The Bourne Identity Review

Messages: Definitely some mixed messages here. On the one hand, the film shows government as corrupt and manipulative and the main character battles against it in order to be a good man and live a free life. On the other hand, the extraordinary fighting scenes are what makes this movie so watchable, so while the ideals of righteousness and purity are celebrated, so is violence.

Role models: Bourne is a tricky role model. As a reborn man, he sheds his past identity and whatever bad things he did along with it. His new self is a good, honest, caring man who happens to be an exceptionally good fighter. He puts himself on the line to protect good people, and defends himself against the bad -- to the point of death. If he lies or manipulates, it's only to serve good. But he still kills people...

Violence: Many fighting scenes, mostly hand-to-hand combat, but also with guns and knives. Some blood but no gore, other than a close-up shot of bullets being removed from a body. Several characters are murdered assassination-style, one jumps out of a window to his death. Several tense scenes, including two where children are potentially at risk of violence.

Sex: One very intimate scene that turns into passionate kissing. Shirts come off, though no nudity, and then the camera pulls away.

Language: Strong language throughout, but not constant. A couple uses of "f--k," and "s--t," and a bit more of "hell," "Goddamn," and "for Christ's sake."

Consumerism: Definite product placement of a Mini that includes some very fancy driving and a brief close-up of the brand name on the steering wheel. Background shot of Air France plane.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some smoking and drinking in the background in several scenes. A main character drinks liquor from a bottle one time in response to extreme stress.