Watch TAKEN AWAY

Taken Away is a heart-wrenching drama that follows the life of a young girl named Amanda who is taken away from her family by the Child Protective Services. The movie was released in 2014 and stars Chelsea Ricketts as Amanda, Julie Warner as her mother Christy, and Michael Nouri as her father John. The story begins with Amanda living a happy life with her parents and younger brother in a small town in the United States. However, things start to change when her school principal notices a bruise on her arm and reports it to the authorities. The Child Protective Services arrive at their home and claim that Amanda is being neglected and abused by her parents.

Christy and John are horrified by these allegations and try to prove their innocence, but the social workers refuse to believe them. They take Amanda away from her home and place her in a foster home. Christy is shattered by the separation from her daughter and fights tooth and nail to get her back, but the system seems to be against her.

The movie portrays the pain and agony that parents go through when they are accused of something they did not do, and their child is taken away from them. It highlights the flaws in the Child Protective Services system and how they can fail innocent families.

Chelsea Ricketts delivers a stellar performance as the young Amanda, who is torn between her love for her parents and the fear of the unknown. She portrays the emotions of a child who has been taken away from her home with authenticity and conviction. Julie Warner as Amanda's mother Christy gives a heart-wrenching performance as a mother who is willing to go to any extent to get her daughter back. Her anguish and desperation to be reunited with her daughter are palpable.

Michael Nouri as John, Amanda's father, also delivers a notable performance. He portrays the pain that a father feels when he is helpless to protect his child. The chemistry between the entire family is believable, and one can feel the love and affection they have for each other.

The movie takes a different approach to the conventional drama in a sense that it does not try to distract the audience with action sequences or twists. It rather focuses on the reality of the situation and how a family can be destroyed by the system that is supposed to protect them.

The film's message is clear – that parents should be given a fair chance to prove their innocence before their children are taken away from them. It also sheds light on the issues of the Child Protective Services system and the need for reforms to ensure that families are not wrongly accused or separated from their loved ones.

The cinematography is excellent throughout the movie, and the use of shadows and light effectively conveys the somber mood of the story. The soundtrack is also well-done, and the music complements the emotions portrayed on the screen.

In conclusion, Taken Away is an emotional and thought-provoking drama that highlights the harsh realities of life. It showcases the impact that the Child Protective Services system can have on innocent families and the need for reforms. The performances of the lead actors, especially Chelsea Ricketts and Julie Warner, are commendable, and the movie is a must-watch for anyone who wants to be moved by the power of love and family.

TAKEN AWAY is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.