Steven Spielberg’s latest movie, BRIDGE OF SPIES stars Tom Hanks as the Brooklyn lawyer James Donovan who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near – impossible task to negotiate the release of a captured American U – 2 pilot.
Bridge of Spies on the surface sounds like a boring historical movie based on a true story that happened way before we were born, about a time we can not even fathom (sort of). Well, you would be wrong. I do remember The Berlin Wall coming down and what a big deal it was that East Germans could now cross into West Germany but of course, I have no context of how The Wall went up in the first place.
While the movie covers The Berlin Wall being built, the story focuses on the relationship of the two key players, James Donovan, aptly and perfectly played by Tom Hanks as the lawyer of integrity defending the most hated man in America at that time, Russian Spy Rudolph Abel. Mark Rylance in a pivotal role plays Rudolph with depth and quietness that somehow makes you like him when you should really hate him since he is the monster spying on Americans for the good of Mother Russia.
And this is what is compelling about this movie is the believability of the relationship between these two men. For without it, the movie would be “eh” and you wouldn’t care how the rest of the movie ends. Both men really play to their strengths and you really believe they could have been friends under different circumstances.
While the first part of the movie focuses on the relationship between Rudolph Abel and James Donovan, the second half of the movie plays like a thriller spy movie filled with dodgy CIA agents, sketchy Russian officials and East German politicians, all with their own agenda with no regard to Donovan’s health and well being as he takes on this very dangerous role.
Will it happen, won’t it happen? Will Donovan survive and be able to negotiate the trade? I was definitely on the edge of my seat during this part of the movie as we are concerned for Donovan’s safety and whether he will be able to maneuver dealing with the East German police and not end up on the wrong side of The Wall disavowed by the U.S. Government.
I think both sections work well and are integrated in a fashion that makes a smooth transition from New York to Germany.
I would be remiss in not mentioning the cinematography and how realistic both the New York City and German scenes looked during that time in history, which is a credit to Director of Photography, Janusz Kaminski. Just stunning! It really transported you back to that time which is what movies are supposed to do without feeling gimmicky.
Would I recommend this movie? Yes, even if you are not a historical buff, you will enjoy this movie. It has everything I look for in a movie, great acting, believable characters, great dialogue, great cinematography and best of all, A Great Story. It will definitely make you want to learn more about all the characters in the movie and the history of the Cold War.
Interested in learning more from the Bridge of Spies cast and Director Steven Spielberg, check out the 8 Interesting Facts about Bridge of Spies article.
Bridge of Spies Trailer
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DreamWorks Pictures’ BRIDGE OF SPIES opens in theaters everywhere Today, October 16th!
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Disclosure: NYC Single Mom attended the BRIDGE OF SPIES press junket to facilitate this movie review.
