So let me start this off by saying I am in no way a history buff, or a huge fan of politics. But for some reason I really wanted to see this movie. I just didn't have the heart to sit down and watch 2 and half hours of movie when it came out. Every film these days is over 2 hours, even the sucky ones. That said, I enjoyed the fuck out of Lincoln.
Now I rented this movie because I was bored and as I said earlier I wanted to see it. I wasn't sure what to expect, aside from the time frame and knowing that you don't see him get shot at the end. The movie begins with two black soldiers talking to the President as he is visiting a camp. Daniel Day Lewis fucking nails the shit out of this role. You are in attention when he is on screen. There are parts when he is telling stories about why he is doing what he's doing and I just fell in love. It was like my grandpa talking to me, I didn't want it to end. So nomination and award earned, two times over.
The political side to the story is interesting. It talks about how Lincoln's cabinet was made up of both Republicans and Democrats and how they had to fight for the votes for the 14th amendment. This plays out sorta like an episode of West Wing. Serious but with the right amount of humor to keep you interested. It is definitely not for everyone, but I was really engaged the whole time. It was also fun watching without knowing everyone who was acting in it. It's like when people popped up I'd be like "Oh, that guy! Awesome. He totally fits that role."
This movie is really powerful and reminds you that not that long ago we just started correcting our country's mistakes. You see the fear for people who support the amendment and can almost understand the anger behind the fight against it, even while you disagree with them. I also came to the realization that I don't know shit about Lincoln. No idea he had two kids. I'm dumb. But I loved seeing his interaction with his wife and his children. Showing the hard times, and fights they had while he was also fighting to save the country. As well as Lincoln signing for the deserters of the war to not be hanged. It really makes you long for a leader with the gall to stand for what he thinks is right, to make the changes he knows are need. Really was the perfect movie for me to watch before our Independence Day. 'Merica, right in the heart.
I gave this movie a 4 out of 5 because I really enjoyed it. But I don't think I'll ever own it. I may watch it again but not any time soon. Is it historically accurate? I don't know, but it is entertaining and a joy to watch. Everyone did a fantastic job in this film, playing their parts well. None better than Lewis. And that 2 and a half hours doesn't hurt in the least to sit through. Go watch it, you might learn something. Might even make you think about what people are fighting for today.
