Milla Jovovich on 'The Protector': 'It's Time for a Female 'Taken'',

Hollywood star Milla Jovovich, currently attending the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) for her film 'The Protector,' has shared her thoughts on the movie and its comparisons to the 'Taken' franchise.

At a press conference held on the afternoon of the 18th at the Busan Cinema Center, Jovovich, alongside director Adrian Grunberg, discussed the action thriller. 'The Protector' follows Nikki Halstead (played by Jovovich), a former US special forces operative, on a desperate 72-hour mission to rescue her kidnapped daughter, Chloe.

Jovovich described reading the script for 'The Protector' as akin to experiencing a beautiful work of art, likening it to a portrait. She expressed her hope that the film's core emotion would resonate globally, a sentiment she discussed extensively with the screenwriter. The central theme of a mother's desperate struggle to save her child deeply affected her, especially as she has three daughters, one of whom is the same age as the character in the film.

She emphasized her desire for the film's message to connect not just with parents but with audiences worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries. Jovovich also highlighted the collaborative nature of the international production, praising the team's elegant and respectful handling of sensitive subject matter.

Jovovich revealed that her performance in 'The Protector' was intensely personal, stating it felt less like acting and more like reality. She even lost 10 kilograms due to the demanding nature of the role and shooting schedule, which included six days a week of filming and four weeks of night shoots. At 45, she found the emotional and physical demands challenging but worked closely with the director to develop the character, dialogue, and action sequences, calling it an honest collaboration and an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Addressing the 'female 'Taken'' label, Jovovich agreed that it's 'about time' for such a narrative. She pointed out the historical male dominance in Hollywood action films and expressed her belief that her role in 'The Protector' paves the way for other actresses. While acknowledging the shared goal of rescuing a child, she stressed that 'The Protector' carves its own path, distinct from the now-classic 'Taken,' for which she has great admiration for Liam Neeson.

'The Protector' is slated for release in the latter half of the year.

Milla Jovovich is a Ukrainian-born Hollywood actress, widely recognized for her iconic role as Alice in the 'Resident Evil' film series, which cemented her status as an action heroine. Beyond her acting career, she has also ventured into film production, showcasing her versatility. As a mother of three, Jovovich often speaks about balancing her demanding career with family life, serving as an inspiration to many.