Tense humorous cat-and-mouse game

Rating: Null/10 (3 June 2016)

The bar association asks insurance lawyer James B. Donovan to defend a suspected Russian spy arrested on American soil. When an American spy is captured Donovan becomes a negotiator for two of the world powers to agree the prisoners release.
With the film based on real-life events writers Matt Charman, Joel and Ethan Coen turns a secret prisoner exchange between the CIA and the KGB into a tense and often humorous cat-and-mouse game. Suffering with a cold, quick thinking breifcase touting Tom Hanks' law-abiding lead character Donovan is gripping as he is used as a go between by his own government with German and Russian officials. Hanks brings an everyday man vulnerability, akin to Michael Caines' Harry Palmer to the role.
Steven Spielberg offers a finely crafted Cold War espionage thriller, wonderfully recreating the Cold War era thanks to clever special effects. The stakes are high, you witness the Berlin Wall being built, it's an appealing diplomatic film. There are tense moments littered throughout, notably when Donovan is tasked in defending a Russian spy in a court of law, the backlash from his community and the danger he puts his family carries an impact.
Its a fine production. Bridge of Spies is interesting throughout and it surprisingly captures some old fashion Hollywood magic.