Thursday, October 15, 2015

Review of BRIDGE OF SPIES: Engaging Espionage

October 15, 2015




The names on the poster of "Bridge of Spies" alone makes this a must-watch: Steven Spielberg as director, Ethan and Joel Coen as writers and Tom Hanks in the lead role. Whatever the topic may be, this simply has to be a film of possible Oscar-merit.

The year is 1957, at the height of the Cold War, James B. Donovan is a top-notch insurance lawyer based in New York City. He was conscripted by the government to perform a thankless duty-- to defend Rudolf Abel, an elderly Russian artist accused to be a spy. Public disdain did not stop Donovan from fighting for the rights of his client. He even agreed to go on his own private capacity to negotiate a trade of prisoners in East Berlin -- Abel in exchange for two young Americans caught in the crossfire.

The whole look of this movie is very clean and well-made. The cinematography was flawless with beautiful images and angles. The production design, with the settings, props, costumes, hair and makeup, were all in perfect period details. The special effects spent on that plane stunt were spectacular to behold. All of these technical elements already have Oscar nominations written for them. 

Watching Tom Hanks as James Donovan made the 2-1/2 hours running time of this film worth its while. Despite his very distinctive face, the versatile Hanks can really inhabit any character very well (with the notable exception perhaps of Robert Langdon, but that is another matter). His Donovan was a lawyer with uncommon nobility, going above and beyond the call of duty, barring any harsh criticisms, in order to fulfill the duty he felt he had for his client. With Hank's everyman charm and appeal drawing us in, we will root him on.

Mark Rylance plays opposite Hanks as the gentleman Russian prisoner Rudolf Abel. This guy is cool and calm and as innocent-looking as you'd expect a spy to look like. Also making remarkable supporting performances were Dakin Matthews (as the "practical" American Judge Byers), Mikhail Gorevoy (as the Soviet official Ivan Schischkin) and Sebastian Koch (as the East German lawyer Wolfgang Vogel).

Previous Spielberg masterpieces of a similar nature, like "Schindler's List","Saving Private Ryan" and "Munich," had us all on the edge of our seats with suspense. "Bridge," however, in spite of the precarious situations involved, did not really give you that overwhelming sense of danger or urgency. Everything in the storytelling felt neat and calculated to build up to an ending we can all foresee (even if we did not know a thing about the life of James Donovan). But that is not exactly a bad thing for a biopic. 

Overall, it was a very engaging dramatic film, an outstanding biopic of a remarkable man of extraordinary principles. Just don't expect an edge-of-seat thriller too much or you may be disappointed. 8/10.


16 comments:

  1. I agree with you, anything directed by Steven Spielberg is a sure hit! I will catch it when it shows in Singapore for sure :D

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  2. It's hard not to be interested in this movie, you have an awesome director, a great actor and an interesting story line. I'd love to watch this!

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  3. Espionage along with detective type of movie is my best choice of movie. I like the thrill, the action, and how the mission is being solved. Tom Hanks is my favorite movie actor.

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  4. I'm looking forward to this movie! With a great cast and a great director, I'm sure this will be getting great reviews.

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  5. 2.5 hours? Waahh... I usually find it hard to sit still for a movie that long but then again with the plot, the actors and the way you described it... I think I will give it a try.

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  6. My dad will surely love to watch this movie. He loves action movies and keeps asking for new downloads. :p

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  7. Haven't seen a Tom Hanks film in a while and this film looks very promising! I love spy movies even if they're situated back in the 50s. Will see this soon!

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  8. I like movies with a spy because it's filled with thrill and it makes you think.Too bad I don't have the leisure to go to movie house this time because I'm so busy and sleepy. haha

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  9. Like you said, for some films, we go for the actor, for his brilliant acting. I'm gonna catch this soon too!

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  10. My brother has been talking about this movie all week! It looks totally awesome! Tom Hanks is so talented! :D

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  11. No matter what others said I am going to watch "Bridge of Spies" because I am a huge fan of Tom Hanks since Forest Gump days. Plus you gave a high rating for this movie so an extra point to watch it. Thanks

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  12. I have forgotten when was my last time watching movie. Guess I should do some update. Thanks for the review.

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  13. Ah Tom Hanks. I happen to hear story of this movie from one of his avid fan. And this article confirms it. Will definitely watch this one.

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  14. Right on cue Sir, I was looking for a film to see and it so happened that I have click this film, and after looking at your post it gave me a clearer view of what to expect from this flick. Thanks sir for the nice review.

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  15. I think it's another classic Tom Hank movies that's gonna be appreciated by the award giving bodies. It may not be as suspenseful as the era but it brings a unique take of his character.

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  16. After reading this review, I want to jump to it tomorrow! I am excited about this movie.

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