Liam Neeson is one of the most recognizable actors of contemporary cinema. Although his career gained momentum relatively late, today he is an icon of action films, dramas and thrillers. Over the years, he has gained viewers’ sympathy thanks to his extremely diverse roles – from touching dramas to spectacular action films. In which productions does the actor really shine? Here’s a look at his best films.
When we talk about Liam Neeson’s breakthrough roles, it is hard not to mention “Schindler’s List” directed by Steven Spielberg. The film tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German entrepreneur who saved over a thousand Jews during World War II by employing them in his factory. This role earned Neeson an Oscar nomination and established his position as a dramatic actor.
Neeson perfectly conveyed the hero’s inner transformation – from a cynical businessman to a man who risks everything to save human lives. “Schindler’s List” is a film that is moving, thought-provoking and shows Neeson’s acting versatility.
If “Schindler’s List” was proof of Neeson’s dramatic talent, “Taken” ushered in his era as an action star. The film tells the story of Bryan Mills, a former secret service agent who sets out on a desperate rescue mission when his daughter is kidnapped in Paris.
Neeson as the determined father is the real driving force of the film. His famous line, “I have a very particular set of skills,” has become iconic. The success of “Taken” initiated a wave of similar productions in which Neeson played characters with extraordinary abilities.
In 2014, Neeson appeared in the film “Non-Stop”, which proved that even in the closed space of an airplane you can create a tense thriller. He plays Bill Marks, an air marshal who must identify a terrorist threatening to blow up a plane.
The film is suspenseful from the first to the last minute, and Neeson does a great job playing the hero forced to act under time pressure. The closed space of the plane adds a claustrophobic atmosphere, and the subsequent plot twists make viewers unable to take their eyes off the screen.
“Silence” is a film completely different from Neeson’s typical action roles. In this production by Martin Scorsese, the actor plays the role of Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit missionary who has to face brutal persecution of Christians during his mission in Japan.
The film touches on difficult topics such as faith, sacrifice and moral choices. Neeson’s role is deep and emotional, and his character is both sympathetic and controversial. This is one of those films that stays in your memory for a long time.
In “Survivor”, Neeson plays Ottway, a hunter who, together with a group of plane crash survivors, tries to survive in the harsh conditions of Alaska. Threatened by wolves and extreme weather conditions, the heroes must face not only nature, but also their own fears.
The film is a combination of action cinema and philosophical reflections on life and death. Neeson brilliantly captures his character’s determination and inner dilemmas, making “The Gray” one of his most moving works.
In this dark thriller, Neeson plays former cop Matt Scudder, who now works as a private detective. When he is hired by a drug dealer to find his wife’s kidnappers, he discovers the shocking truth about the perpetrators.
“Walking among the Shadows” is a classic crime story with a dense atmosphere and an intriguing plot. Neeson perfectly captures both his character’s toughness and his inner demons, making the film an unforgettable experience.
“Seven Minutes After Midnight” is a film completely different from most productions in Neeson’s filmography. The actor lends his voice to the titular monster – a tree that helps a boy cope with his mother’s serious illness.
It is a touching and beautifully shot story about coping with pain and accepting difficult emotions. Neeson, although present only in voice, brings extraordinary depth and charisma to the film, which makes the story take on a universal dimension.
See also:
Retiring from action cinema? “This has to end sometime”
Horror films have taken over Polish cinemas. A treat for Halloween horror movie fans
“Absolution”: This is not a movie as you think. The show of a movie star