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The Bourne Identity

The Bourne Identity is a 2002 American action-thriller film directed by Doug Liman and based on Robert Ludlum's 1980 novel of the same name.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Bourne Identity is a 2002 American action-thriller film directed by Doug Liman, based on Robert Ludlum's 1980 novel of the same name. It stars Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, an amnesiac man who tries to uncover his identity while being hunted by the CIA. The film launched the Bourne film franchise and became a commercially successful and influential action film.

Plot

An unidentified man is rescued at sea and discovers that he has severe memory loss. As he searches for clues about his identity, he becomes entangled in a deadly conflict tied to the CIA.

Production

The film was directed by Doug Liman and adapted by Tony Gilroy and William Blake Herron from Robert Ludlum's novel. It was produced and distributed by Universal Pictures.

Release and reception

The Bourne Identity was released theatrically in the United States on June 14, 2002. It received positive critical reviews and grossed about $214 million worldwide against a $60 million budget.

Franchise impact

The film is the first instalment in the Bourne franchise and established its modern series. It was followed by sequels that expanded the series and is often cited as a major influence on later action-thriller filmmaking.

Key facts

  • The film is the first instalment in the Bourne franchise.
  • Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne, a man suffering from psychogenic amnesia.
  • The story follows Bourne as he tries to recover his identity and evade assassins.
  • It was released in the United States by Universal Pictures in June 2002.
  • The film received positive reviews and is widely regarded as an influential action film.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed internationally, including in Canada, and helped establish a globally recognized action franchise that remained popular with Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Bourne Identity?
It is a 2002 American action-thriller film based on Robert Ludlum's novel, starring Matt Damon as Jason Bourne.
Who directed The Bourne Identity?
Doug Liman directed the film.
What is the film about?
It follows an amnesiac man who tries to discover his identity while being pursued by assassins and linked to the CIA.
Who starred in the film?
The cast includes Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Brian Cox, and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje.
When was it released?
It was released in the United States on June 14, 2002.
Was it commercially successful?
Yes. It grossed about $214 million worldwide on a $60 million budget.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bourne_Identity_(2002_film)
    Supports: Director, release date, cast, basis on Robert Ludlum novel, franchise position, box office, critical reception
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0258463/
    Supports: Plot synopsis, cast, amnesia premise, search for identity
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bourne_identity
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, MPAA rating, amnesia and pursuit plot
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0258463/faq/
    Supports: Plot details, connection to Bourne novels and later franchise films
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourne_(franchise)
    Supports: Franchise context and Jason Bourne character premise