Jones also does well as the suddenly forgetful wife whose allure and mystery only deepen as the movie progresses. Neeson, who maintains the same mean Irish persona that made Taken so watchable, is in enjoyable form here as Harris whose quest for the truth puts himself and others in danger. The film's initial set-up is extremely promising as an increasingly desperate Neeson drifts through Berlin's more picturesque spots whilst dispatching various baddies. If anyone watched Taken and wished that the film had a bit less violence and a bit more story then Unknown might just float your boat. But with dark forces on his trail and killers apparently out to stop him, can Martin solve the mystery before he's completely erased? With the imposter having passports and even family photos proving his identity, Martin begins to question his sanity but realises that his only hope lies in tracking down Gina who might be able to provide him with answers. Returning to the hotel, Martin is astonished to find Liz with another man - a man also claiming to be Dr Martin Harris - and claiming not to know him. He later wakes up in hospital and is distraught to learn that four days have passed by. The taxi driver, illegal immigrant Gina, rescues him but flees from the scene as Martin drifts into unconsciousness. Unfortunately, the taxi is involving in an accident and it plunges into the Spree river. After checking into the hotel, Martin discovers that he's left his briefcase at the airport and catches a taxi back to retrieve it. Certainly not a masterpiece, but worth the ticket.Dr Martin Harris arrives in Berlin for a biotechnology conference along with his younger wife Liz. A stand-out performance is offered by Bruno Ganz and also Diane Kruger supports Neeson quite well.

Liam Neeson plays skillfully, although not always sufficiently expressive, he gets to convey the sense of void of someone looking for some identity. Set in a depressing Berlin covered by snow, always marked by the sad signs of a more or less distant past, a good photography gets to capture the overall gloomy atmosphere of the story and the mystery of a character whose vicissitudes seem as much incomprehensible as much needing some resolution, and an effective final twist as well. The result is an entertaining, involving pic, never losing its strong and quick rhythm and letting the viewer staying attached to the screen till the end. The movie sounds intriguing since from the beginning and keeps its sense of mystery and intrigue till the end: this is a good quality, once reminding Hitchcock's thrillers, with the difference that in 'Unknown' the thrilling aspect cannot be separated from the frenzy typical of action movies.

Unknown 2011