Did the Russian spy actually painted Tom Hanks character and gave it to him as a gift when they made the trade, or was that Hollywood dramatizing a situation? I found this movie would have been more effective had it been cut down to 2 hours..it really dragged on and on.
shareJust about everything about the prisoner exchange at the bridge and the other place conflicted with what was written in various books about these people.
Donovan and Able exchanged gifts (books) later on, not on the bridge.
Able did not refuse to go until Pryor was released, he walked across when order to do so.
Pryor was released to his father, not a stranger.
The description of the men with Donovan on the bridge did not match that in the book; no 300 pound man from the prison to watch over Able.
Powers did not seek absolution from anyone after his release, he knew he acted properly. He did tell Donovan he might need a lawyer though; Donovan accepted.
Ranb
Thanks for this, I too was wondering. They seemed to lay it on pretty thick at times.
sharePowers did not seek absolution from anyone after his release, he knew he acted properly.
Which makes the context of the film about real people stupid.
shareThere isn't a film on the planet in which everything is true. Every film is fictional whether based on a true story or not. It doesn't necessarily mean it's stupid, enjoy it by all means. Just take everything that happens with a pinch of salt. The director is telling you a story. He's doing it his way, it's your choice whether you buy into it or not.
shareRead the Wikipedia article; it says:
He was also criticized for not using an optional CIA-issued "suicide pill" ... to kill himself
I've come to really love this movie. Didn't know anything about Powers being shot down or the exchange. If filmmakers want to take such liberties with history, why not just change the names of the characters and say "based on a true story."? Then people won't mind that they've ginned up or distorted the facts.
When Abel said he has given Donovan a gift and hoped it would have some meaning to Donovan, I wasn't really sure what that meant. Because the painting was so detailed? Because Abel spent a lot of time trying to capture his lawyer/friend's likeness?