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.
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🔍 Search on JustWatch →The film lives at the rhythm of everyday life — and that's its strength. No cinema about 'big events,' just about how people live, make mistakes, and understand themselves.
Worth watching for the performances and the sincerity. If you're waiting for events — there aren't many. If you're waiting for feeling — it's there.
For those looking for film about people, not events. If you need action — look elsewhere.
Director: Steven Spielberg
— MovieFinder Editorial
Best Watched
Viewing atmosphere: When you're in the mood for a conversation about life. With a partner or friend you can trust.
Tom Hanks
James B. Donovan
Mark Rylance
Rudolf Abel
Amy Ryan
Mary Donovan
Alan Alda
Thomas Watters Jr.
Sebastian Koch
Wolfgang Vogel
Austin Stowell
Francis Gary Powers
Billy Magnussen
Doug Forrester
Michael Simon Hall
Reporter
Edward James Hyland
Chief Justice Earl Warren
Stephen Kunken
William Tompkins
Audience Score
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