Review of Lincoln (2012) by Tibor B — 17 Aug 2013

Beautifully crafted, with gorgeous cinematography and production detail, this is also a heavyhitter in the actors corner, with a masterful performance by Daniel Day Lewis as Lincoln, a complicated historical character who successfully brought in the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery.

His leadership, forcefulness and warmth are highlighted, whilst his messier personal life suffers through his devotion to politics. Spielberg focuses exclusively on the political battle and brief aftermath until his shooting.

It's a dialogue heavy film, and much of the legal to and fro, and the various names involved can be a little hard to keep tabs on, especially for those not really that knowledgeable about this era of American history.

Spielberg doesn't let the film get too bogged down though, and his populist touch ensures that the main objectives and events are clear in their importance and magnitude.