The Bourne Ultimatum is a fast paced drama about Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) who is an elite killer in search of answers about his identity.

Rating: 9/10 (5 February 2017)

This review contains spoilers The Bourne Ultimatum is a fast paced drama about Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) who is an elite killer in search of answers about his own identity and why or how he has become what he is. While in search of these answers he finds himself up against the CIA and many assassins just like himself. He finds himself in a place where he cannot trust people possibly even himself. As the truth about his choice to join Treadstone is revealed he then must somehow come to terms with that choice. Prior to Ultimatum we had Bourne Identity and Bourne Supremacy. As the third piece of the Bourne series this is the first glimpse we have at the idea Jason choose his own path. He struggles with accepting himself and forgiving himself for all the awful things that he has done. This really does pose a question to the audience about morals and philosophies. Each person viewing the film has likely found themselves in search of who they are or questioning decisions and choices that they have made. The setting is one I dare say none of the audience has been in, but yet the message is there and takes them in for a very intense ride of self-knowledge. There are not just external conflicts in this film but there is the much bigger internal conflict that Jason has with himself. In this nonlinear story, Jason is the main character, the movie moves back and forth in time with flashes as we learn along with Jason about his choices and his past. Each of the cast play an important role in the film. Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles) becomes an alia in helping Bourne. The role of the corrupt CIA Agent Noah (David Strathairn) is very important in the story. Along with Simon (Paddy Considine) and Paz (Edgar Ramirez). The intense game of cat and mouse are played out like a beautifully choreographed dance. In the scene where Bourne has arranged to meet with Simone in London Waterloo Station the editing is brilliant in the cuts, sound and action. You feel the intenseness of all the parties involved from the CIA, Simon, Paz and Jason. You feel Simons panic and are on edge for him to calm himself so that things will not end bad. Pamela Landy (Joan Allen) gives Bourne more information about who he is and what his real name is. She is seen as an alia of sorts by things that she says to Noah. She expresses that she did not sign up for what they are doing. She wants Jason alive. In addition to the actors themselves there is so much to be said about the editing and the sounds that bring this movie to life. The Desh (Joey Ansah) scene with its music and sound are absolutely amazing and who can forget the final scene where Jason has jumped from the building. The lighting, the sound or lack thereof are all perfectly done. As with film the use of symbolism is not absent in The Bourne Ultimatum. The use of water is like a baptism can Bourne be forgiven can he be cleansed of all his past? Can any of use every be rid of our past and understand who we really are?