Review of Bridge of Spies 2015 Full Movie

Review of Bridge of Spies 2015 Full Movie: When the director of "Jaws," the star of "Forrest Gump" and the writers of "O Brother Where Art Thou?" come together to make a film, you know you're in for a treat. "Bridge of Spies" is set in 1957 during the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) is arrested by the FBI and charged with being a Soviet spy. Insurance lawyer James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks) is asked by his partners to defend Abel in the impending trial. Donovan is ridiculed and scorned by his fellow Americans for representing and defending Abel, as many of them would rather see him hanging from a rope.

However, Donovan's success in keeping Abel away from the death penalty proves vital in negotiating with the Soviets after they capture an American spy. Whenever I watch Tom Hanks, seldom do I see Tom Hanks. Whether it's Forrest Gump, Captain John H. Miller or Woody from "Toy Story," Hanks consistently excels at becoming the characters he portrays, and he delivers a dynamic performance as James Donovan. The character is decent and kind but firm in upholding the law and his personal values. Mark Rylance's portrayal of Rudolf Abel is Oscar-worthy. 

Abel is an awkward, mild-mannered and unusually calm elderly man, the last person you would suspect as a Soviet spy. In the face of potential execution following a guilty verdict, Abel remains cool and collected. Blown away by his lack of alarm or concern, Donovan questions, "Are you not worried?" to which Abel responds, "Would it help?" Ethan and Joel Coen's script dishes out the perfect comedic, dramatic and thrilling elements that make "Bridge of Spies" great. Its dialogue drives the story, and while this may turn off certain audiences, I found it enthralling. Fundamental themes of integrity, perseverance and standing up for what's right are broadcast clearly and effectively through the actions and words of the story's protagonists.

Bridge of Spies is based on a true story about an insurance lawyer, played by Tom Hanks, who was informed he would represent a Soviet spy during the Cold War. The knowledge and wisdom of James Donovan not only saved the US pilot but also a student. Over the course of his life, he helped release over 9,000 prisoners and brought them home. With a great cast and a good script you can expect a great movie, but it was filled with plenty of mistakes. I was surprised to see that the Russian Diplomat offered Hanks an Armenian Cognac, but it was a twist off cap. In the 1950's twist off caps didn't exist...all types of liquors used wine bottle openers to open it. Overall it was a good movie but a yawner.

Going into 'Bridge of Spies', I wasn't sure what to expect. On one hand, we could have an Oscar-bait, empty, manufactured movie made to win awards and nothing more. On the other, however, we could be getting a perfectly executed, well-written, thoroughly enjoyable Cold War thriller with the ever-lovable, always wonderful Tom Hanks. Thankfully, it was the latter. I was quite surprised at just how much I enjoyed this. Not because I'm not interested in the Cold War - I'm actually studying it at the moment and it's endlessly fascinating - but I didn't expect it to be so entertaining. It has a great sense of humor, yet knows when to be serious; which is a tough rope to walk at the best of times, yet the movie does this effortlessly. Tom Hanks...well, what do you think? He's brilliant - as always - and I honestly mean it. Sometimes we take for granted just how good Hanks is, and his turn here as the one man determined to do the right thing, surrounded by those who choose not to, is excellent to watch - he really sells it. All in all, a great little thriller. Definitely check it out.

Spielberg's drama about the exchange of prisoners during the early days of East Germany behind the Berlin wall is no nail-biter but thoroughly entertaining. Tom Hanks is the obvious choice for the honorable lawyer negotiating the deal, but you can't fault him for being good at what he does. Rylance certainly deserved the Oscar for his supporting role as the imprisoned Russian spy. The film mostly relies on its cold war atmosphere, the actors and their lines, but that works because there actually haven't really been a lot of films about this chapter in recent history yet.

'Bridge of Spies' is an espionage thriller at its finest. It's set in the late 50s & early 60s and certainly looks the part. The first 45min or so is a good courtroom drama and moves along fast enough, with Hanks giving a few great speeches and making some solid points about what's right and what's best.

Hanks basically owns the film, with everyone having some good moments (especially Rylance, with his "would it help?"s), but he really plays a great everyman who stands up to both Germany, Russia & his own country (mostly portrayed by the CIA/Shepherd) for what is morally right and just, not just what is politically acceptable at the current time.