Movie Review Unknown (2011)

 

Unknown | 2011 | 1h 53m
Genre: Conspiracy Thriller/Suspense Mystery/Action/Mystery/Thriller | Country: US-Germany-UK-France
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra | Writers: Oliver Butcher, Stephen Cornwell, Didier Van Cauwelaert
Cast: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones
IMDB: 6.8
My Rate: 8/10

Martin Harris is in a coma after an accident, but upon waking, he discovers someone has assumed his identity, and even his wife doesn't recognize him.  He questions his identity and seeks information, only to find himself pursued by assassins.

Warnings:

Contains sensual scenes, sexual content, nudity, and violence.

 

Synopsis:

Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) arrives in Germany with his wife, Liz (January Jones), for a biology conference. At the hotel, Harris realizes he left a suitcase at the airport and takes a taxi back, leaving Liz alone.

An unexpected accident occurs, sending the taxi into a river. Gina (Diane Kruger), the taxi driver, rescues Harris, who is unconscious due to head trauma. He survives but falls into a four-day coma.

Upon waking, Harris has amnesia, remembering only fragments of his life with Liz. He sees a news report about the biology conference, prompting him to attend.

He sees Liz at the conference and tries to approach her, but she doesn't recognize him and introduces a man with the same name. Harris is confused, certain of his identity and that Liz is his wife.

He seeks information, only to be pursued by someone trying to kill him.  He realizes something is wrong and enlists Gina's help to solve the mystery.

Who is Harris's true identity?

 

Review:

Unknown has an engaging storyline, presented systematically and unpredictably.  The mysteries are resolved well, and the plot is easy to follow.

The background of the story and characters is well-developed. The conflict is well-built, with the mysterious antagonists creating a gradual sense of unease.  The resolution is also good, though some scenes could be improved logically.

Some aspects are illogical, such as Harris's amnesia.  #spoiler  A top expert in his field seems to lose his fighting skills.  He doesn't completely lose them, as we see adrenaline-fueled fights, but considering his supposed expertise, it seems inconsistent.

Another example is Jürgen, a former spy who proudly boasts about his past, yet acts recklessly. He investigates and gathers information using a public computer, despite the dangerous nature of the case and the constant threat to Harris.

Harris, Gina, and Jürgen also meet in open spaces where anyone, including the assassins, could observe them.  The assassins consistently know Harris's whereabouts.

Furthermore, Jürgen, aware of the significant threat, chooses to boil water and drink poison rather than setting a trap or escaping, despite having ample time.  He explains it's due to his age, but it seems illogical.

Another inconsistency is Bressler's inability to distinguish the real Harris.  They supposedly communicated frequently via email and phone, yet Bressler can't recognize Harris's voice, while Harris recognizes Bressler's.

The action sequences are exciting, but some conversations are dull.  Harris repeatedly trying to convince people of his identity feels ineffective, especially since he knows it won't work.

Overall, the film is engaging, with excellent cinematography and editing.  The chase scenes are well-executed.  It's perfect for action movie fans.

 

Memorable Scene:

A terrified Gina floors the gas pedal, crashing her car into Rodney's vehicle, sending it plunging from a building. This scene shows that when facing danger, people will do anything to protect themselves.

 

Memorable Dialogue:

"And now you're just gonna be another nameless junkie."

 

Ending:

Twist Ending

 

Recommendation:

Worth watching

 

(Aluna)