Tom Hanks fans have just days left to watch a “masterpiece” directed by Steven Spielberg on Netflix in the UK. The Terminal (2004) tells the story of Viktor Navorski (Hanks) a traveller from the fictional eastern European nation of Krakozhia, who arrives at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York only to discover that a coup has just occured in his home country.

Washington refuses to recognise the new government of Krakozhia, which resembles a Soviet republic, meaning Viktor’s passport becomes invalid. As a result he’s prevented from either entering the US or returning home and is stuck inside the flight hub for the foreseeable future. The story was partially inspired by the true story of Iranian refugee Mehran Karimi Nasseri who lived in France’s Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years.

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Stanley Tucci also star in the heartwarming film, which have lavished with praise on IMDb.

One called it a “Spielberg/Hanks masterpiece”, and a: “Funny, enjoyable family movie.” “Not over-funny but just enough to make it a comedy/drama. Fine all round acting, with a brilliant story,” they added.

Another called Hanks’ performance “spectacular”, saying he delivers an “exceptional performance as a Viktor, capturing his innocence, resourcefulness, and indomitable spirit”.

“Hanks’ ability to convey emotion without many words is truly remarkable, definitely something that is eye-taking his role making Viktor a character that audiences can easily root for.

“His interactions with the airport staff, including the endearing flight attendant Amelia Warren (played by Catherine Zeta-Jones), add layers of charm and humor to the film.”

Not everyone was taken with the film, with one saying that while it’s a “great premise for a movie”, Spielberg “reduces the whole story to implausible sugary mush”.

But many others felt the iconic director got the tone right, with one saying: “In the hands of anyone else, it would probably have just been plain silly but Spielberg knows exactly what he’s doing and in Hanks he’s got a sublime actor who can actually carry this potential nonsense off.

“The critics mostly hated it and the Academy ignored it but it’s actually very funny and superbly acted, especially by Hanks and Stanley Tucci as the less than likeable Head of Security.

“I’ve seen it described as Capraesque but fundamentally it’s 100% Spielbergian and this gem isn’t just one of his most underrated films, it’s also one of his best.”

The film has a 12 certificate and contains moderate language and sex references.

According to unofficial site New on Netflix UK the last day to watch The Terminal on Netflix for the time being will be Saturday, January 31.