Brilliant!

Rating: 9/10 (17 October 2015)

Based on the 1960 U-2 incident & set during the Cold War, 'Bridge of Spies' is a Brilliant true-story, told Brilliantly. Director Steven Spielberg delivers his finest film in years, while Tom Hanks & Mark Rylance deliver solid performances.
'Bridge of Spies' Synopsis: An American lawyer is recruited by the CIA during the Cold War to help rescue a pilot detained in the Soviet Union.
'Bridge of Spies' tells the story of a man, who won, despite the violence & political pressure around him. James B. Donovan's fight to get back the ones who belong home & also send the one to his place, without ever disgracing anyone, is engrossing. Its such a powerful, riveting true-story, that I was left amazed.
Matt Charman, Ethan Coen & Joel Coen's Screenplay is excellent. It never slows down & the way this story progresses, is awe-inspiring. The Writing remains super-strong at all times! Spielberg's Direction is flawless. The Master Filmmaker has handled this historical dramatic thriller, without one single fault. Janusz Kamiński's Cinematography is picture-perfect. Michael Kahn's Editing is razor-crisp. Thomas Newman's Score is superb (Although its strange not to hear John Williams's musical genius here, since he's a Spielberg regular). Art & Costume Design are efficient.
Performance-Wise: Tom Hanks as James B. Donovan, is commanding, as ever. The Screen Legend ignites the proceedings, with magnetic energy. Mark Rylance as Rudolf Abel, is the scene-stealer. He enacts the spy in question, magnificently. And the on-screen chemistry between Hanks & Rylance, is enviable. Amy Ryan as Mary McKenna Donovan, does well. Alan Alda as Thomas Watters, is impeccable, as always. Austin Stowell as Francis Gary Powers, leaves a mark. Others lend perfect support.
On the whole, 'Bridge of Spies' is Cinema At Its Best! Don't Miss It!