Being European I don't know that much about Lincoln or slavery so I can't really have an opinion on how truthful this film was, but I really enjoyed it. I didn't expect to like it so much and my dad saw it before me and said he found it pretty boring so I didn't have much expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised! Yes, there were no big action sequences but not every film has to have those, and I wasn't bored at any point. As I said I don't know how accurately they portrayed Lincoln in the film but I really loved the character. Great performance by Daniel Day-Lewis and I don't know, I just really liked him! Also good little comedy moments here and there, not too obvious to effect the seriousness of the film.
Incredibly slow and tedious to those not familiar with the war. However, incredible performances by the cast and great dialogue. There's some real great speeches, conversations and even some "mic drop" moments!
Monolithic: a powerfully framed, deliberately paced mature masterpiece that sumptuously captures a period of incredible importance. Day Lewis steals the heart without firing a shot: wry, meditative, verbose, grand, and utterly symbolic, transcendent, really; and the rest of the terrific cast can but trail in his wake. Everyone is on their A game. I emerged from the theater in silence knowing I'd probably seen the best film of the year. The anti-Transformers.
I'm certainly no expert on the topic devilsadvocado, but the film makes it pretty clear that to pass the amendment Lincoln, Stevens and the Republicans had to soft pedal against the clear tide of racism and appear to be acting solely for the interests of the whites to maintain enough support to pass the bill. What Lincoln said in public and effectively did in private might be considered quite different things. I also don't see how abolishing slavery gave Lincoln greater powers or strengthened the ruling class. He was effectively destroying part of the South's economy, dependent on black slave labour.
From a letter from 1855 to Joshua Speed, partially quoted in the film:
"In 1841 you and I had together a tedious low-water trip, on a Steam Boat from Louisville to St. Louis. You may remember, as I well do, that from Louisville to the mouth of the Ohio, there were, on board, ten or a dozen slaves, shackled together with irons. That sight was a continued torment to me; and I see something like it every time I touch the Ohio, or any other slave-border. It is hardly fair for you to assume, that I have no interest in a thing which has, and continually exercises, the power of making me miserable. You ought rather to appreciate how much the great body of the Northern people do crucify their feelings, in order to maintain their loyalty to the Constitution and the Union. . . How can any one who abhors the oppression of negroes, be in favor of degrading classes of white people? Our progress in degeneracy appears to me to be pretty rapid. As a nation, we began by declaring that "all men are created equal." We now practically read it "all men are created equal, except negroes." When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read "all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and catholics." When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretence of loving liberty."
I'm exasperated to read comments about how long and "boring" this film is. Yes, it's a terrible disappointment not to see Abraham facing off against some CGI vampires in slow motion... back in the real world this was an extraordinary, important moment in history and Spielberg, Kushner, Kaminski and the whole assembled cast recreate that moment assuredly and impeccably. It may feel like an extended history lesson, but what a lesson - you'll never see a handsomer one or one that so expertly balances the real and desperate dilemmas Lincoln faced to pass the 13th amendment: dangerously extending the civil war and potentially sacrificing his political career and the lives of countless soldiers, including his son, as a result of his desire to do the right thing. Personally it didn't feel slow to me at all, probably because I knew what I'd come to see and because I was paying attention.
Day-Lewis is as extraordinary as always - transforming himself yet again. Is there a greater film actor working? He simply has to win every award going for this performance. Not only does he vanish into the role he truly makes you understand what made Lincoln a superlative politician and a great leader - he's captivating from first to last and a thrill to watch. Delightfully he's wonderfully supported on all sides - Tommy Lee Jones deserves first mention as Thaddeus Stevens; his craggy, miserable face has never looked so fitting- his scenes are a delight, either chewing on the supporting cast or quietly underpinning the importance of the amendment. The resolution of his story is extremely moving. Sally Field is terrific as Mary Lincoln, tiny dynamite and all guns blazing. Elsewhere there are perfectly pitched appearances from ever reliable character actors like David Strathairn, John Hawkes, Jared Harris, Hal Holbrook and Bruce McGill. James Spader is a wonderful surprise in a corpulent, comical role. For fans of "The Fall" it's always great to see Lee Pace - he gives a memorable performance as Democrat Fernando Wood. Only Joseph Gordon Levitt is a slight let down - struggling with an one-note character, and never looking quite right in the period. Otherwise it's a fantastic cast doing fantastic work.
The climax of the film - the day of the vote - is brilliant cinema. When the amendment is passed (no real spoiler there given that slavery has been abolished don't you know) I was extremely moved. As much by the joyous celebrations of a great moment achieved, but also by Thaddeus Stevens' sad face seen through the crowds of cheering men, well aware in that moment of the magnitude of what has come to pass.
As I've been thinking about the film tonight the scene that perhaps has lingered the longest is conversation Lincoln and his housemaid Elizabeth have on the front steps of the White House about what she expects and thinks about the potential freedom of her people from slavery. How far the United States has progressed to now have a black man standing in that position of power. He has some extraordinary shoes to fill.
Simply, it's one of the best films of the year.
Looking at the cast and crew of this movie, I knew there were a few certainties; there would be actors giving memorable performances, and filmmakers telling a story like it's the main reason for them being on this planet. And I was right.
First of all, my hat's off to Mr. Daniel Day Lewis who delivers nothing but a spectacular performance as President Abraham Lincoln. What he manages to do with the part is beyond believable as he brings life to the character in a way I didn't think was humanly possible! May Mr. Day Lewis forever be a legend! And he is supported by an amazing cast! Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, David Strathairn, to name a few, are all excellent and contributes to a spectacular show of Hollywood's finest!
Steven Spielberg once again shows us what an amazing director he is, and how comfortable he is by telling these kinds of stories. He is truly a master of authenticity and realism, and with "Lincoln" he makes the passing of the 13th amendment an exciting history lesson, rather than a tedious one.
Watching Spielberg's movies always makes me feel like I'm watching the work of someone who's really devoted and cares a lot about the story he's telling. He's always paying a lot of attention to details, and obviously has a great connection with his actors. Watching a Spielberg-film is always a great experience. He is truly one of Hollywood's finest director's!
Wonderful acting extrudes from this hollow husk of a film that never lets the audience invest in a single character, even the eponymous president. Scenes are more collections of conversational meanderings centred around the passage of the 13th amendment to the US Constitution and the end of the Civil War. So much opportunity for emotional connection is shunned that one has to wonder what Spielberg wanted people to take away from this film beyond "Freedom = Good". Daniel Day Lewis is absolutely magnificent as Abraham Lincoln, but the greatness of this film stops there as even back-room politicking never rises above the implication of emotion (and not the genuine article).
Such as we see in the unnecessary coda following the climax of the film and a ridiculous match cut to Lincoln's final pontification, the film never knows quite how much is enough nor what exactly it's selling. Even narrative threads require a steady hand to pull the needle and keep the thread taut - this one is clearly lacking that hand.
This slick mess masquerading as greatness gets 4 stars out of 4 for a masterful performance by Daniel Day Lewis, its respectable cinematography and costumes, but I give it 1 star for the tone, editing and general enjoyment. Net score: 2.5 stars out of 4.
This movie was not as boring as I was expecting.
The first time I tried to see this film at the time of the Oscars, I began to see it but I did not finished the watching of the movie. Now I saw him because I wanted to see how good Daniel Day-Lewis and Tommy Lee Jones were. They were great, Sally Field also was great, well deserved nominations, good cast, quite interesting and educational.
4/5
seriously guys, if you have even an ounce of a true film lover in you, you won't complain about the length or the content. not being an american i cannot attribute to the veracity of the plot but what a plot it is nonetheless.
acted and directed impeccably, we feel for this lincoln who tirelessly worked to get this bill passed which he believed was the right thing to do. it is not daniel day-lewis who embodies lincoln, it is daniel who has been possessed or such it seems by the excellent performance delivered, worthy of the award bestowed on him. everyone involved gave their heart and soul to this project and it shows.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 38
latautuu
Being European I don't know that much about Lincoln or slavery so I can't really have an opinion on how truthful this film was, but I really enjoyed it. I didn't expect to like it so much and my dad saw it before me and said he found it pretty boring so I didn't have much expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised! Yes, there were no big action sequences but not every film has to have those, and I wasn't bored at any point. As I said I don't know how accurately they portrayed Lincoln in the film but I really loved the character. Great performance by Daniel Day-Lewis and I don't know, I just really liked him! Also good little comedy moments here and there, not too obvious to effect the seriousness of the film.Earring72
Interesting drama, well acted but very slow and a bit hard to sit through but gets better halfway.OK movie but not a movie for multiple viewings.
Lewis is terrific as usual!!!
danisanna
Incredibly slow and tedious to those not familiar with the war. However, incredible performances by the cast and great dialogue. There's some real great speeches, conversations and even some "mic drop" moments!tweet_tweet
How good is Daniel Day-Lewis in this movie!Scratch47
Monolithic: a powerfully framed, deliberately paced mature masterpiece that sumptuously captures a period of incredible importance. Day Lewis steals the heart without firing a shot: wry, meditative, verbose, grand, and utterly symbolic, transcendent, really; and the rest of the terrific cast can but trail in his wake. Everyone is on their A game. I emerged from the theater in silence knowing I'd probably seen the best film of the year. The anti-Transformers.dombrewer
I'm certainly no expert on the topic devilsadvocado, but the film makes it pretty clear that to pass the amendment Lincoln, Stevens and the Republicans had to soft pedal against the clear tide of racism and appear to be acting solely for the interests of the whites to maintain enough support to pass the bill. What Lincoln said in public and effectively did in private might be considered quite different things. I also don't see how abolishing slavery gave Lincoln greater powers or strengthened the ruling class. He was effectively destroying part of the South's economy, dependent on black slave labour.From a letter from 1855 to Joshua Speed, partially quoted in the film:
"In 1841 you and I had together a tedious low-water trip, on a Steam Boat from Louisville to St. Louis. You may remember, as I well do, that from Louisville to the mouth of the Ohio, there were, on board, ten or a dozen slaves, shackled together with irons. That sight was a continued torment to me; and I see something like it every time I touch the Ohio, or any other slave-border. It is hardly fair for you to assume, that I have no interest in a thing which has, and continually exercises, the power of making me miserable. You ought rather to appreciate how much the great body of the Northern people do crucify their feelings, in order to maintain their loyalty to the Constitution and the Union. . . How can any one who abhors the oppression of negroes, be in favor of degrading classes of white people? Our progress in degeneracy appears to me to be pretty rapid. As a nation, we began by declaring that "all men are created equal." We now practically read it "all men are created equal, except negroes." When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read "all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and catholics." When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretence of loving liberty."
dombrewer
I'm exasperated to read comments about how long and "boring" this film is. Yes, it's a terrible disappointment not to see Abraham facing off against some CGI vampires in slow motion... back in the real world this was an extraordinary, important moment in history and Spielberg, Kushner, Kaminski and the whole assembled cast recreate that moment assuredly and impeccably. It may feel like an extended history lesson, but what a lesson - you'll never see a handsomer one or one that so expertly balances the real and desperate dilemmas Lincoln faced to pass the 13th amendment: dangerously extending the civil war and potentially sacrificing his political career and the lives of countless soldiers, including his son, as a result of his desire to do the right thing. Personally it didn't feel slow to me at all, probably because I knew what I'd come to see and because I was paying attention.Day-Lewis is as extraordinary as always - transforming himself yet again. Is there a greater film actor working? He simply has to win every award going for this performance. Not only does he vanish into the role he truly makes you understand what made Lincoln a superlative politician and a great leader - he's captivating from first to last and a thrill to watch. Delightfully he's wonderfully supported on all sides - Tommy Lee Jones deserves first mention as Thaddeus Stevens; his craggy, miserable face has never looked so fitting- his scenes are a delight, either chewing on the supporting cast or quietly underpinning the importance of the amendment. The resolution of his story is extremely moving. Sally Field is terrific as Mary Lincoln, tiny dynamite and all guns blazing. Elsewhere there are perfectly pitched appearances from ever reliable character actors like David Strathairn, John Hawkes, Jared Harris, Hal Holbrook and Bruce McGill. James Spader is a wonderful surprise in a corpulent, comical role. For fans of "The Fall" it's always great to see Lee Pace - he gives a memorable performance as Democrat Fernando Wood. Only Joseph Gordon Levitt is a slight let down - struggling with an one-note character, and never looking quite right in the period. Otherwise it's a fantastic cast doing fantastic work.
The climax of the film - the day of the vote - is brilliant cinema. When the amendment is passed (no real spoiler there given that slavery has been abolished don't you know) I was extremely moved. As much by the joyous celebrations of a great moment achieved, but also by Thaddeus Stevens' sad face seen through the crowds of cheering men, well aware in that moment of the magnitude of what has come to pass.
As I've been thinking about the film tonight the scene that perhaps has lingered the longest is conversation Lincoln and his housemaid Elizabeth have on the front steps of the White House about what she expects and thinks about the potential freedom of her people from slavery. How far the United States has progressed to now have a black man standing in that position of power. He has some extraordinary shoes to fill.
Simply, it's one of the best films of the year.
kayjay027
I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't Abraham Lincoln, that it was in fact Daniel Day Lewis.Jaqo
Looking at the cast and crew of this movie, I knew there were a few certainties; there would be actors giving memorable performances, and filmmakers telling a story like it's the main reason for them being on this planet. And I was right.First of all, my hat's off to Mr. Daniel Day Lewis who delivers nothing but a spectacular performance as President Abraham Lincoln. What he manages to do with the part is beyond believable as he brings life to the character in a way I didn't think was humanly possible! May Mr. Day Lewis forever be a legend! And he is supported by an amazing cast! Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, David Strathairn, to name a few, are all excellent and contributes to a spectacular show of Hollywood's finest!
Steven Spielberg once again shows us what an amazing director he is, and how comfortable he is by telling these kinds of stories. He is truly a master of authenticity and realism, and with "Lincoln" he makes the passing of the 13th amendment an exciting history lesson, rather than a tedious one.
Watching Spielberg's movies always makes me feel like I'm watching the work of someone who's really devoted and cares a lot about the story he's telling. He's always paying a lot of attention to details, and obviously has a great connection with his actors. Watching a Spielberg-film is always a great experience. He is truly one of Hollywood's finest director's!
Peeorpoo
Great performance by daniel day lewis.frankqb
Wonderful acting extrudes from this hollow husk of a film that never lets the audience invest in a single character, even the eponymous president. Scenes are more collections of conversational meanderings centred around the passage of the 13th amendment to the US Constitution and the end of the Civil War. So much opportunity for emotional connection is shunned that one has to wonder what Spielberg wanted people to take away from this film beyond "Freedom = Good". Daniel Day Lewis is absolutely magnificent as Abraham Lincoln, but the greatness of this film stops there as even back-room politicking never rises above the implication of emotion (and not the genuine article).Such as we see in the unnecessary coda following the climax of the film and a ridiculous match cut to Lincoln's final pontification, the film never knows quite how much is enough nor what exactly it's selling. Even narrative threads require a steady hand to pull the needle and keep the thread taut - this one is clearly lacking that hand.
This slick mess masquerading as greatness gets 4 stars out of 4 for a masterful performance by Daniel Day Lewis, its respectable cinematography and costumes, but I give it 1 star for the tone, editing and general enjoyment. Net score: 2.5 stars out of 4.
Joker of Gotham
This movie was not as boring as I was expecting.The first time I tried to see this film at the time of the Oscars, I began to see it but I did not finished the watching of the movie. Now I saw him because I wanted to see how good Daniel Day-Lewis and Tommy Lee Jones were. They were great, Sally Field also was great, well deserved nominations, good cast, quite interesting and educational.
4/5
meysam_a
amazing... I'll watch it again definitely...vivienblue_06
great movie... Daniel is really awesome in this one.aniforprez
seriously guys, if you have even an ounce of a true film lover in you, you won't complain about the length or the content. not being an american i cannot attribute to the veracity of the plot but what a plot it is nonetheless.acted and directed impeccably, we feel for this lincoln who tirelessly worked to get this bill passed which he believed was the right thing to do. it is not daniel day-lewis who embodies lincoln, it is daniel who has been possessed or such it seems by the excellent performance delivered, worthy of the award bestowed on him. everyone involved gave their heart and soul to this project and it shows.
9.5/10
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