Lincoln: An American Historical Epic – Christian Movie Review
Rating; 10 out of 10!
I like a lot of movies. I’d go so far as to say that I love a lot of movies. Sometimes it’s because I have fond memories of watching them as a child. In other cases I might love a movie because the soundtrack fits it so well or the cinematography is stunning. In the case of Lincoln, I loved it because it’s excellent in every aspect I can think of.
Lincoln isn’t what I think of as a biopic. It’s not about Lincoln’s entire life and career. The film, which is two and half hours in length, focuses on Lincoln’s struggles during the Civil War. It shows the dissension in his cabinet, his marital troubles, and just how much opposition he faced while he tried to hold this country together and free the slaves at the same time.
The film is beautifully shot, and the performances are practically unparalleled. Daniel Day Lewis IS Abraham Lincoln in this movie. I believe that Daniel Day Lewis is one of the best actors of all time, and Sally Field’s portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln reminds me that she, too, possesses an astounding amount of talent. The supporting cast is equally fantastic. James Spader (as William Bilbo) was especially enjoyable.
A two and a half hour historical film may sound a little overwhelming, but I was captivated the entire time. Not only did Steven Spielberg’s movie cover important events during the Civil War, it gave us a behind the scenes look at what Lincoln, his family, and his counsel were going through. It did not attempt to tear down an American hero, but it still showed him as a real person. He is a friend, a father, and a husband. And although his anecdotes can be delightful, you can completely relate to the frustration felt by those around him when he used them as a deflection. Mary’s panic and grief over the loss of a child and fear of losing another are palpable. The confusion and fear of the “freed” slaves is enough to put you off your popcorn for a long, long time.
The movie is appropriately rated PG-13. The war scenes, language, and harsh reality of slavery are for mature audiences. It is an excellent movie that I would recommend to everyone old enough to understand the concepts. It’s film making at its very finest. 10 out of 10!
