Today’s quick review: The Bourne Identity. Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) wakes up in the Mediterranean Sea with two bullets in his back and no memory of who he is. With the help of a stranger, Marie (Franka Potente), Bourne tries to piece together the truth about his identity. His search leads him to a CIA operation that trains perfect assassins. But Bourne’s actions cause Conklin (Chris Cooper), the head of the operation, to enact a deadly cover-up.
The Bourne Identity is an action thriller about a CIA assassin hunting for clues about his past. The Bourne Identity takes a strong premise and follows it up with rock-solid execution. The plot is well-paced and has plenty of secrets for Bourne to uncover. The action is tense and innovative, a flurry of close-quarters combat, cat-and-mouse tactics, and chases. Bourne’s arc is also handled well, a convincing story for a killer detached from his past.
The main appeal of The Bourne Identity lies with its action. Jason Bourne has a remarkable set of skills that let him stay one step ahead of the police, CIA agents, and fellow assassins who are after him. Tense, brutal combat and sweeping chase scenes through European cities give the movie plenty of raw adrenaline. Even more satisfying are Bourne’s clever tactics; he’s not just going through the motions but thinking his way out of tough situations.
The Bourne Identity is a tightly-woven thriller with no real weaknesses. It is an engaging watch from start to finish, and it delivers on every aspect of the action thriller formula. Fans of the tense, dramatic side of the eaction genre would do well to give it a shot. Those hoping for a lighter, more straightforward watch may want to give it a pass. For a tight action thriller in a similar vein, try Casino Royale or Taken.
7.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for excellent action and a robust plot.