| Overall: | C+ |
|---|---|
| Violence: | D+ |
| Sexual Content: | C- |
| Language: | C- |
| Drugs/Alcohol: | C- |
| Run Time: | 89 |
| Theater Release: | |
| Video Release: | 12 May 2009 |
| MPAA Rating: | |
| See Canadian Ratings | |
| How We Determine Our Grades | |
Why Is Taken Rated PG-13?
This film about a father trying to rescue his daughter from the European sex trade features discussions about that topic, along with many scenes of aggressive violence. The protagonist is able to kill with his hands and confronts a variety of enemies that he strangles, stabs, bludgeons, shoots or tortures (one extended scene shows a man tied to a chair through which electricity is applied). Most of the violence is bloodless, however this is a film about vengeance and no regard is given to asking questions before enacting vigilante force. Women are seen, some of them partially clad and drugged, in a prostitution operation. A young woman states her desire of wanting a man to sleep with her. Language includes some mild and moderate profanities, along with scatological expletives and terms of deity. Social drinking is portrayed. Addictive drugs are used to subdue women.
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About the Reviewer: Rod Gustafson
Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. He currently serves as the President of the Alberta Association for Media Awareness, a provincial non-profit society. He also authors a regular column for The Parent's Television Council in Los Angeles. He and his wife Donna have four children.
