Cubussoli Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Platicsco Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Listonixio Fresh and Exciting

Chirphymium It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

JLRMovieReviews Richard Chamberlain, star of TV miniseries The Thorn Birds and Shogun, appears as Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne in this 1988 TV adaptation of The Bourne Identity. Frankly I started this in May 2010, and the first 15 or 20 minutes (getting shot on the boat and his body getting washed up on the island) were so laughable, I couldn't get through it. But resolved to watch it or get rid of the DVD, I started it again one Saturday night in January 2011. The beginning still seemed stiff and dated and his acting limited, but once off the island and meeting Jaclyn Smith, the pace picked up. It doesn't compare to the modern remake with Matt Damon, but it works to a degree. It made me think of those old British espionage thrillers, like Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (without the fancy technology,) but it is nowhere as good as that, either. Despite the comparisons and where I found it lacking, I think I would watch it again. Jaclyn Smith, a former Charlie's Angel, gives this TV movie a character you can relate to and the presence of older actors like Anthony Quayle, Donald Moffitt, and Denholm Elliott gives this even more credibility. I especially liked how they handled the ending. Given the fact you're dealing with Richard Chamberlain, you should just enjoy Robert Ludlum's story and let it all go.

jamiecostelo58 I thoroughly enjoyed this I must admit, but I can't help but wonder why it wasn't made for the big screen instead of being shown on television. What makes this Bourne Identity completely nonidentical to the 2002 theatrical release is that Richard Chamberlain's character is totally in line with Robert Ludlum's book. The big screen version may have featured more dramatic car chase sequences and fighting scenes etc, but it just seemed to focus away from the original plot.Richard Chamberlain performs Bourne to a very high standard - with strong performances from the supporting cast - and makes the role his own. Primarily, I watched The Bourne Identity just to see Jaclyn Smith if I'm honest; I've always been a fan of Jaclyn, and she gives out a believable performance as Marie St. Jacques. This movie in no doubt sealed Jaclyn's crown as the "Queen of mini-series".I don't think film and TV buffs should be put off by the film's three hour length; the plot and any questions that may arise when viewing The Bourne Identity are answered extremely thoroughly come the end of the film, and should not disappoint fans of espionage/spy thrillers. It was a great effort from all concerned, certainly strengthened thanks to the wonderful imagery and intrigue of the many different cities involved. 7/10

buiger Compared to the very advertised and highly praised 2003 remake, at least this movie has a storyline, some character development, and a slight resemblance to the original Ludlum manuscript. Also, Chamberlain as Jason Bourne is far more believable as a top spy than Matt Damon, who instead of resembling a spy, looks more like a kid who might need help in getting his nose wiped, and is more likely to get lost anywhere in Europe rather than having the experience to feel at home in several European cities and their high-class establishments.On the downside, this being a film made in the 80-ies originally for television and VHS, the picture and sound quality leave a lot to be desired. Some of the dialog is also a little overly simplistic at times. But all in all, this was a very enjoyable experience, a well directed, interesting made-for-TV movie, much better than the highly praised 2003 remake.

ketchv I love this movie and watch it almost every day. Chamberlain is without doubt the most beautiful man I have ever seen. In fact, he is the most devastatingly beautiful and romantic man I have ever seen on screen, and while I have most of hs movies, I do wish there were more of them. I recently bought The Rose and The Slipper and never knew he could sing and dance before. I have given it to many of my friends because the commentary of the director is so good and you can see him with the Queen Mum with his "Beatle hair cut. The director referred to him as a "heart throb", which in my opinion is an understatement. In the Rose and the Slipper you can see him rehearse the songs and dances.