This 1988 television miniseries, unlike 2002 film, is rather faithful adaptation of Robert Ludlum's bestselling novel. Richard Chamberlain stars as a mysterious man found on French Meditterranean coast with bullet holes and nearly complete loss of memory. The only clue to his identity is surgically implanted Swiss bank account number, so he, after sufficient recovery, travels to Switzerland where he would discover that some people want him dead. The Bourne Identity is constrained by 1980s television production standards (although scenes of violence look surprisingly explicit for its time), but director Roger Young handles the plot relatively well, puts European locations to good use and has good cast at his disposal. First version of Jason Bourne looks dated mostly due to Ludlum's source novel, which had Carlos the Jackal, infamous (and seemingly uncatchable) 1970s international terrorist (who was captured in late 1990s) as the main villain. Apart from its limitations and some misfortunate casting choice that make CIA secret government look like the groups of harmless senior citizens, The Bourne Identity is in many ways superior to films starring Matt Damon.
RATING: 5/10
