A Nice Movie with an engaging Plot

Rating: 8/10 (10 August 2016)

The film is a historical drama set in 1957, the period of the Cold War. It was a time where spies were used extensively by US and the Soviets. Though I don't claim to be an expert about the Cold War and it's history, I thought that the story is presented with utmost honesty. This is one of those films which would inspire one to learn more about such historical events. The film turns out to be quite a thriller.
Rudolf Abel is arrested by FBI on charges of being a Soviet Spy. A lawyer is provided, in order to ensure that justice is seen to be done. The lawyer, James Donovan, ignoring the fact that he was employed just for a formality, works with utmost sincerity in presenting Abel's case. He faces a lot of heat from public, family and his own firm. After some time, Francis Gary Powers who is a US pilot is captured by soviets. CIA, afraid that Powers might leak secrets, employees Donovan in helping them trade Powers with Abel. At the same time. Frederic Pryor, an American Student is unjustly held by Germans in suspicion of being a US spy. It turns into quite an adventure for Donovan as he tries to get both Pryer and Power for Abel.
The story is quite close to the true course of events. Powerful performances by Tom Hank and Mark Rylance are some of the main features of this film. Spielberg does a wonderful job in presenting the characters. For a plot so rich and dense, I thought the film moves a bit slow and covers less ground. Having said that, the film is successful in binding audience's attention and is kept interesting throughout.