Taken Heart

Taken Heart is a thrilling action-adventure movie directed by Steven R. Monroe. Released in 2017, this feature-length film revolves around the intense journey of a highly skilled woman, Kate Johnson, portrayed by Canadian actress Gina Holden. Mysterious, relentless and firm, Holden takes control of the screen, the narrative with her commendable portrayal of a strong woman out on a mission. Kate’s world crumbles when organ traffickers kidnap her beloved daughter, giving an emotional intensity to the action-packed thriller.

The film starts with Nina Johnson, played by Natasha Calis of "The Possession" fame, embarking on a humanitarian trip to Belize. She has the heart of a philanthropist, always eager to help others in need. However, the trip takes the worst turn possible when Nina gets caught in the dark world of human trafficking.

The international criminal cartel led by Esteban Lucian, brilliantly formulated by Raffaello Degruttola, abducts Nina for her valuable organs. Raffaello portrays the antagonist's character with eloquence, bringing about an underlying theme of calculated violence and cold demeanour in his character. The sophisticated criminal operation targets naive tourists, using their organs in the illegal organ trade that fetches them huge amounts.

When Kate comes to know of her daughter's abduction, she wastes no time and uses her military-trained survival skills to find and rescue her daughter. The plot gets intense as she flies from the States to Central America to wring out her daughter from the hideous clutches of the cartel.

Kate Johnson is no ordinary mother. Her character has previously worked with the American DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), which sets the stage for the high-voltage pursuit that follows. The mother’s love, combined with years of tactical training, takes the viewers on a thrilling ride, making everyone wonder about the lengths a person can go to save the ones they love. Kate is highly intelligent, resourceful, and a force to be reckoned with, adding layers to her character, making her much more than a stereotypical damsel in distress.

Visuals play a significant role in Taken Heart, with the creators using Belize's contrasting beauty effectively, juxtaposing its lush greenery and tranquil water bodies against the grim world of crime hidden under its mesmerising facade. The sceneries underline the unexpected danger lurking amidst paradise-like surroundings.

The movie is packed with adrenaline pumping moments, from hair-raising chases to suspenseful showdowns. At times, the film feels like a rollercoaster ride, with its high stakes and the mother’s relentless pursuit of safety for her child. From a narrative standpoint, the movie does an impressive job of maintaining a consistent pace, ensuring that viewers remain on the edge of their seats throughout the film.

Taken Heart also explores the darker underside of today's world, shedding light on the horrific happenings of organ trafficking and how unsuspecting individuals can fall prey to such malicious schemes. The underlying motive isn’t merely to provide the audience with a thrilling cinematic experience, but also to reflect upon the horrors of illicit trades happening worldwide.

Taken Heart is an exceptional movie that revolves around action, thrill, and a mother's undying love for her child. Despite the odds, Kate's unyielding spirit and calculated bravery form the crux of the narrative. The film has successfully captured the tension building scenes, moments of breathless anticipation, and emotional setbacks, making for a captivating viewing experience. The strong performances by Gina Holden, Raffaello Degruttola, and Natasha Calis, coupled with an intense storyline, make Taken Heart a film worth watching.

On the whole, Taken Heart is more than a mere action flick. Beyond the edge-of-the-seat moments, high-speed chases and synchronized gunfire, it pulls at the heartstrings and awakens a deep sense of empathy in the audience. It is an evocative narrative that underlines the length a mother can go to protect her child while subtly highlighting an international crime that has not received the attention it rightly deserves.