Bridge of Spies (2015)

Bridge of Spies, directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Matt Charman, Ethan Coen, and Joel Coen, is a meticulously crafted Cold War drama inspired by true events. Set in the tense political atmosphere of the late 1950s and early 1960s, the film follows an ordinary man drawn into extraordinary circumstances, exploring themes of duty, integrity, and diplomacy in a world divided by fear and ideology.

At its centre is James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks), a principled insurance lawyer from Brooklyn who suddenly finds himself appointed to defend Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), a quiet and enigmatic man accused of being a Soviet spy. Though most Americans view Abel with suspicion and hostility, Donovan believes in the rule of law and insists that even an enemy deserves a fair trial. His insistence on justice, even when unpopular, sets him apart from the crowd and establishes him as a man of unwavering ethics.

Donovan’s defence of Abel soon earns him both admiration and resentment — admiration from those who value fairness, and resentment from those who see his defence as unpatriotic. The trial becomes a symbolic battleground between American ideals and Cold War paranoia. Spielberg and cinematographer Janusz Kamiński capture this atmosphere with subdued colour palettes and meticulous period detail, evoking an era defined by both moral certainty and fear of the unknown.

As tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union escalate, the story broadens beyond the courtroom. Donovan, now reluctantly thrust into the world of international diplomacy, is tasked with negotiating a delicate and dangerous exchange between the two superpowers — a negotiation that could determine the fate of more than one captive and test the boundaries of trust across enemy lines.

The film’s title refers to the real Glienicke Bridge, which linked East and West Berlin — a stark symbol of the divided world. Spielberg uses it not only as a setting for suspense but also as a metaphor for the thin and fragile connection between adversaries who must coexist despite their differences.

Mark Rylance delivers a quietly brilliant performance as Abel, his calm, philosophical demeanour providing a striking contrast to the political storm surrounding him. His unlikely rapport with Donovan becomes one of the film’s emotional anchors.

Bridge of Spies is not an action thriller but a drama of intellect and principle. It portrays espionage and diplomacy not as matters of glamour or violence, but as tests of moral courage. Through Donovan’s journey, the film asks what it means to stand by one’s values when the world around you demands compromise. The result is a gripping, humane story about trust, justice, and the quiet bravery of doing what is right.