Tom Hanks tackles Cold War politics in “Bridge of Spies” trailer (video)

 June 6, 2015 - 12:19 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Tom Hanks has once again reunited with Steven Spielberg and this time he is tackling delicate Cold War politics in “Bridge of Spies”, TheWrap reports.

From Disney and DreamWorks Pictures/Fox 2000 Pictures, the spy thriller co-stars Mark Rylance as a KGB agent living in New York, Scott Shepherd, Amy Ryan, Sebastian Koch and Alan Alda. It is set to open on Oct. 16.

Set in the 1950s, the fact-based drama tells the story of James Donovan (Hanks), a Brooklyn insurance lawyer who risked his reputation and his family’s safety to ensure a fair trial for Rudolf Abel (Rylance), a Soviet spy arrested by the FBI in 1957.

“We are engaged in a war with the Soviet Union. This war does for the moment involve men at arms, it involves information,” a melancholy voiceover reveals at the opening of the first trailer released on Friday, June 5 — before the action kicks in.

After the Americans capture a Soviet spy, a U.S. spy pilot is shot down with a “head full of classified information.” The Russians want their man back before he cracks, and Donovan is assigned to negotiate the swap.

“I’m an insurance lawyer,” he responds upon being told of his role. “I am not sure I want to pick that up.”

Donovan eventually agrees to represent Abel, as he is committed to the principles of justice and the protection of basic human rights and wants to ensure Abel receives a fair trial, regardless of his citizenship.

“Everyone deserves a defense,” he tells his wife (Ryan) in the trailer. “Every person matters.”

As Donovan prepares his defense strategy, a bond begins to develop between the two men, one built on mutual respect and understanding. Donovan admires Abel’s strength and loyalty and mounts an impassioned plea, arguing that his actions were that of a good soldier following instructions on his country’s behalf, but to no avail.

“The next mistake our countries make could be the last one,” are the final prophetic words spoken by Donovan in the clip.

Spielberg directed “Bridge of Spies” from a script originally penned by British playwright and TV writer Matt Charman and then worked on by Joel and Ethan Coen.

Previous collaborations between Hanks and Spielberg include “Saving Private Ryan,” “Catch Me If You Can” and “The Terminal,” as well as the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning HBO miniseries based on Stephen Ambrose’s book, “Band of Brothers” and the Emmy-winning “The Pacific,” both of which they produced.

“Bridge of Spies” is set to open on Oct. 16 and is considered to be a strong awards contender.