The Bourne Identity (PG-13)
Lacking in the way of plot or characters, but fun.
(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Movie details
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Directed By: Doug Liman
- Cast: Chris Cooper, Matt Damon, Franka Potente
- Running Time: 116 minutes
- Release Date: 06/14/2002
- Video/DVD Release Date: 01/21/2003
- Genre: Thriller
- MPAA Rating: PG-13
- MPAA Explanation: violence, peril and some language.
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie has lots of cartoonish but sometimes graphic violence and some bad language in English and German. There is a mild and non-explicit sexual situation.
Families can talk about how we can ensure accountability for covert operations and how Jason and Marie decided to trust each other.
Families can talk about how we can ensure accountability for covert operations and how Jason and Marie decided to trust each other.
Message
Social Behavior:
All major characters are white.
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Character responds to stress by getting a drink, smoking.
Violence
A lot of peril and violence, some graphic, characters killed.
Sex
Mild sexual situation.
Language
Some strong language.
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Nell Minow
This action-packed thriller gets moving when a cargo ship pulls an unconscious man (Matt Damon) from the sea. The ship’s medic removes bullets and a strange information capsule from the man's back. When he awakes, he is angry, desperate, and doesn't know who he is. He’s dropped off in Europe and tries to work his way to finding his identity, only to be suddenly attacked by people from his past life. He successfully fights them off and pays a woman (Franka Potente) to drive him to safety, but at every angle there's another danger, and the film picks up as the plot unravels, with Damon eventually discovering his name (or one of his names) is be Jason Bourne and researching his past to find out why people are trying to kill him.
Is it any good?
The Bourne Identity does not have much in the way of plot or characters, but it is a better-than-average guns, gadgets, and chases in interesting locations movie. It's formulaic but stylish, clever, and fun. Franka Potente is always fun to watch, and bad guy Chris Cooper remains one of Hollywood's finest character actors, but as credible an actor as Matt Damon is, he makes a rather unconvincing action hero. His boyish looks don't help him when he's beating people up or jumping off buildings, and his ability to stay clean and perfectly shaven after days without having any chance to wash himself is pretty questionable.
One can't help but think that Hugh Jackman or Pierce Brosnan would have flawlessly executed the role, and seeing the terrific Clive Owen shine in a small role only makes you see how perfect he'd be in the title role. But I guess they needed an American hero.
Other choices
|
Parents and kids say
All Reviews
There are 19 reviews.
Posted on 07/01/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 9
Posted on 08/25/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 12
Adult Reviews
There are 6 reviews.
Kids Reviews
There are 13 reviews.
Posted on 07/01/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 9
Posted on 08/25/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 12
Posted on 07/29/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 14
Which fantasy book creature has the best name?
Fluffy (3-headed dog, Harry Potter)
43%
Mister Grin (giant crocodile, Peter and the Starcatchers)
29%
Vermicious Knid (shapeshifting monster, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator)
0%
The Incredibly Deadly Viper (harmless snake, Series of Unfortunate Events)
0%
Bunnicula (vampire bunny, Bunnicula series)
29%
7 votes


