Simple masterpiece

Rating: 8/10 (8 January 2016)

Hollywood regularly comes up with movies that are essentially American in their subject, but try to push forth a universal appeal. Many of them fail because of just that, trying. And then there are those movies which do not pretend to be anything bigger than just their story and let the audience chose what they'd be appeased with. 'Bridge of Spies' falls easily into the latter category.
The story based on true events, is portrayed almost as a documentary, but in the style of Spielberg, which was visible in his other famous creation 'Schindler's list'. I'll list down a few points which appealed to my nature:
Real-life Heroes are people who face situations which they don't fancy, but put their heads down and work on them. In this case, Mr. Donovan, played by Mr. Hanks is a well to do insurance lawyer who is handed a case of a Russian spy arrested in the states. Initially indecisive and reluctant, he gives the case all attention.
The perks of freedom which most of us enjoy, but rarely acknowledge or realize suddenly dawn on us when they are violated by force. The movie beautifully depicts this, by picturing the building of the Berlin wall and a scene where Mr.Donovan coat is politely stolen, without caused him any offence.
The suaveness and impassiveness with which Mr. Abel (the Russian spy) carries himself, very unlike 007, is refreshing in itself and so is his attitude. When asked for multiple times by his counsel whether he's worried, his quirky response is 'Would it help?'. It helps us reflect on our petty worries and it's futility.
There are multiple situations in the movie which puts forward the message summarized bluntly by Mr. Donovan as ' Let people think what they want, you know what you did'. However, the director also emphasizes on how difficult it is, through the protagonist's facial expressions in response to the reactions of his fellow passengers in the metro.
Last, and this may help many in their professional career, are the negotiation skills of the lawyer, polite where it works and t where need be, speculating as much as required and putting all at stake for the bargain.
I'd recommend Bridge of Spies for all the lovers of the drama life offers and for those interested in the approach of those exceptional people who just do their job well..