It is a John LeCarré movie

Rating: 9/10 (22 October 2015)

Had somebody told me if it was LeCarré and not Steven Spielberg, I would have believed it. Steven Spielberg is a great storyteller, but LeCarré, well for me, is the pinnacle for anything to do with spy & espionage. With that being said, this movie doesn't fall under spy or espionage category. The story is more towards realpolitik. It was the spy who reminded me about all those characters from LeCarré novels.
The partnership between Stephen Spielberg & Tom Hanks has always provided brilliant narratives. Tom Hanks, as always is brilliant. James Donovan is s New York lawyer, a family man. A very satisfying performance by Tom Hanks.
This was easily outdone by Mark Rylance as Rudolf Abel. Watching him on screen, I wonder why haven't I watched his previous movies. Will he continue with mainstream cinema? His character, the way it was portrayed is similar to Alec Guinness in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. There it is, another reference to John LeCarré (Apologies, this would be my last. It would be unfair to compare).
When Rylance was on screen, he was the lead. Not even Tom Hanks is noticeable. Such a powerful performance by Rylance. Rudolf Abel understands he has fallen into the hands of his enemy who would stop at nothing but end his life. There is absolutely no hope, even the civilians want him done. Rylance brilliantly brings this out, his eyes and body do most of the acting.
There are three stars in this movie – Tom Hanks, the story. Both which have been easily outdone by Mark Rylance.
As the movie progresses, you can not help but wonder with everything falling in place, it should be one of those spy kids movies made for mature audience with the basic underlying story. The process of sentencing Rudolf was so swift hardly anytime before he was sentenced. But again that can be understood. The entire nation wants him dead and the writers want to stick to the main story, appreciated.
The negotiations between Donavan, The Soviets & East Germans were too fast. Negotiations between 2 super powers over a very sensitive issue, which could have been disrupted or delayed considerably by the home nation – East Germany, gets resolved with ease. Just like that. Poof. It looked more like everything fell in place for Donavon. Even though that was not key to the movie, it does take out some charm off it.
Everything said, the makers have made brilliant effort to turn it right. It is a really enjoyable movie. Someday looking forward to renting it at home and watching it again the way I like. Rewind few scenes, pause at few scenes. Get completely absorbed.