The Cold War was a state of political and military tension after World War Two between powers in the Western Bloc (the United States and its NATO allies) and the Eastern Bloc (the Soviet Union and its allies). The âwarâ lasted from 1947 until the dissolution of the Soviet Union on December 26, 1991. The threat of nuclear war hung over the world during those years, with each side engaging in espionage of all kinds to learn what the other side was up to.
Bridge of Spies is the true story of one highly flammable incident that took place in 1960. Francis Gary Powers was an American pilot whose Central Intelligence Agency U-2 spy plane was shot down while flying a reconnaissance mission over Soviet Union airspace. Powers managed to parachute to safety but was captured and held as a spy. At about the same time the CIA captured a Soviet spy in New York by the name of Rudolf Abel, played by Mark Rylance.
Guaranteed a fair trial by our constitution, someone had to defend Abel. That hapless task fell to attorney James Donavon, played by Tom Hanks and once again he gives an Oscar winning performance, proving without a doubt he is the best actor alive today. The scenes between attorney Donavon and his client Abel, are brilliantly acted, both should win for their performances. That, however, is only the beginning.
Bridge of Spies
Entertainment Rating: ★★★★
Rating: PG-13, a few scattered profanities, adult theme
Possible Oscar Nominations: Best Movie, Steven Spielberg Director, Best Actor, Tom Hanks, Best Supporting Actor, Mark Rylance, Best Original Script, Film Editing
Both governments, using clandestine means, signal their willingness to negotiate a prisoner swap, and the real story begins there. Someone has to travel to the heart of Communist East Germany to negotiate the deal; Donavon is selected. While he is there the East Germans begin building the âBerlin Wallâ and the scenes depicting that are unforgettable. The paradox between freedom and Communist rule has never been clearer.
In the meantime, Donavonâs efforts to meet with responsible parties and discuss a plan for a prisoner exchange meets all kinds of roadblocks. Faced with adversity virtually every step of the way his dogged determination keeps him going. A lesser man would have given up and gone home. His scenes with various Communist officials alone are worth the price of admission.
The final scenes are tense and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Director Spielberg shows why he is the premier filmmaker of all time, and the film editing is as good as it gets. This movie is the best I have seen all year, perhaps something better will come along before Oscar time, although I doubt it.
