Bridge of Spies (2015)
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The story
Set during the Cold War, the film follows lawyer James B. Donovan, who is tasked with negotiating the release of Francis Gary Powers, a pilot whose U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960. Donovan is tasked with securing Powers' release in exchange for Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy whom Donovan previously represented. The negotiation takes place in East Berlin as the Berlin Wall is being erected. Donovan must navigate the complexities of international espionage and the conflicting demands of the CIA and the Soviet authorities to secure the release of both men.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1957 New York City, lawyer James B. Donovan is appointed to defend Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy. Despite pressure from the CIA, Donovan provides a vigorous defense, eventually securing a 30-year sentence for Abel instead of the death penalty. In 1960, an American U-2 spy plane is shot down, and pilot Francis Gary Powers is captured by the Soviets. When the Soviets signal a willingness to trade Abel for Powers, the CIA asks Donovan to negotiate the exchange in East Berlin. Donovan arrives as the Berlin Wall is being constructed. He meets with officials and insists on including a third man, Frederic Pryor, in the trade. The exchange takes place at the Glienice Bridge. Although there is tension regarding Pryor's arrival, the swap is completed. Following the exchange, the government publicly acknowledges Donovan's role. The film concludes by revealing Abel was reunited with his family and that Donovan was later asked by President Kennedy to perform further negotiations.
- First release year
- 2015
- Runtime (minutes)
- 141
- Production countries
- United States; United Kingdom
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Steven Spielberg
- Writers
- Matt Charman · writer; Ethan Coen · writer; Joel Coen · writer
- Cast and characters
- Tom Hanks · James B. Donovan; Mark Rylance · Rudolf Abel; Amy Ryan; Alan Alda
- Genres
- historical drama; thriller
- Themes
- Cold War; legal ethics; espionage
- Tone and mood
- tense; serious
- Setting
- 1950s and 1960s New York City, East Berlin, and the Glienicke Bridge.
- Premise and plot tags
- historical; political; spy
- Reception
- The film received critical acclaim for its screenplay, performances, direction, and production values.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 91% · review count: 316; Metacritic · score: 81 · scale: 100 · review count: 48
- Awards and nominations
- Academy Award · Best Supporting Actor · Won
- Production trivia
- The film was shot under the working title of St. James Place.; The film was shot on 35mm motion picture film.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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