Another classic for Tom Hanks - But lacking in pace at parts

Rating: 8/10 (29 November 2015)

I expected this movie to be a somewhat familiar war thriller. In many ways it achieves this, yet there's something unique with this movie - I guess its background as a true story influences this.
The movie opens somewhat slowly: yet this feels necessary due to the ambiguous nature of what exactly is supposed to be happening. Once the roles of the key characters becomes established, the story really develops. The court case in the first act (accompanied with the development of battle planes) is the strongest aspect of this movie, with the stakes faced by the characters feeling largely reminiscent of the mood during the cold war. The acting of Mark Rylance also brings much unexpected humour to the movie, leading to an altogether strong opening.
The only major action sequence occurs mid-war through the movie, when a surveillance aircraft is shot down by Soviet forces. This scene is mostly exciting, and shows good direction from Spielburg. However, it inevitably feels familiar and forced due to the need for an American prisoner at this stage. It's also hugely unrealistic and I would assume blown out of proportion to the real story. Consequently, it appears more like a typical action scene - and loses grasp on the uniqueness built up at this stage.
Tension is built up positively however during a scene when James's house and family is attacked. This feels real, and really adds to the heightened 'cold war' atmosphere created. It also leads well into the third act, when James enters a war torn Germany for an exchange of prisoners. However, it is this stage of the movie where the pace is really lost, despite the great effort placed into the German post war set. Ultimately the endless negotiations becomes in- effective, and the movie begins to drag. It is this section that doesn't justify the length of the movie, and would benefit from being drastically reduced.
The climax is however satisfying, and is tense to watch. It's also warming to see the friendship that has developed between James and Rudolf, seeming different to the usual enemies that such characters are presented as.
Therefore, the acting is a strong point. Tom Hanks as usual doesn't disappoint, with the part seeming perfect for him. It really does add to his 'classic' line up of characters as well, especially the real life characters that he seems to be adopting more. Mark Rylance also stands out as Rudolf, becoming likable despite his cold role. Finally the music is perfect. I didn't know who the composer was going into the theatre, but new instantly that it was Thomas Newman, with his distinctive themes prevailing. He really brings emotion and atmospheres to his films with his scores, and this one was no different.
Overall, this movie is good - but let down at parts by a tendency to revert to typical movie scenes, and occasional poor pacing. However, Spielburg has created another classic movie with good acting, and a charming plot, that is overall poignant and unique. I'd recommend it!