Sean Bean's 2012 spy thriller Cleanskin has surged to the number two spot on Netflix UK's top films list, drawing comparisons to James Bond and Jason Bourne. The film, directed by Hadi Hajaig, stars Bean as a British secret service agent tasked with eliminating a British-born suicide bomber and his terrorist cell.
Cast and Plot
Bean leads an impressive ensemble cast including Tom Burke (Strike), Charlotte Rampling (Broadchurch), and Silas Carson (The Gold). The synopsis reads: 'A British secret service agent is faced with the task of pursuing and eliminating a British-born suicide bomber and his terrorist cell.'
Critical Reception and Ratings
Upon its 2012 release, Cleanskin received mixed reviews but has since garnered a cult following. It holds a 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a higher audience rating of 65%, and a 6.2/10 on IMDb. Fans have praised Bean's performance, with one Rotten Tomatoes user calling it a 'terrific thriller' and 'Sean Bean at his best.'
Fan Comparisons to Bourne and Bond
Many viewers have compared the film to Jason Bourne and James Bond. One fan described it as 'a realistic British Bourne film, less Hollywood, more grit,' while another said 'Sean Bean is one of the most underrated stars around. He would have been the perfect Bond - totally grounded and very dangerous, akin to Daniel Craig.' A third viewer called it 'a hidden gem of a film. Gripping in its simple linear execution. Classic old British cloak & dagger stuff.'
Streaming Success
On IMDb, one fan called the film 'perfect,' while another insisted it was 'surely best or British this year.' Another enthused: 'Spooks meets Bourne - doesn't get much better than this!' and one more said it was 'better than Homeland and a lot shorter.' Cleanskin is available to stream now on Netflix.
