The Bourne Identity (2002)

This Movie Can Only Be Described With One Word.

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

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.

THE BOURNE IDENTITY is an amazing action thriller. It perfectly balances action and thrills in a perfect proportion. Today, many spy themed action movies are compared to this one, and it's while watching the film itself I discovered why. The concept itself is an interesting one. Jason Bourne is a relatable and unforgettable character brought to life by Matt Damon's energetic performance as well as Doug Liman's skilled direction. The film has excellently shot and brilliantly choreographed action sequences. Each and every action sequence is memorable, and there are a lot of intensely thrilling moments as well. Jason Bourne is a well written character, and Matt ensures he delivers a top notch act to make this portrayal a memorable as well as realistic one. Another credit to Franka Potente, who plays her part in a terrific manner and does justice to her character which doesn't feel irritating or pointless but important instead. The entire cast fits in their respective roles and delivers a good performance. The editing is top notch, as the entire screenplay works without any hiccups.That being said, THE BOURNE IDENTITY is a captivating action thriller with a watertight script and no dull or unwanted moments. I'm now eager to watch the entire BOURNE film series, and undoubtedly I would love to own the DVD.

​'THE BOURNE IDENTITY' was directed by Doug Liman, stars Matt Damon, Franka Potente and Chris Cooper and is the story of a man(Matt Damon) who is found stranded in the ocean with no knowledge of who he is. The only things he can remember are his enhanced ability to kill. As events unfold, he discovers who he is and why he why he didn't know who he was.I went into this movie with skyrocketed expectations. That may have tainted my viewing but I just don't understand the sheer praise sent this movie's way. Sure Damon was pretty good and the action was pretty entertaining but aside from that, there is little more enjoyment to be found here. The Bourne Disappointment contains enough to be watchable but not enough to the point I can recommend it. Damon is, to be fair, pretty good as the star character but I don't think its the role he SHOULD be remembered for. The action is also decent but it doesn't hold to the standard that I've heard so many people praise it for. If you enjoy this movie, fine. But don't come to me and praise it as a gritty, realistic spy thriller that changed action movies because it just isn't. It's fine.Right, the story for this movie has a genuine level of intrigue and I can understand it is more grounded in reality than say Bond, or Mission Impossible. That said, I don't think that it is interesting enough to make it better than what it is. While the story is fine it's not great and could have been done much better, especially considering the concept. Pretty disappointing to be honest.Again, Matt Damon is the only genuinely great thing in this movie for me. I don't think it should be the role people recognise him for but I do genuinely buy both the confused side of his character and the badass side of his character. Franke Potente was, on the other hand, awful as Marie Krutz. She was more wooden than a tree and possessed no likable or redeeming qualities that made me care in any way. One thing this movie was praised for is the 'chemistry' between Bourne and Krutz. How? Where is their chemistry? An ant and the heel of my sneaker have more chemistry. Jesus and Judas have better chemistry than these two. Hitler and a homosexual Jewish man have better chemistry. They have no chemistry and I challenge you to prove me otherwise. Chris Cooper existed and was there. The villain was very weak.Technically speaking, this movie was fine. The use of shaky cam and Liman's breaking of things such as the 180 rule definitely benefited this movie and sold the idea of realism and grittiness. The effects were also fine but thankfully they weren't used consistently.I do like how neither us(the audience) or Bourne actually understand the character of Bourne. I think the dynamic of that is clever and works well in the context of the movie. In conclusion, this movie is honestly just average. Some action is good and Damon was good as Bourne but I just can't see enough substance to keep this movie better than what it is. I don't think it deserves the immense praise it gets and I think it's fine. I don't recommend it but if you like it, than I guess I do envy you for seeing something I just cannot.4/10