The Honourable Woman

Other reviewers have commented - often derogatorily - on the slowness of Hugo Blick's production. However this is a deliberate technique that not only builds up tension - nothing is quite what it seems in the Steins' world - but also indicates the complexity of the issues tackled in this series. While Nessa Stein (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and her brother Ephra (Andrew Buchan) appear philanthropic on the surface, using their wealth to foster better relationships between the Israelis and the Palestinians - they are also involved in underhand schemes, none of which are overtly revealed in the opening episodes. Instead director Blick uses a montage technique comprised of short scenes which might appear meaningless in themselves, but which cumulatively build up a picture of the Stein family's way of life in the present as well as the past. It is the viewers' responsibility to put these pieces of information together and try and work out what is going on. This task is often difficult, as Blick brings in characters who superficially seem to have nothing to do with the main plot-lines. It is only later on - in subsequent episodes - that we discover what their role in the overall story actually is. This technique draws attention to the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where it is often very difficult to identify who one's allies or one's enemies actually are. People have to be taken at face value, until one gets to know them. THE HONOURABLE WOMAN takes a bit of time to get going, but by the fourth episode it has gained in momentum, not only explaining the Stein family's shady past, but showing how the British security forces, led by Julia Walsh (Janet McTeer) and Hugo Hayden-Hoyle (Stephen Rea) have to get their hands morally dirty in order to make sense of what they are doing. There are no heroes or villains in this world; the most successful people are those who know how to play the system by forging and re-forging alliances, as well as exploiting others for personal gain. Viewers need to be a little patient with this series; if they do so, they will be amply rewarded.

Nessa Stein (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is trying to use her family's business to construct a telecommunication connection to the Palestinian territories. She has high ideals promoting a policy of reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. Part of that is to seek out a Palestinian partner for the venture. Her father's killing in front of her is still a major pain for her and her brother. However, she is hiding a secret from 8 years ago when she ventured into the Gaza Strip. It is secrets upon secrets as world politics and personal struggles collide.

The first thing about this series is that it is well written. It is not just what's on the surface. Everybody has a secret. It is an intricate web of lies and double-cross. There is no need to spoil anything. Gyllenhaal gives a very solid performance as do so many of the actors. This is simply smart television. I'm fine with a limited series because it allows for more intense storytelling.

Usually, I tend to skip movies or series on sensitive and politicized issues as they usually emanate from black-and-white approach and simplified views or solution proposals. So, before my respective decision, I try to obtain a lot of background material and diverse opinions, meaning that I do not watch them "bright and early". This was also the case with The Honourable Woman that was revealed in 2014 and honored in 2015.

And from the first episodes, I was pleasantly surprised and ravished, both performance-wise and plot-wise. True, that Maggie Gyllenhaal as Nessa Stein was wonderful and fully deserved her Golden Globe Award, but I am somewhat puzzled that Stephen Rea's great performance was not too much noticed; he is an otherwise wonderful actor and his performance here as Sir Hugh Hayden-Hoyle was front-ranking as well, particularly under dialogs, including with Gyllenhaal; Rea does really know how to express profundity using minimalistic manners and scenes. Of course, all other performances were at least good as well, but they spent less time on screen.

The plot is captivating, at times a bit over-sophisticated and some scenes protracted, but the versatility and tensions are present and the storyline and values expressed go beyond confined Israeli-Palestinian issues. There are many twists and turns, "good guys die too", and the volume of 8 episodes lets all this enjoy in a relatively short time- frame.

All in all, a good series, recommended even to those not particularly fond of pending political issues. Even just following the dialogs and scenes with leading characters provide a memorable series experience.

well i had originally planed to watch it in a day after 4 episodes i got caught up in other things and later I just did not care very much for the show.Because for me the show was going no where and early 4 episodes were too slow paced.But after 2 months i thought of giving it another chance.And I have to say if you can get past the slow paced beginning the later episodes are wonder treats.This is one of the best modern spy thriller in years. best thing about the series is,it knows what it's doing and takes us in the territory of modern political spy thriller with some strong writing and directing.it gives us every angle of it's story.Apart from being a well written spy thriller it's also human drama with unbiased storytelling which has no theatrical heroes and villain.We see from different angles that,every character have their own faults and virtue,every side have there own story which leads to a gripping but very humane conclusion that makes this show a worthwhile.

Excellent spy series!! Top performances, top plot, top dialogues, nice build up. Quality all the way!!! Top tier!!!