Superb acting but where was the tension?

Rating: 8/10 (24 November 2015)

The stand out performances of Hanks and Rylance earns this film an 8/10 and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.
However, I couldn't help coming away feeling like this strayed a little too far into a lesson in American patriotism and the idea that no matter what, the American Constitution will see you through. I have no issue with a good bit of patriotism to warm the cockles of your heart, but it came at the expense of any kind of tension!
I'll admit that it being a true story didn't help - though I didn't know any details, it was clear this was a celebration of an American hero so it could hardly have ended with anything particularly gruesome. However, even in the moments where my heart should have been beating out of my chest, all I could think was "nah, Tom Hanks movies always end well!"
Perhaps I've become desensitized by too much violence and tension in movies but this felt watered down and naming it "Bridge of Spies" to reference what should have been the peak dramatic moment seemed a little contrived.
As a celebration of a hero of the Cold War, this film is genuinely excellent and I would absolutely recommend it. As a "Cold War spy thriller", it falls well short.