The Bourne Identity (2002)
Wounded to the brink of death and suffering from amnesia, Jason Bourne is rescued at sea by a fisherman. With nothing to go on but a Swiss bank account number, he starts to reconstruct his life, but finds that many people he encounters want him dead. However, Bourne realizes that he has the combat and mental skills of a world-class spy—but who does he work for?
Watch Trailer
Cast
Similar titles
Reviews
The only real issue with this fast-paced, exciting and involving mystery-action-thriller (one that truly uses all three genres as core tenants of its narrative) is its occasionally 'cartoony' sound-design. This is most prevalent in its fight sequences (mainly in its stand-out 'pen' fistfight) and severely reduces the impact of these otherwise engrossing and believable - not to mention realistic - set-pieces. However, it's a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things, considering that this is easily one of the tightest and most intriguing action-thrillers of its generation. Along with its two sequels, it kicked off a whole new kind of movie in the way that only a true classic could, and it's a joy to watch from beginning to end. It really is masterfully constructed to be as suspenseful, engaging and exhilarating as possible while remaining remarkably restrained, too. It's also distinct from its follow-ups in that it never really shakes the camera, though it is edited quite quickly during the high-velocity moments - which include a phenomenal car chase - even if the cutting speed never reaches that of its successors. This leads to a consistently legible and uniquely styled piece that legitimately stands out as one of the best in its genre. 8/10
The Bourne Identity introduced Matt Damon as Jason Bourne and he is simply amazing. Doug Liman is great at action sequences as well as pacing the film and he excels here. Damon is, as already enthusiastically mentioned above, really good as the spy Jason Bourne who is found in a state of confusion when the film begins. I never got the chance to see the rest of the films but this was a very good thriller from Liman which reminds me to go see them.
Matt Damon really is a badass. I could watch this movie again, and again, and again. This is my all time favorite. It's just perfect, and brilliant, and thrilling: the cast, the acting, the soundtrack, the fight scenes, the car chase scene, and Matt Damon completely blows my mind every time. If you haven't watched it yet trust me... Do it now!
The Bourne Identity is the original and first film of the Bourne franchise. This film sets the tone and has a very unique and thrilling feeling towards it. Once the plot sets it and it becomes on the move, the film becomes an instant great entertainment. The plot and storyline is relentless, like a jigsaw puzzle, the pieces take time to form any kind of sense. Filled with gripping moments and enough thrills, The Bourne Identity is one of the best action thrillers. Matt Damon is great as Jason Bourne, whose loss of memory becomes less disturbing than the revelations he discovers about himself. Overall, the Bourne Identity does what it maintained to do, which after 15 years later has produced several more successful sequels.