The Bourne Ultimatum, released in theaters on August 3, 2007, is a relentlessly paced and intelligent finale to the original trilogy. With its kinetic camera work, bone-crunching action, and intricate plot, the film is a masterclass in modern espionage cinema, bringing Jason Bourne’s quest for his identity to a powerful and definitive conclusion.
The story picks up directly after the events of The Bourne Supremacy with Bourne (Matt Damon), still on the run from the CIA, is trying to piece together the final fragments of his past. He is drawn out of hiding after a Guardian journalist, Simon Ross, publishes an article about him, revealing details about the top-secret Treadstone program that created him. Bourne contacts Ross, but their meeting quickly turns deadly as the CIA, under the command of the ruthless Deputy Director Pamela Landy (Joan Allen), is tracking him.
Bourne’s investigation leads him to a new CIA black ops program, Blackbriar, which is a more aggressive and sinister version of Treadstone. He is now hunted by both the CIA and a new generation of assassins, including the ruthless Desh Bouksani.
Bourne’s journey takes him across the globe, from London and Madrid to Tangier and ultimately back to New York City, where it all began. He is pursued by a vast network of spies, including his former colleague Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles), who now helps him, and the calculating Noah Vosen (David Strathairn), CIA Deputy Director in charge of Operation Blackbriar.
The film’s plot is a series of interconnected, high-stakes encounters as Bourne systematically dismantles the conspiracy. He uncovers the truth about his past and his initial recruitment into the program, leading him to the architect of Treadstone, Dr. Albert Hirsch (Albert Finney).
The film’s tension is palpable, with a sense of urgency driving every scene, from the spectacular chase sequences to the quiet, tense moments of deduction.
The film also features Scott Glenn as CIA Director Ezra Kramer.
The Bourne Ultimatum was third installment in the Jason Bourne film series after The Bourne Identity (2002) and The Bourne Supremacy (2004) and proceeding The Bourne Legacy (2012) and Jason Bourne (2016).
Paul Greengrass directed the film, following his work on The Bourne Supremacy. He would also work with Damon on Green Zone (2010) and Jason Bourne (2016).
The film won three Academy Awards: Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing and Best Film Editing.
Matt Damon in The Bourne Ultimatum (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Reception for The Bourne Ultimatum
The Bourne Ultimatum grossed $69.3 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film would gross $442.8 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film three and a half stars in his review.
Legacy
The Bourne Ultimatum is widely considered one of the greatest action films ever made, redefining the genre with its documentary-style realism, frenetic editing, and intense hand-to-hand combat. Damon’s performance as Bourne is a highlight, as he perfectly embodies the character’s physical prowess and emotional depth.
The film’s influence can be seen in countless spy thrillers and action movies that followed. It is remembered for its intricate plot, its relentless pacing, and its satisfying resolution to Bourne’s story.
The Bourne Ultimatum stands as a benchmark for the genre, proving that a blockbuster action movie can be both smart and exhilarating, and it cemented Jason Bourne as a modern cinematic icon.
