Bridge of Spies

Steven Spielberg's gloriously glossy espionage drama spins a complex story of political intrigue and patriotism into timeless Hollywood entertainment. Inspired by real events and set during the height of the Cold War, it follows James B Donovan (Tom Hanks), a principled insurance lawyer who agrees to represent unassuming artist and Soviet spy Rudolf Abel (Oscar winner Mark Rylance). When two Americans are captured by the Soviets and the GDR respectively, Donovan heads to Berlin to negotiate a prisoner exchange. Sumptuously shot with eye-catching period detail, Bridge of Spies looks the part. However, the shift between the glow of America and the grey of Berlin is a little crude, the score is overwrought and Donovan's domestic scenes are cloying. Yet this predominantly balanced affair illustrates how a paranoid climate threatens ideals, and Spielberg finds humour in the escalating subterfuge. It's classy and engrossing with Rylance's mole-like Abel heartbreaking in his dignity. The film seems slowed to match the pace of his riveting performance, while its compassionate message is written all over his face.