Artistically & Politically Grand

Rating: 10/10 (21 November 2012)

Daniel Day Lewis is the Academy Award winner for best actor in 2012, hands down, with this addition to his resume of great acting parts. He truly IS Abraham Lincoln as well as we can know the man over 100 years later. How does a Brit (of Irish & English decent) do that American accent and mannerisms so well? Don't know. But it's so worth the time and money to see this movie just because of DDL's performance.
Now, regarding the movie...I loved it. It totally captured my imagination and transported me back to the Civil War era. Jumping right in at the time of Lincoln's Presidency, we are brought into this small but very important time in his legacy and our country's history. The accompanying actors are splendid with none, IMO, lacking although not holding a candle to DDL's performance. The cinematography and sets are splendid, and costuming was interesting and spot on for this film. The storyline moves nicely for a non-action flick and before I knew it, the movie was over! Good sign, I'd say.
Interestingly, to take such a relatively small part of history and make it into a 2+ hr. movie that was entertaining and captivating was no small feat. Especially when one considers the genre...no car chases, no action, no sex, no "language" to speak of and no special noticeable effects. Grand mention needs to be made of Steven Spielberg's direction of this film. Had Spielberg written all over it as he's one director that seems to be able to bring out the kind of emotion and feeling that is rarely felt while watching a movie. Can anyone say, Best Director?
Because some parts of American history is so lacking in education, to see the "beginnings" of the Republican party was eye-opening and I applaud Producers and Director for their passion (which is obvious) and their historical covering of such a great time in American history. Truly I am proud to be an American after watching this film. Teary-eye I clapped at the end along with others who probably felt similar kinds of emotions. Don't miss it on the Big screen. Lincoln was a Big screen kinda man.