Review of Bridge of Spies (2015) by Jonathan B — 02 Jan 2017

Tom Hanks plays the lawyer who, after defending a Russian spy is tasked with leading the negotiations to secure the release of a captured U2 pilot. Set at the height of the cold war, as the Berlin wall was going up, Bridge of spies is based on real events following the capture by the USSR of American pilot Gary Powers.

At time of huge mistrust and paranoia between the governments of the USA, USSR and GDR, Hanks' character, James Donovan strives to maintain his belief is truth and justice for all. As you would expect, this is a perfect role for an actor like Hanks who quietly and self-assuredly leads a very strong cast.

I particularly enjoyed his scenes with Mark Rylance who is one of just a few actors that can match Hanks when it comes to doing so much by saying so little. You really sense that both actors enjoyed working with each other here.

Steven Spielberg doesn't complicate what is, at heart, quite a straightforward story but does manage to give an accurate period feel. A flavour of the atmosphere in the US at the time is provided by small details, such as the scene at the school of Donovan's children where they watch "Duck and Cover" information movies.

We also get a taste of the panic that gripped Berlin as the city was divided. However, the focus of the movie is the character of Donovan himself as he uses his gentle but determined powers of persuasion to save the lives of several men.