Review of Bridge of Spies (2015) by Jimboesq — 30 Oct 2015
As usual Spielberg’s films are visually extraordinary. This film capturing the weight and gloom of the 1950’s cold war era with the USSR, and almost succeeds in weaving 2 stories together into a prisoner exchange along a bridge in Berlin.
Tom Hanks portrays an insurance lawyer (Donovan) assigned to defend a Russian spy (Abel) played superbly by Mark Rylance. Donovan finds out too late his client does not have a chance, and his client is convicted.
There is no courtroom drama because Donovan’s best legal work was on appeal and that’s hard to make exciting. Ultimately, Able is traded in Berlin for Francis Gary Powers, the CIA U-2 pilot that was shot down and captured by Russia.
It’s a film: there is neither action nor real suspense, but the story is told carefully and with grace such that it is captivating. Bridge of Spies gives the younger generation a window into the Cold War and honors a man who most Americans never knew and who performed several valuable roles on behalf of his country quietly, with integrity and great dignity.
Like this film.
This review of Bridge of Spies (2015) was written by Jimboesq on 30 Oct 2015.
Bridge of Spies has generally received very positive reviews.
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