The Bourne Identity

I've been waiting long enough, and I got even more. Specifically, a perfectly intimate action drive, which has no equal in its genre. And even though the viewer knows well where the plot is heading, they gladly follow the path of agents, bosses, assassinations, and betrayals. The secret of the main character works superbly. And despite all the admiration, I have to admit that at that time, I didn't even hope that Jason could become the most impressive killer of the 2000s and that the adaptations of Ludlum's books would become almost artistically popular affairs loved by both perfectionists and ordinary viewers. (12/02/2005)

I’m really pleased with part one of the Bourne trilogy. I didn’t use to like Matt Damon much, but thanks to this role I’ve got used to him. The directing is also excellent, even though I tend to prefer Greengrass’s style in The Bourne Supremacy than Liman’s. The story is clever, fast-moving with great momentum and surprises in places that you wouldn’t even think could surprise you. Simply a great watch that, two years later, was surpassed by part two. (31/05/2006)

A traditionally straightforward espionage ride in which director Doug Liman delivers several top-notch action sequences according to modern audience demands. However, the film also relies on a captivating plot that, compared to the original book, may come up short, but in the case of this film, I'm willing to tolerate it because of the brisk pace, which briefly eases in the second third but then picks up full speed again in the end and manages to engulf the viewer throughout the full two-hour runtime. The careful work with the camera, which perfectly captures the action scenes, and the use of a cold color filter that complements the slowly snowing Paris, along with the excellent musical accompaniment by John Powell, are just a few of the film's strengths. Not to mention the precise performances by the cast, where although a young Matt Damon might raise some eyebrows, his minimalist expressions suit the role perfectly. One minor criticism could be directed at the occasional "late" editing, which reveals the stuntmen "catching" falls. However, even after seeing the film more than ten times, it's impossible not to give The Bourne Identity a perfect review with a smile on my face. (22/01/2005)

Action movies aren't usually my cup of tea, but this one is really worth it. It primarily relies on a well-developed script that isn't aimed at viewers with the mentality of an overgrown ten-year-old, and on the unconventional, more civilian portrayal of the main character. Matt Damon fits perfectly in the role of the disoriented agent and is in excellent physical shape. The film maintains a high pace, sustained tension, and an atmosphere of unpredictability. After watching it a second time, I'm raising my rating to 90% and adding a fifth star. (19/05/2007)

Matt Damon, with his boyish appearance, doesn't fit into the super agent type, at first glance he looks like an ordinary dude, but when he reveals his fighting skills, you can see what a mistake that impression is. It makes you root for him all the more and relate to him. A superb thriller that does without exploding cars and piled-up corpses. The hand-to-hand fight in Bourne's apartment is one of the best I've seen so far. And not to mention John Powell's great soundtrack would be an unforgivable sin. PS: After a repeat viewing I am forced to throw in the fifth star, this likeable "action flick" has everything such a film requires. And to top it off with a polished script, with some interesting original moments. (02/03/2003)