Excellent Moody Film

Rating: 9/10 (24 October 2015)

Sometimes, you go to the Cineplex to "catch a flick". Sometimes, you go to "watch a movie". And sometimes, if you're lucky, you are able to "view a film".
BRIDGE OF SPIES is a film in every sense of the word.
Directed by the great Steven Spielberg, BRIDGE OF SPIES tells the story of the Cold War prisoner exchange in the early 1960's that was brokered by the character portrayed by Tom Hanks . Taking his time telling this story in a script that was written by Matt Charman and punched up the the Coen brothers, Spielberg and Cinematographer Janusz Kaminski create a gray, grainy and, yes, cold world that accurately depicts the feelings of the time.
Not only is Spielberg at the top of his game but so is Hanks in the lead role. He imbues lawyer James Donovan with strength courage and decency while also showing the fear of the unknown that permeates the movie and the Cold War times of the early '60's. It is Hanks best performance in quite some time and further cements him as one of the best actors of our generation.
Spielberg, Hanks, Kaminski, Coen are all "veteran" movie names that show, yet again, that they know what they are doing and create a film/world that is interesting to look at and satisfying to experience. But it is relative film newcomer Mark Rylance, as Russian spy Rudolf Abel who steals the show. This veteran theater actor has a minimalist expressive face that shows more emotion in a raised eyebrow than most actors show in the entire performances. It is a memorable performance and one that I expect to see called out come Academy Awards time.
If you are looking for an "action" spy movie - wait for the James Bond film that is coming out in a few weeks. If you are looking for a smart, atmospheric, well acted FILM that accurately depicts the mood, feeling and atmosphere of the Cold War, view BRIDGE OF SPIES.
It's terrific.
9 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank (of Marquis)