Thoughtful drama with stunning performances - utterly believable

Rating: 8/10 (31 December 2012)

I really enjoyed this movie. I knew nothing about it beforehand, not even who directed it, and failed to recognize Daniel Day Lewis as the lead actor. It came across as an excellently-scripted period political drama, and left me feeling that I had seen something special.
Surprised to discover that I had watched a Spielberg movie. It didn't have what I'd describe as the usual Spielberg schmaltzy pathos and fall-back on playing emotional games with the audience.
As a biographical work I think it is good, painting a portrait of the man by focusing on his thoughts and action in a short period of time, rather than trying to tell his life story.
I don't know if the facts of Lincoln's manipulation of political events is correct, but the spirit of the film seems true to the little I know of Lincoln from his own writings.
The beginning of the movie isn't great in my opinion - too dependent on trying to immediately impress the audience I felt - and it then changes tack into complex political discussion. Don't give up to early, as it does drag at times. It all comes together later on and gives a real feel for what the characters must have experienced in real events.
Good movie. Lost a point for its uneven beginning, otherwise can't really fault it.