This movie blew my mind. Not because it was extremely exciting or action packed, but rather the depth of the film spoke to me. Within the first 2 minutes of the film, my heart already sunk and I knew that this film would be nothing short of brilliant. Daniel Day-Lewis' portrayal of Lincoln was beyond anything I could have imagined. Spielberg really hit a home run with this one.
The plot itself was rather straight forward. Essentially, it follows the journey of Lincoln as he starts his second term as president and how he managed to abolish slavery and end the Civil War. In fact, since it is a historical film we all know how things unfold in the end. What made me love this film was the all-star cast and their individual portrayals of their characters. And when I say all-star, I mean above and beyond the stars. Almost every actor in this film has been Oscar nominated. Day-Lewis, known for being extremely picky with his roles, did an outstanding job. Remarkable. I found myself leaning forward during all of his monologues to as if I was right beside him, wanting to hear more, wanting to feel the same emotions that he felt.
Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln. Source: wegotthiscovered
It really was a performance of a life time. Every action and every word left you breathless. Even the way that his hand shakes when he speaks was perfection. It was that good. But it wasn't just about the amazing speeches that Day-Lewis gave. It was when you saw him fighting to hide his emotions about his family, those were the heart breaking moments. Unable to grieve properly over the death of his son William, he throws himself into his work. When his own son Robbie insists on enlisting in the army, he does everything he can to prevent it but ultimately fails. His wife blames him for spending too much time with his youngest, Tad, and not enough time with Robbie. And she'll be damned if she loses another son to the war. It is in these moments where you see the strains that trying to pass the 13th Amendment has impacted him.
All his hard work did pay off. When put to a vote, the House of Representatives voted in favour of passing the 13th Amendment Of course, we all knew that would happen. But the tension that Spielberg created was so emotionally overwhelming that I held my breath through that entire sequence. The most amazing part was when the reactions of every one after the vote was shown. Democrats and Republicans, Blacks and Whites, the public, and of course Lincoln, who silently enjoyed the victory at home with his youngest son Tad.
But the reaction that I loved the most was that of Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones). As a Radical Republican, he has been fighting for racial equality since day one. When the final result was announced, he showed little emotion with his colleagues that were celebrating. Rather he shared the news with his Black housekeeper, with whom he is in a relationship with. I found myself laughing at his quick and witty remarks and admiring his passion.
Alas, as Lincoln's life came to an end, the movie must do the same. A historical epic of epic proportions. Spielberg somehow managed to capture the spirit of the American President, the war, the pain, the relief, the elation, and the suffering, all under 2.5 hours.
Between Day-Lewis and Jones, I have a feeling that one of them will be taking home an Academy Award for Best Actor or Best Supporting Actor, respectively. The possibility that this film wins Best Picture is extremely high. Not to mention Best Director and Best Costume Design. The script, the set, the costumes, the acting. All these came together in the most perfect of ways to form a masterpiece.
As one of the most inspiring films I've seen this year, it really speaks volumes about the entire production. The film was less about showcasing the life of Lincoln, but rather the importance of being true to who you are and finding something to believe in. It doesn't matter how great the cast is or how amazing the story is. It's how you feel and act after watching the film that matters most.
Rating: 9.5/10
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