Geek Syndicate
FILM REVIEW - Cleanskin
ing impact and intensity to the film. The story is full of unexpected twists and turns. Just when you think that you knew what is happening, something changes. This is a really good way to keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through the film. Unfortunately by developing Ash to such an extent, Bean’s character remains fundamentally flawed. We learn little about him and he remains one-dimensional: a noir detective or a more savage version of James Bond. Overall, Cleanskin is a good solid, action thriller. It is impressive what Hajaig has managed to do on such a small budget. He has proven that he is a good writer, with only some of the dialogue feeling slightly corny, and an even more impressive director. Its one key problem is also one of its strengths: the brilliant characterisation of the antagonist led to a deflated anti-hero with little depth. If you enjoy your thrillers then this is definitely worth checking out.
Writer: Hadi Hajaig Director: Hadi Hajaig Starring: Sean Bean, Abhin Galeya and Charlotte Rampling
The Blurb:
Cleanskin: Ewan (Sean Bean) is a Secret Service Agent faced with the task of pursuing and eliminating a suicide bomber Ash (Abhin Galeya) and his terrorist cell, whilst Ash wrestles with his conscience and reflects on his journey to terrorism.
It is nice to see the villain Ash getting some time on the screen, explaining his back story. Many films would not go into as much depth with the villain, saving this level of characterisation for the hero only. Hadi should definitely be praiseed for this. Further although Ash is the stereotypical villain, there are more shades of grey than anything else. He is clearly in the wrong but Ewan does many things wrong too and it shows reality: there are rarely good people and bad people, most people (especially ones who are in these kind of circumstances) are somewhere in the middle.
Luke Halsall
Rating:
GGGGG
The Review:
Cleanskin is a terrorist thriller, written directed and produced by Hadi Hajaig. The story moves at a lightning pace, never letting you go. The direction is stunning. The action scenes are very stylish, lending the film a pulp noir thriller feel. The death scenes look the part, often looking more like what you would expect in a typical comic book than a film. Further many of the angles are beautifully shot add88