An almost perfect film honoring one of America's greatest

Rating: 9/10 (25 November 2012)

Summary: An almost perfect film honoring one of America's greatest Steven Spielberg is one of those directors, who can almost perfect anything he touches. Well, not always perfect it, but make it good enough. So, now he touches upon the 16th president of America. Does he succeed? Well, if that 9 out of 10 didn't tell you, I think he did.
Every actor in this movie is perfect. While their lines aren't always great and are often cheesy and forced at points, each actor was a superb casting choice. Daniel Day-Lewis alone seals this film with his high, reedy voice, and tired and lined face. Tommy Lee Jones's character was amusing, as was each member of the House representatives.
That's not to say all of them were, as I said, eased into the movie with little force. For example, Jeremy Strong's performance as William Seward rather annoying, and even some of Lincoln's outbursts I found unnecessary and long. But probably the biggest unnecessary plot point was Gordon-Levitt's performance as Robert Lincoln, which never influenced the main story and just lead to character development we already know is there.
It's fairly hard to explain. In historical films, the attempt to use character development and classic clichés doesn't always work. Now, you could say it is pleasant to really experience the drama of a tragic and legendary event by buttering up the victim to the point of the victim seeming like a messiah. But here's the problem here: Lincoln already is a messiah-like figure, so trying to make his personal struggles more dramatic seems forced in some areas.
But that's only in some areas because there are incredibly powerful moments in the film involving historical drama. The scene where Lincoln and his wife argue about his son's decision was quite strong, and led to a touching and relevant scene. And of course, the scene where Lincoln finally passes the 13th Amendment is brilliant.
Finally, let's talk about the special effects and lighting. I applaud Spielberg for his use of lighting, making the happy moments especially bright and the depressing or intense ones particularly dark. Also, I believe Day-Lewis didn't stand that tall; if he did, well then I congratulate a very good effect. Dead bodies and makeup are also given props.
So, that's Lincoln. I'm surprised people actually found this boring, for it's a very over-the-top film. The struggles presented in the film, despite the sidetracking, mirror daily life events. Maybe you aren't abolishing slavery, but persuasion, trickery, grudges, inconveniences, and tragedy can be present. Combine these common struggles with a iconic figure in history, and you have a heartfelt and clever story that does sometime stray from the main ideas it presents.
So, like I said, if some plot points didn't go anywhere, this would be a flawless film. Kudos, Steve.