During the Cold War, the Soviet Union captures U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers after shooting down his U-2 spy plane. Sentenced to 10 years in prison, Powers' only hope is New York lawyer James Donovan, recruited by a CIA operative to negotiate his release. Donovan boards a plane to Berlin, hoping to win the young man's freedom through a prisoner exchange. If all goes well, the Russians would get Rudolf Abel, the convicted spy who Donovan defended in court.

Bridge of Spies finds new life in Hollywood's classic Cold War espionage thriller formula, thanks to reliably outstanding work from Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.

'Bridge of Spies' is lauded for Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance's performances and Steven Spielberg's direction. The film is appreciated for its historical accuracy and period detail. However, some find the plot slow and dialogue-heavy, impacting its overall effectiveness. The cinematography and production design receive frequent praise. Despite mixed views on pacing and plot, it is generally seen as an engaging historical drama offering a distinct Cold War perspective.