Bridge of Spies

Rating: 9/10 (9 November 2015)

Bridge of Spies, the new Steven Spielberg directed film about an American lawyer who is asked to defend a man accused of being a Soviet spy during the Cold War, reminds me of the type of films that James Stewart would have starred in back in the 40's and 50's. It especially brings to mind some of his collaborations with director Frank Capra. All these films took place at a similar time and deep down Bridge of Spies both has the nostalgic qualities of those early movies as well as it proudly an American picture and represents it's country with dignity and respect, but also ingrained into the film is a message about loyalty, honour and humanism. Tom Hanks, plays the James Stewart type character in this film and he is a loving family man and cares deeply not only about his family, but his country and doing the right thing as well. When he is asked to defend Rudolf Abel, the man convicted of being a Soviet spy, Hanks' character James B. Donovan, doesn't really have to think about it for too long. He knows that defending such a man as Rudolf, especially during the Cold War, is a risky move and one that is bound to raise many an eyebrow of his friends and neighbors, but also could bring some repercussions upon him and even his family. Donovan accepts the job though because he is under the impression and belief that everyone is entitled to a fair trial and that Rudolf also deserves his share of justice and having been defended whether he really is guilty, or not. A character who puts others first instead of himself is one of the attributes that reminds me of a lot of the loyal and truly honorable American characters that James Stewart used to play. Take, It's A Wonderful Life for example. Stewart's character George Bailey does so much for the town in which he lives as well as everyone living in it that he has always put his own dreams and desires on the backburner to see to it that there was a fair lending system in his city and people were not controlled by the evil, Mr. Potter, who more, or less tries to take over the town and the town people's money. James B. Donovan, is another one of those characters who absolutely is proud and loves his country and while what he is doing may be called "un American" by some of those around him, he strongly believes that giving Abel, a fair trial and representing him is everything that America stands for. Including true democracy and freedom of speech and the right to be defended in a court of law. Another honorable film character it brings to mind is Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. We have seen these type of heroes and films before and yet there is something that keeps bringing us back to them. I would be a liar if I said there has been a single Christmas is the last ten to fifteen years when I haven't watched It's A Wonderful Life and have been completely wowed and deeply moved by it on every single occasion I watch it (which does turn out to be every year). These are the type of films that were shown after the Great Depression, or during, or after the Second World War because these types of films were definitely morale boosters and in a sense (especially back then), that is why they were made in the first place. I have read some complaints about Bridge of Spies and this certain World War 2 era nostalgia and type of acting. I have read complaints calling the acting in the film hokey and more melodramatic, which is something I can understand a lot of people who would watch a modern day film would have a problem with. I admit myself that in my journey through all sorts of different films from different years and decades, that I used to have a problem with American films made in the 40's, or 50's because of the melodramatic acting style. And yet, I could have easily watched a European film from that same time period and have had no qualms, or issues with the acting whatsoever. While, I admit that melodramatic acting is still not one of my favorites (whether it was done back then, or currently), I have learned to accept it and look at it more as a sign of the times back then more than anything else. I think that is also how you have to look at Bridge of Spies because it is very faithful and accurate in recreating those times, so that acting style has to stay. It wasn't a problem for me though and look at Mark Rylance's performance as Rudolf Abel. Not melodramatic in the least, but a very fascinating and interesting character to watch that does eventually become endearing to us the viewers. This is a film that I found to be quite inspiring and moving and that is one of the strong reasons I am recommending it. The performances (keeping in mind the time period) are all very good as well and this is one of those films that is a feel good film that captures your interest and keeps you in a good mood after you have left the theatre. A real accomplishment in this day and age and one to be honored.