Sean Bean's underrated British spy thriller 'Cleanskin' is rapidly climbing Netflix UK's top 10 chart, securing the second position on the platform's most-watched films list today, according to the Express.
Film Details and Cast
Originally released in 2012, the espionage picture features Bean embodying a 007-style character as he prepares for a crucial intelligence operation. He headlines alongside an accomplished ensemble cast, including Strike's Tom Burke, Broadchurch star Charlotte Rampling, and The Gold's Silas Carson.
The synopsis states: 'A British secret service agent is faced with the task of pursuing and eliminating a British-born suicide bomber and his terrorist cell.'
Critical and Audience Reception
While 'Cleanskin' garnered mixed reactions upon its initial release, it has amassed considerable positive feedback from audiences over the 14 years since its theatrical debut. It presently maintains a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a more favourable audience score of 65%, and has achieved a 6.2/10 rating on IMDb.
On IMDb, one fan described it as 'perfect', while another declared: 'Surely best or British this year.' Another viewer gushed: 'Spooks meets Bourne - doesn't get much better than this!' with another branding it 'better than Homeland and a lot shorter' and someone else exclaiming: 'Sean Bean as James Bond! YES!'
Comparisons to Bourne and Bond
On Rotten Tomatoes, Sean Bean received significant acclaim for his portrayal, with one viewer noting: 'Terrific thriller. Sean Bean at his best.' Numerous parallels were drawn to Jason Bourne and James Bond, with another fan observing: 'A realistic British Bourne film, less Hollywood, more grit. Couldn't have chosen a better actor than Sean for the lead role. I'm possibly biased from my appreciation of the Bravo Two Zero reconstruction.'
Another commented: '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.' One viewer observed: 'A hidden gem of a film. Gripping in its simple linear execution. Classic old British cloak & dagger stuff.'
Directed by Hadi Hajaig, 'Cleanskin' is currently available to stream on Netflix.
