Spoiler — he dies in the end.
It’s good. It’s Spielberg’s attempt at another Schindler’s list.
The movie could aptly be called “Lincoln — The 13th amendment”. Since that is really what this movie is about. Lincoln’s political machinations to get it passed. I don’t know how historically accurate it is, but it doesn’t avoid the historical fact that Lincoln was a Republican and anti-slavery was a Republican issue while Democrats were pro slavery scums.
The movie can’t keep us in suspense as to what the outcomes where, so it titillates us with political intrigue and Lincoln anecdotes. I felt there were some misplaced and gratuitous manipulative scenes.
I didn’t find it violent, but there is mild cussing and some bloody scenes in the hospitals. Despite the rumors to the contrary, the movie had no homosexual hints whatsoever. I wouldn’t keep my 8 or 9 year old from seeing it.
Daniel Day Lewis does a superb and powerful job. David Strathairn as Seward was a bit wooden, but solid. Seward (an ancestor of mine) himself was probably just as wooden. Tommy Lee Jones as Thadeus Stevens turns in a solid performance.
Sally Fields gets a little too much screen time and perhaps some misplaced dialog but was an excellent choice for the role.
James Spader as W.N Bilbo steals the scenes he’s in, even up against Daniel Day Lewis. Jared Harris as Grant turned in a fine performance.
David Costabile as James Ashley was a bit weak. Jackie Earle Haley as Alexander Stephens was an odd casting choice, but worked.
Daniel Day Lewis is sure to come away with an Academy Award, but eh, I thought Romney was really going to win too.
Other than that, how was the play?