Member review

Steven Spielberg's 'Bridge of Spies isn't the first time Tom Hanks has played a lawyer, but luckily, this time he's not dying of AIDS. Instead, hebecomes the most hated man in America after agreeing to defend a convicted Russian spy (Mark Rylance) in the middle of the Cold War.

Speilberg's direction is once again excellent, but what would you expect by this point. I found myself being enthralled and on the edge of my seat in scenes where characters simply talk to each other, which is no surprise for a master of cinematography and filmmaking. His knowledge of shot composition intertwined with colours that pop out of the screen make the film beautiful to look at, even in poverty-ridden East Berlin later on in the film.

Hank's performance as insurance lawyer James Donovan is extremely well realised, with a perfect blend of seriousness, honesty and humour that make him an incredibly likeable protagonist. (Honestly I'm not sure if it's possible for him to play a villain) I mention humour, which was something I was not expecting to see from a Cold War thriller, but was extremely happy to see nevertheless. However, don't go to see this film expecting a comedy, as apart from a hilarious scene set at a dinner table early on, and a running joke between Hanks and Rylance that made my pensioner-filled theatre chuckle uncontrollably, the film is quite sombre and serious, especially since it's based on a true story. There is, however, a scene during the second act that involves Hanks meeting Rylance's 'family' which got a few laughs but ended up taking me out of the intricate story I was so previously engrossed in.

If you're a kind of person who enjoys a film with masterful direction, jaw dropping cinematography and well-realised characters, accompanied by a charming script, gorgeous visuals and a wonderfuly tense plot, then this certain Oscar winner is perfect for you.