Thank you Mr. Spielberg and Daniel Day-Lewis for making this movie.

Rating: 10/10 (21 November 2012)

From what we know about Abraham Lincoln, he had a very hard life marked by tragedy—his immediate family died when he was a child, and two of his own sons lost their lives at very young ages. Despite his hardships, he was a brilliant man when it came to law and politics. For his four years as president, he saved the United States from complete obliteration and he altered history by opening better opportunities for African Americans. He had accomplished much in his life, and to do a film on such a man would be both an incredible and a challenging feat. I do not lack any confidence in director Steven Spielberg. He has done many masterpieces and very few failures. Walking into the theater, I did not know which avenue Spielberg was going to take with this film. Trying to cram the entire life of Lincoln in 2 hours and 30 minutes would be impossible. So would focusing on all of his four years in office. Fortunately, Spielberg and his team zero in on the last four months of Lincoln's presidency.
With a comprehensive and focused plot, the movie gets a chance to explore the White House war room, political negotiations, Lincoln's family, and the issue of trying to pass the 13th Amendment within the House of Representatives. The movie comes off as a political drama— not an action flick, which is a good thing for Lincoln never saw the actual battles, only the bloody aftermaths. The film also truly shows the mindset of the North against blacks. Just like in the South, there were bigots who opposed the idea of freeing blacks and giving them the right to vote, as well as abolitionists who only wanted the amendment to pass as a means to cripple the South's manual labor source of slavery. Unfortunately, the film romanticizes Lincoln's true views on the subject. He is depicted as a man who wants equality for all. This is far from fact. Hollywood is a master of fiction, and this is appropriate for Lincoln in this movie. Who would want to see Abraham Lincoln as a racist on the big screen?
In regards to Daniel Day-Lewis's performance as Lincoln, it is easily the best of the year (thus far). It is hard to say that this is Lewis's best role, because every performance he delivers seems to be his best. What is particularly unique about this portrayal is that Lewis is subtler and more relaxed with a calm confidence. He gives us a down-to-earth, gentle spirited, and soft-spoken individual that is simple for us to admire. The assistance of great make up design helps him look like old Abe, but in all honesty, I think without it, he could still embody the soul and heart of the man. I vote for Lewis to win his 3rd academy award for this flawless portrayal of Abraham Lincoln.
Lewis is not alone in great performances. Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Jared Harris, and Hal Holbrook (to a name few) make a standout cast, each adding diligence to their respective roles. Tommy Lee Jones specifically warrants attention for another Oscar nomination as Thaddeus Stevens. His tough, no-nonsense, and deadpan delivery of lines suits him perfectly.
Like all of his films, Spielberg gives us a technically sound piece of work. John Williams score is gentle, often creating a mood that relates to what is happening on the screen. Janusz Kaminski's use of imitating natural light delivers a beautiful and old-fashioned looking film. The production design, costumes, editing, and even sound mixing meshes together in a solid mix of perfection. What I like most about this movie is how it sheds light on an important part of history while keeping our attention and interest without an ounce of it getting dull or pretentious. In all honesty, "Lincoln" is Spielberg's best movie since "Munich." With a great cast, great production values, great plot, and great pacing, I cannot complain about this movie at all. 10/10