Taking Lives

R

Released Mar 16, 2004

1 hr. 43 min.

Mystery & Thriller

List

22%

158 Reviews

Tomatometer

54%

50,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

An insidious serial killer is impersonating his victims' identities as he travels across Canada. A recent spate of murders in Montreal has brought FBI Agent Illeana Scott (Angelina Jolie) north to investigate. Scott's unusual methods quickly earn the suspicion of the local police but bring her close to art dealer James Costa (Ethan Hawke), who says he was an eyewitness to the latest murder. Sparks develop between the two as Costa's role becomes crucial in their effort to apprehend the killer.

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Critics Consensus

A stylish, but predictable thriller where the only thrills are offered by the sensuous Angelina Jolie.

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John A

(Uncut Version) Far better than the reviews across the internet indicate. Striking visuals and auteur style direction.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/12/24

Full Review

luca d

nothing special. the plot is something that is too obvious and you need just ten minutes to understand who's the villan.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/22/23

Full Review

Chloe L

The best thing about the movie is the Cast but I don't think the Cast is proud to be associated with this movie. Very low level of a plot thriller, some jumps, some nudity, some car chase, some impossible explosion, some twists poorly produced. Deja vu.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

08/19/23

Full Review

Alexis R

Storyline is predictable (to some) but in a good way, jump scares that you know are coming but still get you. And a perfect performance by Ethan Hawke.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/12/23

Full Review

Andrea C

"Taking lives" vive e muore con i suoi primi minuti, in cui un giovane Paul Dano con l'aiuto di una regia coraggiosa e forte, crea il colpo di scena più impetuoso del film, facendo sobbalzare sulla sedia lo spettatore. Da quel momento in avanti, la sceneggiatura resta in un limbo tra indagini, rapporti personali e profiling del serial killer; il tutto senza riuscire ad essere soddisfacente in nessuno di questi temi, toccandone solo la superficie e collegando il tutto con una serie notevole ed esagerata di grosse forzature, sia nelle azioni che nei dialoghi. Il riassunto perfetto di ciò che non è stato e ciò che invece (purtroppo) è, si presenta con l'ultima sequenza improbabile nella ricerca di un colpo di scena sempre più grosso del precedente. Pregio iniziale e condanna in seguito è proprio questa lunga ed imponente sequenza di colpi di sena improbabili.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/04/23

Full Review

Eric D

Extremely boring, story that makes no sense and bad acting. Don't waste your time watching this crap.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

05/23/23

Full Review

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D.J. Caruso

Director

Angelina Jolie

Illeana

Ethan Hawke

Costa

Kiefer Sutherland

Hart

Olivier Martinez

Paquette

Tchéky Karyo

Leclair

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Antonia Quirke

London Evening Standard

Taking Lives is a foolish thriller full of actors who deserve better.

Dec 15, 2017

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

A couple of genuine thrills but not for kids.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 28, 2010

Full Review

Empire Magazine

Rated: 2/5

Apr 1, 2006

Full Review

Kaleem Aftab

The List

Taking Lives nicks characters from other flicks without any shame.

Rated: 2/5

Apr 18, 2019

Full Review

Kevin Carr

Fat Guys at the Movies

From the opening credits, it was nearly impossible to shake the feeling that Taking Lives was desperately trying to be the next Seven.

Rated: 2/5

Jan 17, 2016

Full Review

Peter Canavese

Groucho Reviews

Willfully stupid and obvious for most of its running time, this serial-killer thriller lulls the audience into one gasp-worthy, rug-pulling moment that, while stupid, isn't exactly obvious. [Blu-ray]

Rated: 2/4

May 20, 2009

Full Review

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Synopsis

An insidious serial killer is impersonating his victims' identities as he travels across Canada. A recent spate of murders in Montreal has brought FBI Agent Illeana Scott (Angelina Jolie) north to investigate. Scott's unusual methods quickly earn the suspicion of the local police but bring her close to art dealer James Costa (Ethan Hawke), who says he was an eyewitness to the latest murder. Sparks develop between the two as Costa's role becomes crucial in their effort to apprehend the killer.

Director: D.J. Caruso
Executive Producer: Bernie Goldmann
Screenwriter: Jon Bokenkamp
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Warner Brothers, Taking Lives Films, Village Roadshow Prod.
Rating: R (Language|Disturbing Images|Some Sexuality|Strong Violence)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 16, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 23, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $32.7M
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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