Subtle, Focused- Hanx a lot, Spielberg!

Rating: 9/10 (8 October 2015)

I know that a portion of my positive experience in viewing this film came from the fact that I was privileged enough to see an advance screening attended by the Secretary of the Air Force, Francis Gary Powers Jr. (son of the U2 pilot downed in the USSR), and an AF Colonel who flew the U2 for the making of this film. All three spoke before the film and they had many warm words for Steven Spielberg's professionalism and his appreciation for uniformed service-members. Apparently Spielberg's father visited Russia during the Cold War and served as a radio operator in the military at some point- giving Spielberg a personal reason to "get things right" in the movie.
I thought the film's strongest point was its edifying, anti-xenophobic message. Tom Hanks plays a kind of Atticus Finch in the face of McCarthy-style anti-Russian public sentiment. The (french?) recurring epithet for Hank's Character's resolve "stoique majete" (sp?) reminded me of the yiddish concept of a "mensch." And that's not too surprising seeing as the Coen Brothers co-wrote the script.
Though there was no spiritual theme to the movie, I couldn't help but thinking of 1 Peter 5:6 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." This would apply to Tom Hank's unassuming character who is elevated to more and more influential positions simply because he is faithful in the tasks he is given. Very refreshing to see a "reluctant hero" as realistic as this. Just a man willing to do the right thing even when it's unpopular. Definitely echoes of Oscar Schindler, one of Spielberg's previous protagonists. Also had a couple scenes that reminded me of Munich, though this film is much more enjoyable.
Last thing I'll say is that I enjoyed a number of the casting decisions. Don't know that I could name any of the actors outside of Hanks, but it made the film so much more fun to have a strong actor in the role of the Russian spy (the relationship that develops between Hanks and the spy is really fun to watch). Hank's character's wife plays a small part but does a great job of portraying stern, loving concern without becoming grating. Honestly thought Powers (the downed pilot) could have been a little more two-dimensional, but the movie is clearly "not about him" so the movie didn't suffer and he had enough aw-shucks-young-american-in-the-60's to make him likable. Hank's one line to him is priceless. Such a relief to have a summary of the film's themes delivered in such an effortless way.
Great film! And it got a thumbs-up from the downed-pilot's son in terms of historical accuracy (obviously some details changed for screenplay's sake). Enjoy!