an important piece of history vividly brought to life

Rating: Null/10 (10 January 2013)

Set toward the conclusion of the U.S. Civil War comes this gripping portrait of a beloved and iconic U.S. President. With his second term underway, Abraham Lincoln is at a crossroads as he attempts to make history by passing the Thirteenth Amendment to abolish slavery. Although assured of support from his own party, he struggles to procure enough votes from the opposition while also balancing out his tumultuous relationships with his wife (Field) and eldest son (Gordon-Levitt). A rich and compelling portrait of a man who sought change, with well-defined characters, an enlightening look into old American politics, and leisure, masterful direction from Spielberg allowing viewers to feel like they were there as it happened. An abundance of speechifying—as one would expect—but compensated for by a magnificently steady, serene Day-Lewis who embodies Lincoln with chilling authenticity. Jones also stands out as the fiery, principled Thaddeus Stevens, but they're both surrounded by an outstanding cast. ***