Bridge of Spies is a biographical and historical drama thriller starring Tom Hanks and directed by Steven Spielberg. By now, you’ll already know if this film is for you, heralding two of the biggest and best names in Hollywood… ever.

Spielberg is a juggernaut, one of the most influential film-makers of all-time, whose very presence in the building has his employees adhering to library rules. Some of his biggest and best films have involved biographical historical stories:Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List, Amistad, Empire of the Sun… the list goes on. While relatively quiet on the directorial front, it seems Spielberg’s back on the trail with a slate of no less than five titles lined up over the next two years.

Bridge of Spies is his latest effort, which focuses on a prominent time in the life of James B. Donovan, an American lawyer who was recruited to defend a Soviet spy only to broker his exchange for a captured U2 spy pilot on behalf of the CIA during the Cold War.

It’s a fascinating time in history with the rise of the Berlin Wall and growing paranoia around USSR and USA relations. Spielberg has recruited Mr. Everyman himself to play Donovan and the two have a long history of working together in award-winning productions. As usual, Tom Hanks is stellar, grabbing our attention without shaking us and slowly immersing us into the life of his character as if we knew him all along.

He’s supported by Mark Rylance in a role as Rudolf Abel that will most probably get a nomination or two come awards season. Rylance underplays Abel in a way that is both endearing and amusing. We realise the hypocrisy of his rock-and-a-hard-place situation, despised by one country and disowned by another. Donovan’s humanity is demonstrated by his resolve to give the man a fair trial and in their on-screen moments, we see two people transcending the vacuum of bureaucracy and society they find themselves in.

“No… lunch… money.”

The production design and values are outstanding as expected and we’re transported to the late ’50s and early ’60s as buildings, cars and fashion become somewhat alien to us. This all sets the stage for the international crisis and a potential turning point, which led up to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Strong contrasts are made between the sunny American way of life and a cold, very desolate-looking Berlin as both countries try to negotiate off the record.

Bridge of Spies carries tension in a similar manner to Pawn Sacrifice, planting the story in a hostile environment as Donovan faces criticism at home for defending the enemy and dangers by crossing into an occupied and uncertain Berlin. The drama is understated, like watching an exciting game of chess as each country makes their move, using their best pieces to effect a perceived win.

If Tom Hanks was the yardstick, the political subversion is reminiscent of Charlie Wilson’s War and the finely crafted drama has a Road to Perdition quality. We’re entertained by the gripping back room politics and underhanded dealing, while enjoying Bridge of Spies for its finesse with razor-sharp writing, strong performances and immersive quality.

It’s a subtle, smart, humourous and entertaining drama and Spielberg’s deft touch ensures we’re constantly engaged as one seemingly ordinary man wields history in one hand and humanity in the other. Bridge of Spies works as an understated, in-the-details drama, a complex factor that counts for and against it.

Bridge of Spies could be seen as star-spangled propaganda by some, but it seems to be more of a welcome reminder about the power of one and a commitment to justice beyond that afforded by the legal system. Its true power and magnitude only really dawns on you as the credits roll…

The bottom line: Intriguing

Release date: 6 November, 2015
Book Tickets at Ster-Kinekor
Book Tickets at Nu Metro
Catch more movie reviews at SPL!NG