This film treads familiar ground and reminded me of Roman Polanski’s thriller ‘Frantic’ starring Harrison Ford. With the identity crisis and mystery as well as the action element it is also reminiscent of the ‘Jason Bourne’ film series. In fact I could probably go on and list more films that are similar in plot and theme to this one. Okay, so it’s not an original premise but thanks to engaging performances from Neeson as the confused Martin and Diane Kruger as Gina, this manages to draw the viewer in and entertain for its duration.

The Berlin locations are used to great effect; even the city (shot in winter) has a lonely, haunting and even menacing vibe. Bruno Ganz (‘Downfall’) plays a private investigator who previously worked for the East German secret police. Here Ganz brings a world-weary wisdom and grizzled intelligence and is totally convincing. In another piece of first rate character acting Frank Langella turns up as the shadowy Rodney, is he a friend or foe? Thanks to these veterans performances this film is elevated from the average action thriller.

The fight sequences, car chases and sheer desperation of the leads make for thrilling viewing. The mystery element kept me hooked and I am happy to report that this is no Bourne rip-off or imitation despite my earlier misgivings. Neeson has reached the stage of his career where he is ideal for this kind of role and this latest effort is reminiscent of his performance in ‘Taken.’

No, this is not exactly original but what it does it does extremely well. ‘Unknown’ will keep audiences riveted from its unsettling early scenes right up to its pulsating finale.