MOVIE
REVIEW: LINCOLN

11/15/12

SYNOPSIS: Steven Spielberg directs two-time Academy Award® winner Daniel Day-Lewis in “Lincoln,” a revealing drama that focuses on the 16th President’s tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come.
REVIEW: This film could not have been set up any better and few films deserve it as much as this one. For starters, a movie like this deserves to be directed by Steven Spielberg. Abraham Lincoln deserves to be played by a multiple Oscar winning actor such as Daniel Day-Lewis and similarly Mary Todd Lincoln deserves to be played by a multiple Oscar winning actress such as Sally Field. In the midst of all the political turmoil and the current condition of our beloved country, the timing for this movie could not have been better also. This film gives us an accurate and realistic glimpse at the last few months of one of the most loved and cherished Presidents of the United States, then and still today. Today’s politicians are so twisted and controversial that it is refreshing to see what a real President was like and to be reminded of what we have been through as a country that ultimately made us stronger. Few Presidents have had to deal with such overwhelming trials and tribulations, not only in regards to the country, but with his family and friends all at the same time. He’s dealing with the loss of a child, the mental state of his wife, a government divided, and a nation divided generating so much more loss of life. Yes, as it is today, he had his share of resistance in getting things done or passed, namely the 13th Amendment. Even back then, the divide between Republicans and Democrats was vast. Yet his determination never falters all the while maintaining the father-like attitude of a gentle soul to everybody around him. Whenever the situation got a little too tense, he would break out into telling a small story . . . reminded me of Jesus with his parables. But he was far from being a push over, and his height probably helped with that aspect. You can throw around all the Marvel and DC Comics characters you like, Abraham Lincoln was a real and true American hero, and this motion picture does him justice.
This movie is intense through and through. I was almost in tears during the opening scene alone. The costumes and sets were superb and appropriate. The cinematography was also top notch. You feel transported to that era and standing right next to the key people at the key times of this defining moment in history. Daniel graces us with yet another Oscar caliber performance playing Lincoln. The task of making him look like Lincoln was done impeccably, extra height and everything. The fact that Daniel was flawless at sounding like Abe was icing on the cake. There were solid performances throughout the cast, too many to mention. I will throw out a few names that left an impression on me such as Tommy Lee Jones (as usual), Sally Field (of course), Joseph Gordon –Levitt (busy man and still giving a good product), and Michael Stuhlbarg (another busy man giving potent performances). The cast was blessed with an exceptional script, not to mention a more than exceptional director. Abraham Lincoln deserves a movie like this.
Review
By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
MORE
MOVIE REVIEWS >>>
Submit Your Movie Review