Matt Damon returns as Jason Bourne in this sequel to the 2002 film “The Bourne Identity.” Paul Greengrass takes over directing duties in this installment and doesn’t miss a beat.
The story picks up two years after the events of “The Bourne Identity.” Jason Bourne and Marie Kreutz (Franka Potente) are living a peaceful life in hiding in Goa, India. However, their tranquility is shattered when Bourne is framed for the assassination of a CIA officer during a covert operation in Berlin, an operation he had no part in. As a result, the CIA, led by Deputy Director Pamela Landy (Joan Allen), believes Bourne has gone rogue and must be taken down.
Bourne is driven to find out who is behind the setup and why they are targeting him. In the process, he uncovers more about his past as a CIA assassin and the Operation Treadstone program. Bourne’s quest takes him across Europe, from Berlin to Moscow, as he evades capture and confronts the people responsible for framing him.
Brian Cox reprises his role as Ward Abbott, the high-ranking CIA official who played a crucial role in the creation and management of Operation Treadstone. He is determined to cover up his involvement in Treadstone and protect his career, and throughout the film, he tries to maintain control over the situation and prevent the exposure of Treadstone’s illegal activities. Julia Stiles also returns as Nicky.
“The Bourne Supremacy” is an excellent sequel to the first Bourne installment, building on the intrigue and action-packed sequences of the first film, while further developing the character of Jason Bourne and his quest for identity and redemption.
Director Paul Greengrass brought his own style to the film, while building on Doug Liman’s excellent work in the first installment. Greengrass is known for his distinct directing style, which incorporates a “shaky cam” or “handheld camera” technique, quick cuts, and a sense of realism. Some fans complained that this technique could be disorienting and difficult to follow, but I felt it worked perfectly. The action scenes are immersive and feel gritty and real. It’s a style that has become popular in the action genre following the release of this film.
“The Bourne Supremacy” did $290.6 million in worldwide box office sales, besting “The Bourne Identity” which hit $214 million. Universal had another hit and a successful franchise on their hands. Like the original, this film was well-received by both critics and audiences.
Over the years, I caught parts of the Bourne movies on cable. These are the kinds of movies you can start watching at any time in the story and enjoy the action. But I only recently made a point of watching these films from the beginning, and it’s naturally a much more interesting and enjoyable watch when you know the backstory. So, if you’re new to the Bourne franchise, try to watch them in order for the best experience.
Enjoy the ride!
