Bridge of Spies
Plot summary:
Following the arrest of the
Russian intelligence officer – Rudolph Ivanovich Abel – by the FBI, an
insurance attorney, James B. Donovan, is requested by the US government to
represent Abel in his trial. Meanwhile, as the trial progresses, a CIA U-2 Reconnaissance Aircraft, piloted by Francis
G. Powers, is shot down by the Soviets during his mission to gather intelligence by taking photos from
overhead, at a height of seventy thousand feet. Powers survives the crash by
ejecting, and is subsequently arrested and put in prison. The US government
then requests Donovan to negotiate a prisoner exchange between them and the
Soviets – Powers for Abel. And to make this exchange, Donovan must travel to East Germany, for the Soviets still deny
that Abel is one of their own. Donovan attempts to alter the exchange after he
learns that an American-national Economics student, Frederic L Pryor, had also
been arrested by the East German Stasi
for being on the wrong side of the newly constructed Berlin Wall, in an attempt to save both, Powers and Pryor.
Review:
Starting off with the acting, in
my opinion, Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance were notably brilliant with their
performances. Tom Hanks’ character, James B. Donovan is shown to be the kind of
guy that stands up for what he believes in, regardless of what anyone thinks or
says, not to mention well-dedicated for a good cause. His strength of character
is depicted in scenes where he defends the Russian spy, Rudolph Abel, more than
he is expected to, no matter how the people higher up disagree with him. And
also in his speech at the Supreme Court, pointing out that Abel was only doing
his duty to his country, and that whilst he is regarded as an enemy, he is
mistreated as a prisoner, and asks whether they will not stand by their cause,
as Abel stands by his. On the other hand, Mark Rylance’s character, Rudolph
Abel, is shown to have a nonchalant and artistic personality, keeping a cool
head during his trials, even though he could possibly be facing the death penalty.
His character doesn’t get a lot of screen-time, but for the time that he does
appear, Rylance delivers some compelling acting.
Regarding the US government, the
movie depicts the US government as eager to execute Abel, and only holds a
trial just to save face– just to show that they are being fair to Abel. And it
also shows how the public wants him to be hung, even demanding it in the
courthouse. What it doesn’t show is the questioning of Abel by the US
government, whereas they show the Russians sleep-depriving Powers to question
him regarding his mission and other secrets. It also shows a more lenient punishment
given unto Francis Powers, who is sentenced for ten years of confinement. The lighting
made use of well, notably in a couple of scenes where Donovan and Abel are
talking, making the background bright, and at one instance, having Donovan seen
as almost a silhouette. And also, in the scene where Donovan speaks before the
Supreme Court, where the whole surrounding was illuminated to a certain degree.
That, added with the music makes the scenes even better. This movie tells us a
story inspired by true events, and it is very interesting to watch all these
events unfold.
Here's the link to the trailer:
And here's the link to get the movie:
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