Bridge of Spies

8

LORDFILMOct 22, 2015

Lets first off state that these are master filmmakers who have time and time again entertained and dazzled the film community and common movie goers.
The Hanks and Spielberg collaboration is astonishing to see on screen and there are someLets first off state that these are master filmmakers who have time and time again entertained and dazzled the film community and common movie goers.
The Hanks and Spielberg collaboration is astonishing to see on screen and there are some hidden names working behind this one here (THE COEN BROTHERS).
Its a beautifully executed film that is historically accurate and portrays the Spy incident of 1957 during the rise of the Cold Warvery well.
Tom Hanks shines as a whole-hearted lawyer who is given the difficult task of defending a Russian spy caught on US land.
Same goes for our U2 bomber spies overseas.
The premise is a trade of our spies for the Russian spy they decided not to execute.
Fluid framework and accurate props to make you feel like you are in the 1950s make this movie stand out well.
If you enjoyed Schindlers List, this is right up your alley and will have you intensely rooting for Tom Hanks the whole time.
Great film but in my opinion, not worth a 2 hour sitting.
Alot of the cuts were drawn out to what I call a "Buffy Cut"
Overall, great history and great actors with solid direction and solid screenwriting.
Probably and most likely an Oscar Contender.
4/5… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

Jess_HillOct 22, 2015

A masteful drama packed with subtle socio-political commentary, insightful subtext and intrigue aplenty. The performances are superb, Hanks is brilliant, and the storyline is beautifully paced and carefully articulated to tell this true storyA masteful drama packed with subtle socio-political commentary, insightful subtext and intrigue aplenty. The performances are superb, Hanks is brilliant, and the storyline is beautifully paced and carefully articulated to tell this true story with precision and care. The underlying themes are an indictment on the current US approach to foreign policy, diplomacy, and detention, making this a timely reminder on the importance of adhering to higher values and ideals. A beautifully crafted film. 8.96/10… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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9

moviecritic68Oct 21, 2015

Another top notch role for Tom Hanks. Great screenplay & direction from Spielberg. Definitely more like a 9.5 rating. Sure this film will be nominated in some categories at the awards. A very compelling historical drama derived from actualAnother top notch role for Tom Hanks. Great screenplay & direction from Spielberg. Definitely more like a 9.5 rating. Sure this film will be nominated in some categories at the awards. A very compelling historical drama derived from actual events, The props were outstanding. Easily recommend to other moviegoers… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

zoramaOct 21, 2015

This movie exceeded all ours (my husband and mine) expectations. I needed to release built up emotional tensions and after we noticed this movie advertised on the TV, I decided we must to see it in the cinema. My husband is disabled with MSThis movie exceeded all ours (my husband and mine) expectations. I needed to release built up emotional tensions and after we noticed this movie advertised on the TV, I decided we must to see it in the cinema. My husband is disabled with MS and the prolonged sitting frequently causes spasms in his legs; he started to complain to me heavily during the opening advertisements and previews we were not interested watching - they lasted almost 20 minutes - and I worried how he will endure additional sitting for more than 2 hours. But after the movie we came to see started, it totally captivated him so much he forgot all the pain he felt during the previews and advertisements. I soon realized that I knew the history that inspired the creation of the movie and I knew the storyline and how it will conclude but it did not matter for the movie was so superbly and realistically done. We cannot wait for the release of the DVD.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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1

hotfromcauldronOct 20, 2015

For the first forty minutes I thought I was watching an episode of Father Knows Best. Older sis gets stood up by her mystery man (duh) while younger bro has been scared out of his wits watching a cartoon of an A-bomb attack ala Reefer MadnessFor the first forty minutes I thought I was watching an episode of Father Knows Best. Older sis gets stood up by her mystery man (duh) while younger bro has been scared out of his wits watching a cartoon of an A-bomb attack ala Reefer Madness in school . And I was sure dad/hero/ Hanks and his wife slept in separate beds with one foot touching the floor. But back to the story which is not worthy of a movie , not if you don’t get into the heads of the characters - especially the two Abercrombie and Fitch models- Powers and Pryor- in this reality game of Spy Swap. Mercifully, Mark Rylance plays Russian spy Rudolf Abel - not Christoph Waltz - the only thing that didn't leave me cold. For a movie with a slow start it has way too many endings - the corniest - a faint smile from a passenger on a subway. Plodding, preachy and predictable this “Bridge" finally takes a toll on your patience to where anyone who paid $13 for a ticket would want to jump.… Expand

4 of 11 users found this helpful47

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6

netflicOct 19, 2015

When Steven Spielberg makes a movie, one can expect something extra-ordinary.
When Coen brothers write a script for it, what can go wrong? And when critics give this movie good reviews, one’s expectations go high.
Unfortunately too oftenWhen Steven Spielberg makes a movie, one can expect something extra-ordinary.
When Coen brothers write a script for it, what can go wrong? And when critics give this movie good reviews, one’s expectations go high.

Unfortunately too often for me, when expectations are high, I end up disappointed.

The movie is solid, the story of Cold War prisoner exchange between Soviet Union and United States is amazing. (Some people might remember when American pilot Powers was exchanged for a Russian spy Abel). Tom Hanks once again proved that he is one of the best actors. But can I call this movie great? Or even very good? Hardly. Too many cliches, characters are flat and simplistic. People are either good or bad, and we know better that it is much more complex and subtle than that. Especially in politics. Overall, I did like the movie but my score is 6 out of 10.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

PrashunOct 19, 2015

I don't think I can criticize this movie, it's a Spielberg film after all, nearly flawlessly made, Tom Hanks is excellent as usual (but let's face it Tom Hanks has never acted poorly in ANY film EVER), mostly historically accurate as well. InI don't think I can criticize this movie, it's a Spielberg film after all, nearly flawlessly made, Tom Hanks is excellent as usual (but let's face it Tom Hanks has never acted poorly in ANY film EVER), mostly historically accurate as well. In fact if it would have been made by anyone else I may have liked it a lot more than I currently do, but alas Steven Spielberg has become a victim to his own success and ability. So all I can say is that while this movie is solid it's nothing spectacular, there are no great scenes but the story is well done and it's evenly represented, a couple of weeks ago I watched Edward Zwick's Pawn Sacrifice and found it to be very pro American and anti Russian, Spileberg of course is above all this pettiness and delivers a balanced film in which both sides are fairly represented. However, I was expecting the raw power that Spielberg delivered in Munich (last time he tackled the theme of espionage) but that's not what this movie is about, it feels a lot simpler and the stakes never feel high. Bridge of spies is a good movie and can go on the B-Side of Steven Spielberg's greatest hits along with The Terminal, Lincoln, War Horse etc. while the A side continues to have Schindler's List, Saving private Ryan, Raiders of the lost ark etc.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

The__ShowmanOct 18, 2015

One more feather in Spielberg's Cap 'Bridge of Spies' is concept oriented small budget but full concept oriented movie which mainly focuses on Cold war between US and USSR. This movie lags a bit but never deviates from its plot. TheOne more feather in Spielberg's Cap 'Bridge of Spies' is concept oriented small budget but full concept oriented movie which mainly focuses on Cold war between US and USSR. This movie lags a bit but never deviates from its plot. The performance of the lead actor Tom Hanks is highly appreciated but still dominated by supporting actor - Russian Spy - 'Mark Rylance' with his nuances. Although the Music department did a good job I particularly miss 'John Williams'..… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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6

TheKavehJOct 18, 2015

I honestly don't think it deserves an Oscar nomination, for Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, or the movie itself, but Bridge of Spies is still worth going to the movies to see it.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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9

tjman09Oct 18, 2015

Bridge Of Spies is a well acted, thrilling, smart Cold War drama that features a Oscar worthy performance from Tom hanks. Bridge of Spies tells the true story of a Cold War spy swap, during the height of tension between the U.S. and Russia.Bridge Of Spies is a well acted, thrilling, smart Cold War drama that features a Oscar worthy performance from Tom hanks. Bridge of Spies tells the true story of a Cold War spy swap, during the height of tension between the U.S. and Russia. The time period was so tense that when films can capture that tone it's usually special, that being said the film doesn't quite capture that tone, but it comes close. Tom Hanks performance, and Spielberg's seasoned direction manage to save the film. When the film could have been slow, they save it by using either humor, or great acting, Acting that will most likely get Hanks an Oscar nomination. In the end Bridge of Spies isn't as good as it could have been, but is still admittedly a great film that will undoubtably get plenty of recognition at the 2015 Academy Awards.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

marco34laOct 18, 2015

I'm giving this a 6 - just so that it qualifies as a 'mixed' review on Meta, but it's a solid 7. I see the average user score is above 8 and that's too high. My expectations were high going into this film due to the scores, and i leftI'm giving this a 6 - just so that it qualifies as a 'mixed' review on Meta, but it's a solid 7. I see the average user score is above 8 and that's too high. My expectations were high going into this film due to the scores, and i left disappointed...as did most movie-goers. It's a solid film, that's about 1/3 courtroom drama. It's very low energy, NOT a spy thriller, as one might think. It's a story based on real people and as such, it tends to be a bit boring. The movie tries very hard to feel bigger and more important than it was - especially at then end - which happened to have about 3 endings. Overall, nice story - nothing riveting though.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

FranzHcriticOct 18, 2015

This cold war-era thriller succeeds on all marks. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks prove themselves to be a productive team in terms of cinematic quality. The sharp script, cast, and directing are all commendable. But what really hit it out ofThis cold war-era thriller succeeds on all marks. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks prove themselves to be a productive team in terms of cinematic quality. The sharp script, cast, and directing are all commendable. But what really hit it out of the ball park, was Mark Rylance, who plays the spy with astonishing realism, as Rudolf Abel. It strikes me perhaps the most, and I can't stress enough how well Spielberg pulls this off, is that we feel a touch of sympathy for the 'traitor.' The unexpected result is a reason why this film scores on every level.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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0

ProteusOct 17, 2015

Warning - READ the negative reviews. This was one of the most boring films I have ever seen. It hinges on caring about the fate of a grand total of 3 people. While millions are dying all around we need to care about these 3 people and almostWarning - READ the negative reviews. This was one of the most boring films I have ever seen. It hinges on caring about the fate of a grand total of 3 people. While millions are dying all around we need to care about these 3 people and almost no reason is given to do so. You have been warned. Boring Movie of the Year Award.… Expand

9 of 42 users found this helpful933

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6

lemonyspricketOct 17, 2015

I fell asleep during this movie, and I love history and documentaries. This movie just moved to slooooowwwww. The best thing about the movie was Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance who I became acquainted with in Wolf Hall. But they couldn't evenI fell asleep during this movie, and I love history and documentaries. This movie just moved to slooooowwwww. The best thing about the movie was Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance who I became acquainted with in Wolf Hall. But they couldn't even save this movie. I'm not sure where all the high marks are coming from. I think it was mediocre at best. Kudos to Mark, high five for Tom, but people, wait until it goes on Amazon Prime and save your money.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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10

JeffAltmanOct 17, 2015

Spielberg continues to do intense visually extraordinary film and this one is no exception. It is a meticulous story of a piece of The Cold War weaving two stories together into a prisoner exchange along a bridge in Berlin. Adding The CoenSpielberg continues to do intense visually extraordinary film and this one is no exception. It is a meticulous story of a piece of The Cold War weaving two stories together into a prisoner exchange along a bridge in Berlin. Adding The Coen Brothers brings pieces of their highly stylized view of film making into the production in service to the story, not the other way around as sometimes happens in Coen films. Yes, Tom Hanks holds this story together but Mark Rylance is fabulous as well in what should bring him a Best supporting Actor nomination. The dialogue is tight yet textured for the era. Have you figured out I really liked it yet?… Expand

10 of 13 users found this helpful103

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9

BrianMcCriticOct 17, 2015

Spielberg and The Coens are an absolute dream team and in this case they knock it out of the park. Spielberg's touch is felt throughout along with The Coen's smart and surprising funny dialogue. A

6 of 8 users found this helpful62

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8

BHBarryOct 16, 2015

"Bridge of Spies" was directed by Steven Spielberg, written by Matt Charman and Ethan and Joel Coen and stars Tom Hanks in the role of a Brooklyn attorney called upon to seek the release of Francis Gary Powerr, the U-2 pilot whose"Bridge of Spies" was directed by Steven Spielberg, written by Matt Charman and Ethan and Joel Coen and stars Tom Hanks in the role of a Brooklyn attorney called upon to seek the release of Francis Gary Powerr, the U-2 pilot whose surveillance plane was shot down by the Russians and who then became their prisoner. The film not only tells of the personal mission of Mr. Hanks’ character but, in addition, shows in great detail, the circumstances many of us can recall in the late 1050’s, the cold war that existed in those years and the tensions that could have easily accelerated and ignited a nuclear third world war.. I give the film an 8.0 and urge all who enjoy a good bio history drama to see it as soon as possible… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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7

GreatMartinOct 16, 2015

Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, in their 4th collaboration, have made a
good, winning film in “Bridge of Spies”. Sort of a nod to a Frank Capra/James Stewart movie with humor, in a serious situation, and Hanks being the All AmericanSteven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, in their 4th collaboration, have made a
good, winning film in “Bridge of Spies”. Sort of a nod to a Frank Capra/James Stewart movie with humor, in a serious situation, and Hanks being the All American Everyman. This Cold War spy story based on a true story of an exchange between an American pilot, Francis Gary Powers played by Austin Stowell shot down and accused of being a spy and Rudolf Abel, a communist spy, played by Mark Rylance, who is caught in New York.

Hanks is a family man with a dutiful wife, played by Amy Ryan, a son and two daughters, and a successful insurance lawyer. He has a deep and abiding belief in the United States constitution for all, including arrested spies.

This took place in the late 1950s, early 1960s, while the wall was being built between east and west Germany and many of my generation remember the newspaper headlines about the pilot Powers being shot down but there are not many who
remember the lawyer James Donovan, Rudolf Abel or an American Yale student Frederic Pryor, played by Will Rogers, who was another part of the equation. Whether you know the story, the history or what liberties Spielberg and the screenwriters Matt Charman, Ethan and Joel Coen, take it becomes a taunt thriller that will have you hanging on to every word and action.

The acting, from Hanks, Rogers, Stowell, Ryan along with Alan Alda, Dakin Matthews, Scott Shepherd, Sebastian Koch, Domenick Lombardozzi and others, is strong but it is Mark Rylance as the Russian spy who dominates every scene he is in with a quiet, subtle performance that will win many people to his side.

Spielberg does the fine job that is expected of him but this film cries out to have been filmed in black and white and the scene of the airplane crash just doesn’t ring true. At two hours and 15 minutes the movie could have been shorter if it ended on the bridge of spies but stay for the credits to find out what happened to the people involved as it will bring you some surprises, especially regarding Donovan and Powers or at least it did for me.

The production values are top notch as is expected from any film Spielberg and Hanks are involved in.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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Bridge of Spies

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