'Supremely important' war film based on true story coming to the BBC in just days

The 2015 historical drama, Bridge of Spies, is set to land on BBC iPlayer for free streaming, much to the delight of war drama enthusiasts.

The film, directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg, with a screenplay crafted by the Coen brothers and Matt Charman, will be available from 3 September.

Featuring Tom Hanks in the lead role, alongside Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan, and Alan Alda, the movie was a hit both critically and commercially upon its release.

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The plot centres around the Cold War era when US pilot Francis Gary Powers is captured by the Soviet Union after his U-2 spy plane is shot down. Facing a decade-long prison sentence, Powers' only lifeline is New York lawyer James Donovan (Hanks), who is enlisted by a CIA operative to negotiate his release.

Donovan embarks on a journey to Berlin, aiming to secure the young man's freedom through a prisoner exchange. If successful, the Russians would receive Rudolf Abel (Rylance), the convicted spy whom Donovan defended in court, reports the Express.

The film's title refers to the Glienicke Bridge, which links Berlin and Potsdam, and was the site of the renowned prisoner swap. Bridge of Spies was an international collaboration involving the US, Germany, India, and the UK.

Originally filmed under the working title St. James Place, the movie was a box-office sensation, raking in roughly $165 million worldwide against a production budget of $40 million.

Critical praise poured in for the Spielberg directorial, with the film securing six Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, and claiming victory for Rylance in the Best Supporting Actor category.

Boasting an impressive 91 per cent critics approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, the movie earned widespread acclaim. One critic wrote: "From start to finish, Bridge of Spies is an engrossing, expertly made picture from Spielberg, and its historical merits, paired with its contemporary political relevancies, make it a supremely important American film for today."

Meanwhile another praised Hanks and Rylance's acting: "The story is strong and uplifting, the performances from Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance are top notch, and it once again reminds us that Steven Spielberg is still the master."

A third reviewer said: "This is a filmmaker with a lifetime of skill and experience, crafting his vintage pictures with style and grace, and we're all better off for it."

One admirer of the film added: "Another triumph from Steven Spielberg and another outstanding performance from Tom Hanks. Also an excellent performance from Mark Rylance."

Another said: "Everything you expect from Spielberg is here: The grandiose, epic sweep of the story; the meticulously planned and executed camera work and lighting; the fantastic performances (Hanks and Rylance are perfectly cast); and, of course, the emotional impact of a gripping climactic scene. This is also one of the best, if not the best, period pieces I've ever seen. The man [Spielberg] is one of the most amazing filmmakers of all time."

Bridge of Spies can be streamed for free on BBC iPlayer from 3 September.