The Take Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pickpocket steals a bomb teddy bear, and suddenly Idris Elba is his babysitter while they uncover a vast conspiracy involving corrupt French officials, because apparently, terrorism is just a smokescreen for a bank heist.

🍿 The Take: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Pickpocket’s Mistake

Michael Mason, an American pickpocket in Paris, steals a bag from Zoe, unaware it contains a bomb. He discards the bag, which detonates, killing four people. CCTV footage identifies Mason, and the French police label him a terrorist threat. This sets off a chain of events that quickly spirals out of control for Mason.

Enter Sean Briar

CIA agent Sean Briar, known for his unorthodox methods, investigates the bombing. He quickly identifies Mason and apprehends him. Briar believes there is more to the story than a simple terrorist attack, and he begins to suspect a larger conspiracy is at play.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

Briar and Mason reluctantly team up to uncover the truth behind the bombing. They discover the explosion was orchestrated by corrupt members of the French Interior Ministry as a diversion to cover a massive digital bank transfer. Their investigation leads them to Zoe, who was unknowingly involved in the initial bombing plot.

Exposing the Truth

Briar, Mason, and Zoe race against time to expose the corrupt officials and prevent further attacks. They face betrayal, double-crosses, and intense action sequences as they navigate the dangerous world of political conspiracy. The trio works together to bring the conspirators to justice.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sean Briar (Idris Elba): A reckless and unruly CIA agent who uncovers a conspiracy in Paris.
• Michael Mason (Richard Madden): A skilled pickpocket who inadvertently becomes a suspect in a terrorist bombing.
• Zoe (Charlotte Le Bon): A strong-willed activist who unwittingly carries a bomb and seeks redemption.
• Victor Gamieux (José Garcia): The corrupt French Interior Minister who orchestrates a false-flag operation.
• Karen Dacre (Kelly Reilly): A CIA officer and Briar’s superior who is ultimately betrayed.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sean Briar: “Innocent people do not run.” – Said to Michael when he captures him, emphasizing his suspicion based on Michael’s flight from the scene.
• Michael Mason: “You were coming after me. Have you seen yourself?” – Michael’s sarcastic retort to Briar’s claim that innocent people don’t run, highlighting Briar’s intimidating appearance.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $50,269
• Worldwide Gross: $14,857,808

💥 The Take Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘The Take’ isn’t winning any awards for originality, but I had a blast watching it! Idris Elba is just awesome as the rogue CIA agent. I mean, who wouldn’t want him on their side? The rooftop chase scene was insane – my heart was racing! It was a fun, no-brainer action flick, and sometimes that’s exactly what I need after a long day.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action thrillers”
  • “Those who enjoy buddy-cop movies”
  • “Viewers interested in political conspiracy stories”
  • “Fans of Idris Elba and Richard Madden”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief Strong Language”
  • “Suggestive Content”
  • “Terrorism Themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Elba brings a gruff intensity, but the film relies too heavily on action clichés and struggles to develop its themes beyond surface level. Still, the pacing is brisk, and the Paris setting offers some visual appeal, making it a decent, if forgettable, thriller.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the cast is talented, ‘The Take’ (Bastille Day) suffers from a predictable plot and reliance on tired action tropes. Elba and Madden have moments of chemistry, but the story never truly captivates. Ultimately, it’s a passable action film with wasted potential.
• Empire: “A formulaic but watchable action thriller elevated by Elba’s imposing presence and some well-staged action sequences. The plot borrows heavily from other films in the genre, but the chemistry between Elba and Madden keeps things engaging enough to warrant a viewing.

Audience Reactions

Idris Elba’s performance was imposing and commanding, making him a standout.: Viewers enjoyed the fast-paced action and the unlikely partnership between Elba and Madden.

The rooftop chase scene was thrilling and felt realistic.: Many appreciated the film’s focus on action without unnecessary romantic subplots.

Overall Consensus: An enjoyable but unoriginal action thriller that benefits from a strong lead performance by Idris Elba and some well-executed action sequences. Its predictable plot and reliance on genre clichés prevent it from being truly memorable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Richard Madden trained with a professional pickpocket, known as ‘Keith the Thief’, to make his character’s skills look realistic on screen.”
• “The film’s release was delayed in France due to the Nice terrorist attack in July 2016, as the plot involved a bombing in Paris.”
• “Originally titled ‘Bastille Day’, the film was retitled ‘The Take’ for its release in the United States.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Take?

As of October 2024, “The Take” (also known as “Bastille Day”) is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Take, you might like these similar films:

• From Paris with Love (2010): Features a mismatched duo of an American agent and a local, fighting crime in Paris with plenty of action and humor.
• Taken (2008): Features high-octane action and a lone wolf character taking on corrupt individuals in France.
• Ronin (1998): Features a team of specialists, double-crosses, and intense action sequences in France.
• American Assassin (2017): A young recruit and a veteran agent team up to stop a terrorist plot.

🛒 The Take Related Products

• Idris Elba: The Wire – Complete Series: Relive Idris Elba’s breakthrough role as Stringer Bell in the critically acclaimed HBO series. Experience the raw and authentic portrayal of Baltimore’s drug trade.
• Richard Madden: Game of Thrones – Season 1-8 [Blu-ray]: Own the complete saga featuring Richard Madden as Robb Stark, in this sweeping fantasy epic filled with intrigue and adventure.
• Funko Pop! Movies: James Bond – Idris Elba: Add the potential Bond contender to your collection with this Funko Pop! figure featuring Idris Elba.
• Spy Movie Night Gift Set: A bundle with a popcorn bucket, a variety of snacks, and a spy-themed blanket, perfect for a movie night watching ‘The Take’ or any other great thriller.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Take features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Road Less Travelled” – performed by Idris Elba and Fatboy Slim
• “Bastille Day Theme” – performed by Alex Heffes

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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