Unknown

Review by Anthony Morris

In Unknown Liam Neeson's back in Europe, and he's back kicking arse. What more do you need to know?

Well, there are one or two points that do need to be made, starting with the fact that, no mater what the ads and posters might want you to believe, this isn't another skull-cracking adventure a la Neeson's big hit Taken.

Here Neeson is playing Dr Martin Harris, a geneticist arriving in Berlin with his wife (January Jones) for a big conference about solving world hunger - and then a string of events ends with him in the hospital with no identity and a memory that's wobbly at best. 

So it's not all that big a surprise when he goes back to the hotel and discovers that his wife doesn't recognise him and there seems to be another Martin Harris (Adian Quinn) in his place. 

Has he gone insane? Is something more sinister going on? 

Ok, the answer to the second one is clearly "Yes" after a mysterious assassin tries to kill him. But why? 

As thrillers go this is satisfyingly solid without ever really being all that flashy and dramatic - much like Neeson himself really. 

There's not a whole lot of action here, and the handful of car chases and shoot-outs are notable more for being well constructed but brief rather than the more usual Hollywood model where they go on until all logic is destroyed. But with its references to the Cold War-era Stasi this is harking back to an era when thrillers were more about twists than twisting necks. 

The central mystery is well-constructed with a pay-off that doesn't disappoint, while the supporting cast is surprisingly strong (including Bruno Gantz from Downfall and Frank Langella, who have a great scene together). 

If you're expecting Taken 2 you might be disappointed; everyone else will be pleasantly surprised.

3.5 out of 5

Unknown
Australian release: 17th February, 2011
Official Site: Unknown
Cast: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Quinn
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra