An epic historical and political film of compromise, compassion, and sacrifice.

Rating: 8/10 (18 November 2012)

I for one am a history and political buff and I've read and researched "Honest Abe" well so it was nice and only fitting to see a big screen film of Lincoln's life. Oddly it comes from director Steven Spielberg who's branched out to more serious fare like a historical drama of this matter. Also this is not a biography of the well known and popular president. It's focus is in 1865 the last months of his presidency just after his reelection as the civil war is about to end, yet more important on Abe's radar is wanting to pass the 13th amendment thru congress so the slaves could be free thru the south and north. This film shows the blood and bodies that were fallen and shed during the civil war, yet it's focus is much more of political drama and back room dealing with compromise and words while trying to end slavery.
The film's detail and scenes and background shots are top notch and the performances and acting is A plus all the way it's an acting clinic especially Daniel Day Lewis who's a real spitting image of Abe Lincoln his voice and actions are southern yet done professor like mixed with human good and knowledge that can't be matched. Honest Abe as this film shows was a man and a president of thought and good nature who always thought about his next plans and treated all as equal he was a president who clearly wanted the slaves to be free, that's why his commissioners fought so hard with opposing politicians to get the 13th amendment passed. A real standout of the film is veteran actor Tommy Lee Jones(one of the best actors around)as republican congressman Thaddeus Stevens an outspoken and direct speak his mind politician who sides with Abe on the slavery issue. Aside from the back room drama of political showrooms and fancy speeches and yes and no arguments, this film shows that the Lincoln's were troubled people too. Sally Field is a shattered lady while giving a raw performance as Lincoln's troubled wife Mary Todd her emotions really came out on screen. As both were always troubled with their young son Willie's death. And to complicate matters oldest living son Robert(Joseph Gordon Levitt)wants to go off to fight for the union.
Overall this film is more than a history or political memory of a great man or president and the performances of Daniel, Sally, and Tommy make it a must see as cast chemistry is unmatched most of all this important film proved that in life, war, and politics things must be done with grace, compassion, and most of all you must be willing to compromise and sacrifice for the sake and good for all human nature no matter what race or sex.