The more history we write, the less history we change...

Rating: 10/10 (17 November 2012)

First, let me own up to the "spoilers"...Lincoln successfully drives passage of the 13th amendment, wins the Civil War for the Union, and is assassinated at Ford's Theater. Sorry. I too, wish this final fact could have been rewritten! With that out of the way, I can say with no hesitation, this movie provided a profound experience for me. I am anxious to own it, in order that I might savor it many times over.
I was left with an indisputable impression that the speeches, the deals, the manipulations, and the unapproachable chasm between the isles of Congress have existed throughout our history. We could just have easily been watching the brokering of any number of bills before the 2012 Congress...though perhaps without the level of conversational artistry employed by the screenwriter. Pity!
There were moments of sheer delight listening to Lincoln's anecdotes, cold and glaring examining of wartime violence and small minded bigotry...and of deep sorrow at the failings of the human spirit. Throughout it all, the human-ness of the President, from his gentle, folksy style to the awkward gait, sloping shoulders, and fragile presentation of this historical giant was brilliantly crafted by Daniel Day-Lewis, and supported by Sally Field's portrayal of Mrs. Lincoln.
The dissection of the political process was fascinating. The actors were breathtaking. I will count this as one of my all-time favorite movies, and recommend that if you can see it...do!