To sum up the most recent Steven Spielberg directed movie: a phenomenal, though-provoking piece that incites the perfect emotions and generally hits the spot.

Tracking the final months of President Abraham Lincoln’s life and the last moments of the bloody and brutal Civil War that cost the country millions in lives and dollars, Lincoln revolves around the political battle looming in Congress for the passing the Thirteenth Amendment to abolish slavery. An intersecting situation that Lincoln must also deal with is the war beaten South that seeks an end to the war that orbits the core issue of slavery. It is established quite early on in the film that the president must make crucial decisions determining the fate of both circumstances.

The 14 times Academy Award nominated film features the sensational performance of Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln who portrays the American hero as a noble, down to earth man filled with stories and human rights ideas. Supporting Day-Lewis was Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Lincoln’s oldest son, Robert Lincoln. Gordon Levitt inspired heartbreaking and touching moments through his character. He was perfectly backed by Sally Field as Lincoln’s wife Molly Lincoln who brought to the screen every day challenges as being a wife well as those only a first lady could understand.

The technical effects of the movie were at worst predictable but necessary with the music full of emotion and character acutely complimenting the mood throughout the film. Lighting portrayed the theme and was cast to completely enrich the environment as sound issued with clarity.

Not an action film, though taking place in the Civil War, Lincoln is more a tale filled with political sciences that, to me, came slightly beyond understanding although some very well may experience the full debate, movement, and efforts circulating the Thirteenth Amendment passing. Subtle humor infrequently given in almost all parts of the movie received its desired effect from American audiences.  Some of the light comedy was expressed by Lincoln himself, giving new depth to the center character.

In the end Lincoln is a cinematic and historical drama masterpiece that is certainly not a waste of time, taking its place among the biographies to be remembered in the future alongside Gandhi and The King’s Speech. An addressable point is that it impossibly made me feel very patriotic for a moment or two, a feat those close to me would find difficult to the utmost degree.

For more information see the movie’s website in the link below:

http://www.thelincolnmovie.com/