Bridge of Spies 2015

     This film takes place in 1957 during the cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union and it is based on a novel by Giles Whittell.  The Rosenbergs have already been convicted of spying and killed.  Children in America were shown films in school about what to do in case of an atomic bomb attack.  They were also given pamphlets to take home for further study.  The FBI has been following Rudolf Abel and they arrest him as a spy for the Soviet Union.  Someone must defend Abel in court and James B. Donovan is selected by a group of his peers to take on this task.  He is a good lawyer and he believes everyone needs a proper defense in court.  James does his best defending Abel but he is convicted on the charges.  The judge will decide if Abel will go to prison or he will receive the death penalty. James visits the home of the presiding Judge and relays his feelings about sending Abel to prison.  James thinks that there might come a time to trade Able to the Soviet Union for a captive American prisoner.

     Everything about this movie is good.  The story is interesting and it is based on truth.  All the actors are good in their roles and the period details seem accurate.  I’m not so sure about the FBI but I know the CIA will throw you under a bus if they get the slightest chance!!  4* (I really liked this movie)

142 min, Bio directed by Steven Spielberg with Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda, Amy Ryan, Jillian Lebling, Noah Schnapp, Eve Hewson, Austin Stowell, Wes McGee, Joshua Harto.

Note:  Imdb 8.4 out of 10, 93% critic 91% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 3 ½*

Special Note:  This movie was filmed in Poland, Germany and California.