Satisfied

Rating: 7/10 (30 December 2015)

If you know what to expect from Spielberg & Hanks collaboration, I think, you will feel the same way I feel; satisfied. Most characters Tom Hanks have depicted during the years are similar to the ones we see in real life. This makes it easier to watch and enjoy his movies, although this isn't the sole reason to praise Bridge of Spies.
Cold War era, Russian and American spies trying to get information about each others' actions, people feel like they are on the brink of a nuclear war, irrational fear of everything related to communism, thriving West Germany while East in poverty, Berlin Wall and so on. Among all this cliché, an alleged Soviet spy, Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), is arrested for espionage in NYC, and the constitution demands somebody to defend him. In order to look just, the government appoints a successful attorney, James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks), as Rudolf Abel's attorney. Our journey starts when these two meet. Tom Hanks does a great job portraying Mr. Donovan. He is so convincing and the time he appears on the screen, it is like your old uncle Tom came to see you after a long time. And there is Mark Rylance's character Rudolf Abel the coolest spy I have ever seen on the screen. He is unbelievable, don't expect him jumping long distances, flying and punching somebody and killing ten guys with one punch, he is just cool, even with his pyjamas. These outstanding performances offer unique and enjoyable dialogues.
The only problem is the story is based on true events but it's told from only one sides perspective. I think this is not a big deal, and had the Soviets told their version of the story I'd be glad to see it.
The scene with Ivan Schisckin, head of eastern KGB, is so disturbing because to reach there Mr. Donovan walks a long distance in freezing cold weather with his coat robbed of him, and shivering continuously in front of the former, but he doesn't care and even offer him a glass of drink. Nobody doesn't expect a great deal of hospitality from him, but, common, even he is your enemy, be polite. That was inhumane. And finally there is unlikable Agent Hoffman, well portrayed by Scott Shepherd, I don't know how to describe him, people like him, I guess, are there just to make everything difficult and annoy you.
Overall, Bridge of Spies is an entertaining picture, I recommend it.