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Bridge of Spies
2015  From USA.  Dir. Stephen Spielberg
Seen: Nov 10, 2015

OK so, not withstanding that this is probably my favourite genre, Bridge of Spies is a great film. Whether you like his films or not, there’s no denying Spielberg is a great filmmaker and it shows in this film. The screenplay was written by Matt Chapman and the Coen Brothers (Joel and Ethan). This is the second time Spielberg has worked with the Coens – the other being as Producer for the 2010 film True Grit.

Based on a true story, Bridge of Spies is both biography and spy thriller. It’s the story of American lawyer James Donovan, played by Tom Hanks,  who is recruited to negotiate a spy swap during the cold war and the time of the Berlin Wall. The swap is American U2 spy plane pilot Gary Powers captured after being shot down over Russia for KGB spy Rudolf Abel whom Donovan had earlier defended against charges of espionage. Abel was convicted but Donovan saved him from execution suggesting that he could be useful in some future spy exchange. Prophecy fulfilled when Powers is captured in Russia.

Donovan goes to West and East Berlin unsupported by the US Government (you are deniable) navigating this dangerous mission.
Hanks is very good, bringing plenty of gravitas to the role and just a little of the all-American good guy persona he often projects. Mark Rylance is excellent as the enigmatic Russian spy and probably steals the acting honors.
There’s plenty of tension in the atmosphere of East Berlin and during the spy swap sequence on the the Glienicke Bridge, known as the Bridge of Spies.
All in all an excellent film experience. Highly recommended!

Score: 9/10

The Belier Family  2014
Dir. Eric Lartigau.  From France (English subtitles)
Seen: Dec 2, 2015

A feelgood French comedy (melodrama?) about a teenage girl who lives with her deaf parents and brother. A farming family who manage their lives quite well, with the help of their teenage daughter Paula, their communications conduit with the outside world.

Paula somewhat accidentally discovers that she has an excellent singing voice which causes confusion and angst for her parents who ironically enough can never hear her sing and have her earmarked as working in the family farming business when she finishes school.

The story line charts Paula’s roller-coaster journey to a powerful final scene.

The film doesn’t offer any great intellectual challenges although it does present some thought provoking moments about the challenges hearing impaired people face.
Up-beat performances from the cast, effective and pacy, unobtrusive direction deliver a thoroughly satisfying experience.

Score: 8.5/10