'Riveting' war thriller with 'genius' Tom Hanks performance is streaming on BBC iPlayer

War movie fans can rejoice as one of the most celebrated entries in the genre is currently available to watch for free.

This modern classic that arrived onto cinema screens a decade ago served up an understated yet gripping thriller set during the midst of the Cold War.

Not only does it star one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading men, it was also directed by none other than Steven Spielberg and was nominated for an incredible six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

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Co-star Mark Rylance also won the Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance as the Soviet spy known by the alias Rudolf Abel.

We’re, of course, talking about the riveting Cold War thriller Bridge of Spies, which is airing on BBC tonight (Wednesday, 3rd September) at 10:40pm.

It will then be available to stream for a limited time on BBC iPlayer completely free of charge - fans should be quick though, as it may not be on the platform for long.

The epic historical thriller stars Tom Hanks as lawyer James B Donovan who’s entrusted with a dangerous mission during the Cold War to negotiate the release of a CIA pilot from the Soviet Union in exchange for Abel’s freedom.

Bridge of Spies received immediate critical acclaim upon its release which still holds up all these years later.

Empire said in their rave review: “So godlike is Spielberg's status that we often take his talents for granted.

“The strange, riveting mix of Bridge Of Spies is another sterling reminder that we shouldn't.”

New Statesman gushed: “The genius of the casting is in the contrast: Hanks, the richly sympathetic screen actor, and Rylance, no less colossal a talent but one comparatively untried in cinema.”

And Us Weekly praised: “When all the international parties finally meet up at the shadowy titular bridge, we get to witness humanity - and classic filmmaking - at its finest.”

It’s not just professional critics who consider the film one of Spielberg’s best, as one five-star Google review said: “This is one of those films that you see again, years later, and realize so many things that are great about it.

“The cinematography is both moody at times and intimate. The two leads are absolutely outstanding.

“I would call this an underrated film on many levels and it is one of my very favorite Spielberg films.”

Are you in the mood for a high-stakes thriller from one of the most turbulent periods of the 20th Century?

Bridge of Spies airs on BBC Two tonight at 10:40pm and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.