New release date is June 14 ...

While "The Bourne Identity" doesn't have the over-the-top action stunts that you'd find in a James Bond movie, it does deliver plenty in the way of hanging from ledges and eluding would-be assassins. A car chase through Paris in a classic Mini Cooper is reminiscent of the 1998 crime thriller "Ronin." It should be. The same French team coordinated it. While stunt drivers handled the most dangerous maneuvers, Damon was in the Mini (along with Liman and a cameraman) careening down streets at breakneck speed with cars approaching from all directions. "That was the highlight of my driving experience; I was turning a fake wheel pretending not to be scared," he recalls with a laugh.

http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/the_bourne_identity/

The Paris shoot featured two of the film's biggest single action set-pieces: Bourne and Marie - in her battered, vintage red Austin Mini Cooper (one of several production acquired and duplicated each down to the last rust mark for filming) - being chased by a batallion of French police cars ...

Recalled stunt coordinator Nick Powell. "There are crashes and a lot of near misses. The point of the chase was to demonstrate how good a driver Bourne was under pressure, and how he could take this puny little Austin Mini and utlize its diminutive size to escape his pursuers.

"Size is the only thing the Mini has going for it," added Powell, "because the engine and handling are not great. We were trying to emphasize how it can get into certain areas that a police car can't, and how it can turn on a dime."

Just saw it.

A very nice chase seen. Makes me wish I could get a newer Mini as well in the states. I still want to get my Cooper S MINI, but wouldn't mind having both.

As nice as the improved suspension, stiffer body, engine and creature comforts are bound to be in the MINI, I still wouldn't mind having a shorter and narrower car, even if I can't legally drive it down the sidewalk.

Warning. If you do own a flavor of Mini (old or reborn) and like to drive fast, you might want to bring along a designated driver to get you home after the movie ends. The chase scene is that good.

Definite must for DVD when it comes out.

HAahah I just saw it yesterday!!! GREAT Chase Scene!! I have to buy the DVD just for that MINI chase scene!!

Good movie, great chase! But did anyone catch this line?
(WARNING MINOR SPOILER AHEAD)









Right before the chase scene Matt Damon asks Marie (the owner of the classic Mini) if she keeps the car in good condition. She answers that it pulls to the right a little. I nearly choked on my popcorn! That can't be a coincidence can it?

Yeah, ditto, great movie!

Now, what year and model was that mini?

A prize will be announced for the answer with the most technical back-up provided.
Good luck!

Originally posted by Sejanus
Right before the chase scene Matt Damon asks Marie (the owner of the classic Mini) if she keeps the car in good condition. She answers that it pulls to the right a little. I nearly choked on my popcorn! That can't be a coincidence can it?

heh! just saw the movie yesterday (yeah i know i'm slow). choked violently on my drink as well when franka delivered that line... apparantly i was the only one in the theater that saw the humour. :D