Sean Bean's 2012 spy thriller 'Cleanskin' has surged to the number two spot on Netflix UK's top films list, drawing comparisons to 'Homeland' and James Bond. The film, directed by Hadi Hajaig, follows a British secret service agent tasked with eliminating a British-born suicide bomber and his terrorist cell.
Audience Acclaim Despite Mixed Reviews
Upon its original release, 'Cleanskin' received mixed critical reception, but it has since gained a cult following. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 53% critic score but a 65% audience rating. On IMDb, it has a 6.2/10 rating. One fan declared it 'perfect,' while another called it 'better than Homeland and a lot shorter.' Another viewer wrote: 'Spooks meets Bourne - doesn't get much better than this!'
Cast and Performances
Bean stars alongside Tom Burke, Charlotte Rampling, and Silas Carson. His performance has been widely praised, with one Rotten Tomatoes user calling it 'Terrific thriller. Sean Bean at his best.' Comparisons to Jason Bourne and James Bond were abundant, with one fan noting: 'A realistic British Bourne film, less Hollywood, more grit.' Another remarked: '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.'
Streaming Success
'Cleanskin' is currently available to stream on Netflix UK, where it has quickly climbed the charts. The film's 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.' One viewer described it as 'a hidden gem of a film. Gripping in its simple linear execution. Classic old British cloak & dagger stuff.'
