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Bridge of Spies

Bridge of Spies earned nominations for six Academy Awards for this riveting true story based on Cold War history. Attorney Jim Donovan fails to win the freedom of accused spy Rudolf Abel in court, but history presents him with another opportunity. He goes to Cold War Berlin at great personal risk to negotiate a prisoner exchange for the release of captured U-2 pilot Gary Francis Powers.

Overview

Bridge of Spies brings the Cold War to life for students in U.S. History and AP World History: Modern classes. Our Discussion Guide offers questions to expand understanding of the Cold War, the U-2 incident, the Berlin Wall, and important U.S. constitutional issues.

We offer resources to use two more Steven Spielberg films in your classroom: Schindler’s List and The Post.

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Where to Watch

Watch Bridge of Spies on Amazon or other streaming platforms. Or buy the Blu-ray or DVD.

Discussion Guide

The Cold War
The U-2 Program
Jim Donovan, Attorney-at-Law
The Case of Rudolf Abel
Going to Berlin
Implications for Today
Additional Resources

Download discussion guide

Preview discussion guide

Group Discussion Facilitation Guidelines

These tips can help you create safe space for classroom engagement on the themes and subjects of this film.

Download Group Guidelines

Preview group guidelines

Sustainable Development Goals

Journeys in Film supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about teaching with UN SDGs. This curriculum guide connects to the following SDGs.
  • Peace_Justice_and_Strong_Institutions
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