryan’s unbreakable resolve and propels him through a relentless
journey that brings him face-to-face with the horrors of the traicking industry (Anderson,
2014). Through his investigation and eventual confrontation with traickers, *Taken*
emphasizes the horrifying realities of human traicking, while Bryan’s quest becomes
emblematic of parental love and sacrice.
Character Analysis

1. Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson)
Bryan is a complex protagonist, dened by his transformation from a quiet, retired father
to a ruthless avenger. His background as a former CIA operative equips him with the unique
skills needed to face dangerous traickers. His love for Kim, though somewhat
overbearing, is rooted in genuine concern and fuels his desperate journey (Johnson, 2012).
Bryan’s choices often blur the lines between justice and vengeance, and his brutal actions
raise questions about morality in extreme circumstances. However, his relentless pursuit
and willingness to confront any threat exemplify the depth of his love and sacrice, making
him a memorable character in modern action cinema.
2. Kim Mills (Maggie Grace)
Kim represents both vulnerability and resilience. Her character arc, from an innocent
teenager excited to travel abroad to a victim of a brutal traicking ring, underscores the
dangers young women face in an increasingly globalized world (Carter, 2018). Kim’s
capture and resilience in captivity amplify the lm’s tension and add an emotional depth
that drives Bryan’s pursuit. Her experience serves as a powerful narrative device that
highlights the devastating impact of traicking on individuals and families alike.
3. Murad and the Traickers
Murad and his associates are portrayed as ruthless, prot-driven gures in the traicking
network, symbolizing the systemic dehumanization at the heart of this illicit industry.
Although their characterization can appear somewhat one-dimensional, their portrayal as
cold and merciless underscores the lm’s critical view of traicking rings (Price, 2019).
They embody the faceless and inhumane nature of traicking operations, reminding
viewers of the real-world criminals who prot from such exploitation.
Themes
1. Parental Love and Sacrice
Central to *Taken* is Bryan’s profound love for his daughter, a love that drives him to
confront nearly insurmountable obstacles. The lm explores the depth of parental

sacrice, as Bryan risks his life, breaks laws, and endures countless challenges to protect
Kim. This theme resonates deeply, illustrating the lengths parents will go to for their
children and the intense emotional toll of such devotion (Thompson, 2013).
2. Justice and Revenge
The lm straddles a ne line between justice and revenge, questioning what constitutes
appropriate retribution. Bryan’s actions, while justiable to some, raise moral questions as
he uses violence to achieve his goals. This duality prompts viewers to reect on the nature
of justice and whether vengeance can sometimes serve as a necessary means to an end,
particularly in the face of an unforgiving and corrupt system (Martin, 2016).
3. Human Traicking
*Taken* shines a light on human traicking, focusing on the exploitation of young women.
Although the lm’s portrayal is somewhat simplied, it succeeds in raising awareness
about traicking as a global issue (Lee, 2011). By showcasing the brutal conditions that
victims endure, *Taken* brings this issue into mainstream consciousness, prompting
viewers to think about traicking’s real-world implications.
Cinematic Techniques and Impact
The lm’s cinematography and fast-paced editing work to maintain suspense, pulling
viewers into Bryan’s intense journey. The use of tight, close-up shots emphasizes Bryan’s
isolation and desperation, while wide shots of Paris contrast the city’s beauty with the grim
reality of traicking (Roberts, 2015). Director Pierre Morel crafts a relentless pace that
mirrors Bryan’s urgency, creating a sense of immediacy and heightening the emotional
stakes.
Taken also uses music and sound to amplify tension. The tense score and sound eects in
action scenes immerse viewers in Bryan’s journey, heightening the suspense and the
emotional weight of his mission (Anderson, 2014). The character arc of Bryan, from a
protective father to a determined avenger, resonates with audiences, making him a
relatable gure and sparking empathy for the plight of families aected by traicking.

Public Awareness and Critique
While Taken garnered praise for its action and suspense, it also faced criticism for its
simplistic portrayal of traicking, potentially leading to misconceptions (Green, 2017). The
lm’s focus on revenge and the one-dimensional representation of traickers overlook the
complexities of traicking networks, which often involve manipulation and exploitation
within broader societal structures. Critics argue that by concentrating solely on physical
violence, *Taken* risks trivializing the intricacies of traicking, which includes legal, social,
and economic factors (Martin, 2016).
Despite these critiques, Taken remains valuable for bringing human traicking to the
forefront of popular culture. It has inspired increased awareness and sparked discussions
about the dangers of traicking, leading many viewers to support anti-traicking
organizations. This heightened awareness is crucial, as education and advocacy are
essential in preventing and combating traicking (Carter, 2018).
Cultural Impact
Taken has left a lasting mark on popular culture, with its themes resonating beyond the
action genre. The lm’s success and Bryan Mills’ “particular set of skills” monologue have
become iconic, inuencing countless action lms and inspiring parodies and references in
other media. Liam Neeson’s transformation into an action hero has redened his career,
setting a precedent for aging actors in the genre and cementing Bryan Mills as a modern
archetype of the protective father gure in cinema (Lee, 2011).
Critical Reception
Taken received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, with praise centered on Liam
Neeson’s intense performance and the lm’s gripping pace (Johnson, 2012). However,
some criticized its violence and the stereotypical depiction of villains. Despite these
critiques, the lm’s success underscored a shift in action cinema, where character-driven

narratives became as important as action sequences. This trend helped redene the genre
in the late 2000s, with *Taken* standing as a signicant example of character-centered
action lms that tackle relevant social issues (Thompson, 2013).
Conclusion
Taken serves as a high-stakes thriller and a sobering reminder of the realities of human
traicking. The lm encourages audiences to confront the uncomfortable truths of
exploitation and emphasizes the importance of vigilance and awareness. Though it may
oversimplify the issue, *Taken* sparks vital conversations and reminds viewers of the
ongoing ght against human traicking, highlighting how cinema can inspire advocacy and
action for real-world social change (Green, 2017).
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