The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Raiting: 
8 /10
Genre: Thriller
Director: Paul Greengrass
Stars: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles and David Strathairn
Country: United States / Germany
Release date: 3 August 2007
Length: 115 minutes
"The Bourne Ultimatum", directed by Paul Greengrass and released in 2007, is the third installment in the Jason Bourne film series, which is loosely based on Robert Ludlum's novels. The film continues the story of Jason Bourne, a former CIA assassin suffering from psychogenic amnesia, as he races to uncover the hidden truths about his past while being pursued by the agency that made him what he is.
The film opens with Bourne evading Moscow police and heading to Paris to inform Marie's brother of her death. Meanwhile, in London, journalist Simon Ross of The Guardian writes articles about Bourne and Operation Blackbriar—the program that spawned the Treadstone project. Bourne arranges to meet Ross in public, noticing CIA operatives close by. When Bourne realizes Ross is being tracked, he helps him evade capture for a time, but Ross is ultimately assassinated by an assassin named Paz, while Bourne escapes.
Bourne follows clues from Ross's notes to Madrid, where he is reunited with Nicky Parsons, a former Treadstone operative. They escape an assassination attempt by another CIA agent and travel to Tangier, where Bourne learns that the CIA has been infiltrating its own operations. He discovers that Blackbriar includes a program to hunt down and kill its agents, and that he volunteered for Treadstone after having been captured in Operation Iron Hand. Bourne and Parsons are pursued through Tangier by the CIA, led by Deputy Director Noah Vosen and Dr. Albert Hirsch, the man who oversaw Bourne's behavioral modification.
After a tense chase through the streets and rooftops of Tangier, Bourne confronts and spares the life of Desh, another Blackbriar assassin. Bourne then travels to New York City to confront the CIA directly. With the help of disaffected agency officer Pamela Landy, he learns the location of the Blackbriar main office. Bourne breaks into the office and confronts Hirsch, learning about his recruitment into Treadstone and his past before he lost his memory. Vosen also arrives, and a tense standoff ensues.
In a thrilling climax, Bourne escapes from the office and meets Landy, who gives him a document that reveals his true identity and past. As Bourne reads through the document, he is targeted by Paz but convinces the assassin not to kill him. Bourne then jumps into the East River, while a voiceover of a news report states that the exposure of Blackbriar has led to investigations and arrests within the CIA. The film ends with Nicky Parsons watching a news report about the events, which includes a note that Bourne's body has not been found after three days. The final shot shows Bourne swimming away, finally free from his past.
"The Bourne Ultimatum" is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that delves into themes of identity, redemption, and the moral complexities of espionage. With Greengrass's signature handheld camerawork and a compelling performance by Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, the film is a critical and commercial success, often considered one of the best entries in the spy genre.
Top cast - The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Trailer - The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
"The Bourne Ultimatum", directed by Paul Greengrass, is the third film in the Jason Bourne series and is often hailed as one of the best action-thrillers of its time. Released in 2007, the movie not only provides a satisfying conclusion to Jason Bourne's quest for self-discovery but also raises the bar for the spy genre with its intense pacing, gritty realism, and innovative action sequences.
One of the film's greatest strengths is its ability to maintain a relentless sense of urgency throughout its runtime. Matt Damon reprises his role as the amnesiac super-spy Jason Bourne, delivering an intense and physically demanding performance that cements his character as one of the most compelling action heroes in modern cinema. Damon's portrayal of Bourne is nuanced and visceral, allowing the audience to empathize with his internal struggle and root for his quest for truth.
Paul Greengrass's direction is nothing short of masterful. His use of quick cuts and shaky cam, while occasionally controversial, creates an immersive experience that puts viewers in the midst of the action. The film's chase sequences, hand-to-hand combat, and evasion tactics are choreographed with precision and clarity, showcasing Bourne's resourcefulness and adaptability. The Tangier sequence, in particular, is a standout, featuring a rooftop chase that is as breathless as it is beautifully executed.
Supporting Damon is a stellar cast, including Julia Stiles as Nicky Parsons, who brings depth to her character's conflicted loyalty. Joan Allen returns as Pamela Landy, providing a strong moral counterpoint to the often murky ethics of the CIA. David Strathairn's portrayal of Noah Vosen is effectively menacing, embodying the bureaucratic villainy that Bourne is up against. The interplay between these characters, coupled with tight editing, creates a narrative that is both coherent and compelling.
The cinematography and score are integral to the film's tone. The global trotting from Moscow to Paris, London, Madrid, Tangier, and New York City is captured with a grounded realism that enhances the film's international intrigue. John Powell's score is dynamic and tense, underpinning the action and adding emotional weight to Bourne's journey.
In conclusion, "The Bourne Ultimatum" is a triumph of its genre, offering a satisfying resolution to the trilogy while leaving the door open for future installments. It's a film that combines intelligent storytelling with technical prowess, resulting in a cinematic experience that is both intellectually and viscerally engaging. With its expertly crafted action sequences and a protagonist whose depth matches his physical abilities, "The Bourne Ultimatum" is a definitive action thriller that stands the test of time.