Bridge of Spies was inspired by real life events of James Donovan. Somehow James Donovan, an insurance lawyer, found himself enlisted by the CIA to negotiated the release of the a captured American U-2 pilot from the Russians. Set during the Cold War when tensions where at there highest between the United States and Russia.
Why did the CIA enlist a civilian insurance agent? Well, the FBI had arrested a Russian spy, Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), that refused to cooperate with the investigation. So they needed an impartial defense attorney to represent Abel in court. Donovan seemed like a logical choice because he was a civilian and had an excellent track record negotiator – a skill they hoped would come in handy to help convince Abel to cooperate.
Through the Abel case Donovan impressed all with his skills. So when an American U-2 pilot was captured during a reconnaissance mission he was the natural choice. The CIA needed someone who was a skilled negotiator to go and help convince the Russians to release Powers (the pilot who was captured). But while Donovan is there he discovers am American student that has also been detained. Even though he is under instruction to focus on Powers he decides to negotiate the release of the student too.
Doesn’t this sound like a intriguing, intense movie? Inspired by true life events and brought to the big screen courtesy of Dreamworks. If you are looking for a date night movie I think this would be good choice.