British film-maker Paul Greengrass (Bloody Sunday, United 93) took over the directing duties from Doug Liman for this sequel to The Bourne Identity and manages the rare feat of improving (if only slightly) on the original. Two years after ex-CIA operative Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) apparently escaped the attentions of his spymasters, a corrupt Russian businessman frames him for a double assassination, which drags Bourne back into the murky world of international espionage. Greengrass uses his drama-documentary background to good effect, delivering consistently exciting action without ever pushing the bounds of credibility. As Bourne, Damon continues to impress in a role that goes against his wholesome, all-American image - moving slickly and almost silently through the film like a small, angry black hole.

A CIA operation to purchase classified Russian documents is blown by a rival agent, who then shows up in the sleepy seaside village where Bourne and Marie have been living. The pair run for their lives and Bourne, who promised retaliation should anyone from his former life attempt contact, is forced to once again take up his life as a trained assassin to survive.