Lincoln

This was probably the best movie I've seen in at least a decade. Daniel Day Lewis' performance as Lincoln was a sight to behold, and the history comes alive. You need to come to this movie understanding what you're going to get, though. The focus of the movie is very narrow. It's not about winning the Civil War. It's not even really about the fight to free the slaves. The movie focuses rather specifically on passing the 13th amendment, and how hard Lincoln pushed for it. The Union's progress in the Civil War was an essential part of getting the 13th amendment passed, but that's the only context you see the Civil War in, in this movie. The movie is based on "Team of Rivals", the book by Doris Kearns Goodwin. As such, the history is very well-researched and presented. There are a few historical snags, like the fact that Lincoln's face was never on a 50-cent piece - it was on a 50-cent note, starting in 1869, and the fact that some of the states in the movie didn't vote the way they did in real life. But overall, the history is accurate. You need to see this movie. Definitely a great 4th of July pick. :)

To call this movie anything other than a masterpiece is absurd. Lincoln is a very poignant movie that, despite its obvious historical falsities and overreaches, puts Lincoln center stage in the final few months of his life. Daniel Day Lewis is almost unrecognizable as Abraham Lincoln but lights up the screen regardless. The makeup artists did a wonderful job recreating the 16th President of the United States. Sally Field's performance as Mary Todd Lincoln is also befitting of an actress of her stature and skill. Tommy Lee Jones' turn as Thaddeus Stevens nearly steals the second half of the film, and he is seated for most of it! In short, this is a Spielberg film, so you already know you're in for a good 2+ hours of high quality filmmaking, acting and directing. See this movie. It's worth it!

I don't know how accurate it was, but everything was done well and I really liked it. It focuses on the major accomplishment's of Lincoln as he led through such difficult times, particularly the months leading up to the 13th amendment and the ending of the war. Narrowing the scope of time to these crucial days helped the film develop the characters and present more details. It it also brought in an entertaining and thoughtful interpretation of the smaller details in Lincoln's personal life. These portrayals of some background events bring a unique perspective to the struggles which surrounded his accomplishments. Good casting.