Lincoln (2012)

The story of the 16th President of the United States, his attempt to abolish slavery and end the American Civil War.

In 1865 President Abraham Lincoln tabled and passed an amendment through the Senate; Amendment 13, which he not only hoped would abolish slavery in the Southern States, but as a result end the four year old, American Civil War.

With the aid of his Republican colleagues in the house he needs to find the 20 extra Democratic votes in order to get a 2/3 majority and pass the controversial bill. While trying to achieve this he has to deal with a troublesome wife, headstrong son who insists on enlisting and fellow politicians intent on seeing his measures fail.

Director Steven Spielberg once again throws his hat into the Oscars ring, for the second year running, continuing in the historical magic of "War Horse" in 2012, with the inspired telling of this world changing story. In the process he picks up his 7th Best Director nomination, some 35 years after his first nod for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". The film is beautifully shot, superbly set and well managed, slightly softening some of the horrific scenes which inevitably took place during that time.

Daniel Day-Lewis takes on the monumental task of portraying one of the greatest men in American history with relative ease and not a small amount of prosthetics. He does a superb job playing "Lincoln", bringing a man, long dead, back to life and making this a very enjoyable film. In the process he picks up his FIFTH Oscar nomination for Actor in a leading role, some 23 years after his first for "My Left Foot" and five years since his last win for "There will be Blood". He does a very decent job as the great leader, stern and straight laced when needed, but also a loving father and devoted husband in quieter times.

Sally Field is by far the highlight of this film, giving one of the finest peformances of her career as the slightly mad, but immensely strong "Mary Todd Lincoln", for which she receives her third Oscar nomination. Its 33 years since her first and 28 years since her last win. It is interesting to note, that every time Field has been nominated for the Golden Statue, she has won, something to remember. The audience will find it easy to feel sorry for this downtrodden woman who seems to be behind the scenes, but may well have all of the power.

Tommy Lee Jones, gives a performance for which there are very few words one can find to describe. Brilliant; inspired; genius, hardly do this talented actor justice as he takes on one of the best roles of his illustrious career, in the portrayal of "Thadeus Stevens". He is well rewarded with his fourth Oscar nomination, his first since 2008, and he is sure to be very close to winning in late February.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt continues with his meteoric rise, with his first outing since "Looper" with the difficult role of the petulant "Robert Lincoln". His portrayal is enjoyable and convincing, but the audience will struggle to see him as anything more than a spoiled and head strong young man. A very decent performance.

Some other noteworthy performances come from the likes of Hal Holbrook, James Spader and the very talented David Strathairn who is awesome as "William Seward". His performance is memorable and shows what a pivotal role in history.

The film is very enjoyable, but might be 20 minutes too long. It drags only very occasionally and pays great respect to some very difficult topics. If you are easily offended by scenes of violence and war, then this may not be for you, but saying that, the cinematography and story telling is superb and you would be doing yourself a disservice to not see this film.

7/10