The Little Drummer Girl is a beautifully written story and from the looks of this series a really good adaptation. Actors are well-cast in their roles and amazingly directed by Chan-wook Park. It's the first piece of work I'm seeing from this director and it won't be the last. The cinematography and the music are also well-done.
I saw Florence Pugh here for the first time and was amazed by her acting prowess. She gets to act as an actress who is presented with her first real acting gig and doesn't want to turn it down no matter the danger it involves. And this role coincides with her actually entering the industry in one of her first significant gigs and she doesn't let down and nor does her character. She was a very wise choice to be casted.
Alexander Skarsgård also does an impressive job pulling off the cold, quiet and work-focused ex-agent who doesn't want to let his guards down fearing he might jeopardize another mission by getting too close to Charlie and yet gets exactly what he fears. And the chemistry that develops between the two is so gradual and beautiful to watch.
They also made the smart and proper move of picking Arab actors to play the Palestinians and didn't cast some famous white actors in Arab roles and make them pull off the accent and mannerism and have them fail miserably. I commend that choice and their courage in going through with it.
The plot is full of tensions and unexpected outcomes and really keeps you on your toes. Through the eyes of Charlie, we get to enter the Palestinian household, see the world from their eyes and in a way sympathize with them to the point that when their leader gets shot, we can't help but feel betrayed. Before we know it, within the span of a couple episodes, we've changed sides, empathized with the perceived "antagonist" and now see them as the victim. This is great writing.
Whether you're interested in politics or find it deterrent, you will enjoy this political spy thriller and whether you support Israel taking over of "the promised land" or commend Palestinians in resisting invasion of their territories, you can't help but feel more uncertain about this dichotomy. The series will keep you pondering for some time after it's done and that's what a good series does.
I saw Florence Pugh here for the first time and was amazed by her acting prowess. She gets to act as an actress who is presented with her first real acting gig and doesn't want to turn it down no matter the danger it involves. And this role coincides with her actually entering the industry in one of her first significant gigs and she doesn't let down and nor does her character. She was a very wise choice to be casted.
Alexander Skarsgård also does an impressive job pulling off the cold, quiet and work-focused ex-agent who doesn't want to let his guards down fearing he might jeopardize another mission by getting too close to Charlie and yet gets exactly what he fears. And the chemistry that develops between the two is so gradual and beautiful to watch.
They also made the smart and proper move of picking Arab actors to play the Palestinians and didn't cast some famous white actors in Arab roles and make them pull off the accent and mannerism and have them fail miserably. I commend that choice and their courage in going through with it.
The plot is full of tensions and unexpected outcomes and really keeps you on your toes. Through the eyes of Charlie, we get to enter the Palestinian household, see the world from their eyes and in a way sympathize with them to the point that when their leader gets shot, we can't help but feel betrayed. Before we know it, within the span of a couple episodes, we've changed sides, empathized with the perceived "antagonist" and now see them as the victim. This is great writing.
Whether you're interested in politics or find it deterrent, you will enjoy this political spy thriller and whether you support Israel taking over of "the promised land" or commend Palestinians in resisting invasion of their territories, you can't help but feel more uncertain about this dichotomy. The series will keep you pondering for some time after it's done and that's what a good series does.