movie thoughts: Bridge of Spies (2015)

[orangerful]

This movie was exactly what I wanted. I love Steven Spielberg, I love Tom Hanks and sometimes you just want an uplifting story based on a true events (especially when the world feels so messed up right now).

While this is not an action-packed story, the tension makes it very watchable and Hanks is very likable as James Donovan, the lawyer turned negotiator.

It's a great story about standing your ground and doing what is right. As with the best historical movies, the moral still resonates with issues going on today. Lawyer Donovan is asked to defend a captured Soviet spy. Donovan takes this job very seriously, wanting to give the spy his full rights but soon finds out that the court only asked him to do this so it would look like a fair trial. In fact, the judge is appalled when Donovan attempts to actually do his job and brings up issues with the investigation. But Donovan knows that this is about more than just one man, that this trial and the fate of this man could have an impact beyond that moment.

That is all I will say (and believe me, that is only a small part of this 141 minute movie). Like all good Spielberg films, there are touching family moments, laugh out loud lines, and an ending that will leave you feeling satisfied and maybe a little warm and fuzzy.

I'll give this one 4 USA-USSR-GDR-ASAP-BBQ-WTF stars out of 5.

OH, NEW FRIENDS, if any of you are on Letterboxed, feel free to friend me! It's like GoodReads but for movies! And they finally launched their mobile app YAY!!!

Comments

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

I didn't know if I would like this, or would be bored by it, but I ended up really liking it, which really shouldn't have been surprising given its Spielberg/Hanks. Hanks was very Hanks-y, which is a good thing. I enjoyed the relationship between James and Abel.

Stacey

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

I think the Coen Brothers script (which I didn't even realize until I was looking at the box) went really well with Spielberg's direction too. The quirky piece of history definitely made for a good movie.

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I didn't realize they wrote it until they started getting nominated for stuff; didn't realize they wrote for other directors. Definitely a good combo of script, direction, and acting.

Stacey

[the_rck]

Does Letterboxed suggest movies to try? I signed up a few months ago and then wandered away because I couldn't figure out what to do with the site. I don't watch a lot of movies, and I haven't found anywhere that's good at recommending movies that I might actually like.

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

There are a lot of lists and such that are made my the staff and other users that could probably give you some ideas? My to-watch list is about as insane as my to-read list so I am never lacking in ideas LOL.

[blizzardskies.livejournal.com]

Even though I was hoping Stalone would win an Oscar, I am really glad Mark Rylance won for this movie.

I use the line, "Would it help?" a lot now.

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

That is awesome that he won! I didn't know that.

[a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com]

OMG, need to see this!!

*HUGS*

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

IT WAS GOOD!

[ragnarok-08.livejournal.com]

That sounds like a good movie.

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

I enjoyed it, hope you do too!

[kuwlshadow.livejournal.com]

I've been debating on whether to rent this movie or not. Maybe I'll just have to now. :D

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

I hope you like it! Don't forget to post your thoughts. :)

[kseenaa.livejournal.com]

That does sound like a really good movie! I never figured out what it was about, but now at least I know a little about it. :-D And based on historical events, eh... Hmm...

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the ads were pretty cryptic but sometimes I prefer go into movies not knowing anything and just enjoying the ride. I thought this was fascinating but I can see why they had trouble figuring out what angle to take in the trailers. Def give it a try!

[snogged.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.
It's definitely a movie I want to watch.

[double_dutchess]

Sounds like a movie I need to see.

[skyling.livejournal.com]

I've been dying to see this since it came out so I'm definitely going to! Hanks & Spielberg make such a great team. I've always enjoyed every film they've done together.

Adding you on letterboxd! Yay another person who uses it. Great site. I'm lamphat over there.

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

Yay! I was playing around with the new app last night and saw you were following me. :) I love that site.