Bridge of Spies (2015)

The story of the movie takes place during the Cold War era and depicts the tension between the US and the USSR. Both countries are trying to spy on each other in order to gain an advantage over the other side in terms of information. The story buildup is done very well and both characters depicted by Mark Rylance and Tom Hanks make you appreciate more the human side of the story rather than the political one. Even given the serious tone of the story, I did enjoy the humorous elements that were added in by the characters.Don't expect too much action and suspense as this is not that type of movie, rather focus on the points this movie is trying to present about the ideals that we agree with but often don't follow. In this case Tom Hanks' character is fighting for what's right, not what's politically favorable.The movie has a certain "je ne sais quoi" to it, that's why I gave it 9 instead of 8 and it's well deserved.

A good and refreshing spy thriller after a long long time, reminding of cold war movies of 60's and 70's. Its a period film and they have done the details nicely. Good acting by Tom Hanks and good direction by Spielberg. Tom Hanks performance is rock solid, earlier as a reluctant lawyer who takes up a thankless job and later also has a facilitator between CIA and KGB. He carries the whole movie on his shoulder. Tight screenplay and you don't even feel bored or you won't even like to leave it in between. We are missing these type of movies now a days. Watch it for Tom Hanks performance, for the way everything is set up.

It's very slow, but still brilliant to say the least.

Bridge of Spies stars Tom Hanks as the real-life lawyer James B. Donovan, who must defend the captured Soviet spy Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance). Directed and produced by Steven Spielberg, who has directed and produced many war-time films (such as Saving Private Ryan, War Horse and Schindler's List) he sets this film during the bleak conditions of the Cold War, just as the Berlin War completes construction.Bridge of Spies employs fantastic acting from all cast members, especially Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance, who emit a strong yet realistic sense of camaraderie and friendship due to their, at first, mutual relationship which develops into a bond so tight that the audience doesn't want it to be broken. The film also manages to contrast image and words, which work brilliantly, such as every scene where Tom Hanks is on a train, where no words are spoken, but one hundred ideas are broadcasted via the strong emotional face of Tom Hanks. These Grade-A performances as well as the completely differing settings of the two halves of the film, perfectly execute the mood integral for this serious, often heart-tugging moments. As mentioned, the scenery is gorgeous, with frequent switches of location; from America to Berlin and back, the location/cinematography greatly enhances the atmosphere of this film as do the uncoverings of background characters emotions and feelings towards Hanks' character such as a random policeman he meets, all questioning him: "Why are you defending that traitor?", revealing to the audience the side some must take for their country.Overall, the film is magnificent with perfect performances, a contrasting climate (from sun to snow) and the nuanced characters makes Bridge of Spies a fantastic film with strong underlying morals and values which still apply to this day.