The Honourable Woman

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.

Set in the middle of one of our era's most tragic and polarizing conflicts, it is perhaps understandable that reviewers here jump to the conclusion that it's propaganda for one side or the other. But it isn't. Using a family's internal struggle with the background being the Israeli-Palestinian conflict the writers almost can't win. But the preposterous claim that the series is justification for the current conflict when the shooting schedule began in July 2013...to say nothing of script writing, finding producers, and casting which would reach back into 2012 if not longer, demonstrates how explosive the setting is. As Nessa says, "It's the Middle East. Enemies is what you make." Therefore, it was brave of the project to chose that setting, but it shouldn't be seen as taking a stand for one side or the other.

The pace may be slow, but it's dreamlike point of view, for me, made it all the more transfixing. The cast, particularly Gyllenhaal's performance, is splendid, and the trap of being a mediator, whether is World politics or family dynamics demonstrates that hazard. ("You're either for me or against me.") This may be a series to watch all in one sitting, void of weekly waits and commercials. For me, it's the years best television series.

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.

Throughout the eight episodes of The Honourable Woman the viewer is treated to a relevant, gutsy, challenging television experience. If you ever dismissed or plead ignorance over the Arab - Israeli conflict, you now have an emotional stake in the conflict. The characters are complex, the actors are skilled artisans. Ever since Maggie Gyllenhaal was slinking around in Secretary she has established a reputation for conquering the challenging, controversial roles. Maggie has conquered once again. The Honourable Woman will win a lot of trophies once the awards season has arrived. Amongst the superior cast is one actor who may have placed an exclamation point on his heretofore fine body of work. The trophy engravers should get a jump on etching Stephen Rea's name on the hardware from the Golden Globe, BAFTA, Emmy and Blockbuster(sic)awards. Rea simply owned every scene in which he appeared. His star rose with the release of the feisty film, The Crying Game whose plot twist remains one of the great and respected spoilers that is kept mum to this day. His efforts were rewarded with an Oscar nomination to go along with his Tony nomination. Twenty plus years later, it is time for this native and resident of Northern Ireland to get his due. Will The Honourable Woman return for another season? Hugo Blick and company drained every ounce out of the script and characters. Perhaps the dawn should best be left unsaid.

Firstly let me say that " The Honourable Woman" is fiction, just as say a film like " A Few Good Men" was. Once you view it like this and NOT as it some reflection what is going on in Gaza and Israel right now. I am a Zionist but I watched this masterpiece and was able to have empathy with not only the Israeli characters but with the Palestinians also. The cast is magnificent and I expect that it will win all the major awards at the BAFTAS. I am not sure how our American cousins will take it, because you will have never had seen anything like it. I reiterate we see a tour de force of acting, with several major parts for the girls. However if I were to pick out for me who is numero uno it would be Stephen Rea as a John Le Carre, George Smiley kind of intelligence officer Hugh Hayden-Hoyle. Maggie Gyllenhaal with a perfect English accent plays the major part of Nessa Stein a newly ennobled Anglo-Israeli businesswoman. BUT is she the Honourable Woman? I will let you decide when you see it!