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The Best Of…Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson, undoubtedly one of the best action stars of recent years. All you have to do to be successful is put him on the poster holding a gun and your film will make millions. Of course, it’s not all he’s capable of, having taken a range of roles over the years, from a lion in The Chronicles of Narnia,to a Parisian fugitive in Les Miserables, an Irish gunslinger in A Million Ways to Die in the West, and a Greek God in Clash of the Titans. The man has range, and is perhaps one of the most talented actors working today.

On New Year’s Day, he is starring in A Monster Calls and Silence. So to celebrate, we’re looking at the best of Liam Neeson.

Batman Begins (2005)

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Kicking off our list is the film that rejuvenated the Batman franchise and introduced a darker tone following Joel Schumacher’s 90s travesties. Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), a billionaire businessman orphaned at a young age, turns to fighting crime, taking on the role of Batman, a mysterious hero protecting Gotham. As his war on crime begins, the caped crusader must face off against The Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy), Ra’s Al Ghul (Neeson) and The League of Shadows. It’s not often we see Neeson play a villain, but he pulls it off perfectly in Christopher Nolan’s reboot. His transition from stern mentor to vicious villain is fantastic, and works well in Nolan’s new style of direction.

Love Actually (2003) 

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Now for something a little lighter, it’s Richard Curtis’ Love Actually. With an all star British cast including Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy and so many other talented British actors, Love Actually is the interwoven stories of several citizens and friends living in London as they celebrate Christmas or pursue romantic interests. Neeson plays Daniel, who is struggling after the death of his wife and is left to look after his stepson Sam (Thomas Brodie-Sangster). When Sam reveals he has a crush on an American class mate, Daniel sees to it that he is successful in his romantic quest. Love Actually is a sweet film, not only one of the best Rom-Coms of all time, but also one of the best Christmas films too, as it always makes for nice viewing over the festive period.

Taken (2003)

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And now the film that solidified Neeson’s status as an action star, it’s Taken. When his daughter (Maggie Grace) is kidnapped whilst on a trip to Paris, former CIA operative Bryan Mills takes it upon himself to use the skills he learnt with the agency and set out to find his daughter’s captors and bring her to safety before its too late. Of all the things Taken accomplished, above all it proved that Neeson was badass. The film is awesome, one of the best modern action films. However, like a lot of modern action films, it garnered a lack lustre sequel, with a third on the way. Oh dear…..

The Grey (2012)

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I don’t think many have seen this film, which is an utter shame considering it’s a great one. Neeson plays John Ottway, a depressed oil worker living in Alaska, whose job is to kill wolves that threaten the oil drilling team. After a plane crash leaves them stranded in the snow, Ottway tries his best to lead his co-workers to safety, taking on several obstacles, as the men lose grip of their lives and their sanity. As we mentioned during Oscar season that year, this underrated 2012 flick should’ve earned Neeson his second Oscar nomination. He is absolutely riveting, most notably for the film’s chilling and terrifying final scene (Psst, stay for the credits. You’re welcome).

Now you’ve probably been reading this and thinking “Hold on, they’ve missed out an obvious one! Why, it might just be the best film of his entire career!” and I’m here to say don’t you worry, because I haven’t forgotten about. Of course, we couldn’t possibly leave out…..

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

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Yes, this sci-fi masterpiece that kicked off the Star Wars prequel trilogy. An utter brilliant two hours of action, comedy and romance, with hilarious characters like Jar Jar Binks, and a stunning performance from Liam Neeson, perhaps the best of his career. Honestly, how was Jake Lloyd snubbed for an Oscar? Its unebeliv-… you’re not falling for it, are you? Damn. Oh well, it’s about time we closed this article with perhaps his best film to date…

Schindler’s List (1993)

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It’s hard to say to you guys “You HAVE to watch this” considering the film’s run time and subject matter, but there is nothing to be said about Schindler’s List that hasn’t already been said. Liam Neeson plays Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees by employing them in his factories. Neeson gives the stand out performance of his life, and the film itself is a masterpiece. Steven Spielberg’s three-hour Best Picture winner is considered by many to be one of the greatest historical dramas of all time, with its amazing direction, cinematography, harrowing scenes, undeniable emotion and a stunning cast.


A Monster Calls and Silence are out New Year’s Day! 

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