As with the great John Ford (Young Mr. Lincoln) before him, it would be out of character for Steven Spielberg to construct a conventional, cradle-to-grave portrait of a historical figure. In drawing from Doris Kearns Goodw... more »in's Team of Rivals, the director instead depicts a career-defining moment in the career of Abraham Lincoln (an uncharacteristically restrained Daniel Day-Lewis). With the Civil War raging, and the death toll rising, the president focuses his energies on passage of the 13th Amendment. Even those sympathetic to the cause question his timing, but Lincoln doesn't see the two issues as separate, and the situation turns personal when his son, Robert (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), chooses to enlist rather than to study law. While still mourning the loss of one son, Mary (Sally Field) can't bear to lose another. Playwright Tony Kushner, who adapted the screenplay, takes a page from the procedural handbook in tracing Lincoln's steps to win over enough representatives to abolish slavery, while simultaneously bringing a larger-than-life leader down to a more manageable size. In his stooped-shoulder slouch and Columbo-like speech, Day-Lewis succeeds so admirably that the more outspoken characters, like congressman Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones) and lobbyist W.N. Bilbo (James Spader), threaten to steal the spotlight whenever they enter the scene, but the levity of their performances provides respite from the complicated strategizing and carnage-strewn battlefields. If Lincoln doesn't thrill like the Kushner-penned Munich, there's never a dull moment--though it would take a second viewing to catch all the political nuances. --Kathleen C. Fennessy« less
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 9/26/2022...
Holy Cow...what a great piece of history reenacted in this movie. Everyone did such a great acting job you get caught up in the story and the history and forget that the movie runs over 2 hours long! Everyone who lives in the United States should see this movie.
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
William J. (billystan3) from AUBURN, NY Reviewed on 3/13/2015...
Beyond doubt this is Daniel Day-Lewis' best work yet. And we aren't talking just any run of the mill actor here either. I never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but his role and skills are better now than when he won his Academy Award for his lead role in "My Left Foot." A great deal of praise has been given for the role played out in front of us last year by Eddie Redmayne as Steven Hawking, but that is the whole point with these two men we have actors with way above average acting skills by portraying some great men-in turn having some very big shoes to fill. I would love to see the two of them together in a film as brothers or even rivals. But not just your average love worn rivals; rather as rivals in humongous business ventures or inventions. If your unfortunate enough to have never seen "My Left Foot" do so you will immediately see my point. Out of five stars I'll give this film all five stars.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Patrick J. (bossajake) from TOLEDO, OH Reviewed on 4/8/2014...
wow - daniel day lewis' performance as Abraham Lincoln is simply amazing. i've never seen anyone portray Lincoln with such thoughtfulness, depth and complication. all other portrayals of this brilliant historic figure can only be seen as characatures from this point forward. Spielberg creates yet another masterpiece i think. a master storyteller, he always manages to take the viewer on a more intimate journey than one would expect, exploring depths of personality and levels of detail that shines light where none has shone before. 2 1/2 hours long and i was very disappointed when it was over. the ending seemed rushed, as if he had simply run out of time and had to wrap things up. i would have gladly sat for another 6 hours thirlled to watch american history unfold right before my eyes. i went into this film with almost no knowledge of it's background other than some buzz i had heard about Lewis' performance. i didn't even know it was a Spielberg piece. and now, all other films on Lincoln pale in comparison. well done.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Belinda S. (niara) from NEW YORK, NY Reviewed on 8/1/2013...
I am, but not really, surprised by some of the negative reviews regarding Spielberg's Lincoln. If anyone had taken the time to read a little bit before seeing the film they would have read that this film is based on historian Doris Kearns Goodwin's book "Team of Rivals". It takes place during a very specific time in Lincoln's presidency, right after he signed the Emancipation Proclamation and deals with the politics of him trying to get the 13th amendment passed.
I will admit, on my first viewing, I could only watch it for about 40 minutes and realized immediately that this was a film that had a great deal of dialogue, and needed to be seen without distractions and the amount of time. So on a recent Saturday afternoon, I turned off my phone, turned on the subititles, and sat down to watch this film.
It is brooding, it is dark. It has to and deserves to be carefully watched. I'm glad I didn't see it in the theater. Many, many characters, some of the best character actors in Hollywood today -- David Strathairn, Hal Holbrook, Sally Field, Bruce McGill, James Spader, et al. And Daniel Day-Lewis, just when you think he could not possibly top his previous performances, stands there and channels Abraham Lincoln. What a glorious, stupendous performance.
Some reviewers are clearly angry -- if not downright enraged -- that they must bear witness to a horrific time in this country's history and be reminded that yes, some are descended from people who chose to enslave others. But it is an important time in this country's history, and kudos to Spielberg and the daring Tony Kushner to bring this painful part of our history to light. I am grateful for having seen it, and a better person for having seen it.