Lincoln (2012, Steven Spielberg)

Abraham Lincoln was one of America's most popular presidents ever, so there is already a quite number of movies related to his life and work. Why is then exactly this movie maybe the best of them all? What made it worthy of twelve Academy Award nominations and two wins?

It's simple if you just hear two names: Steven Spielberg and Daniel Day-Lewis. Spielberg sets triple Oscar-winning actor in Lincoln’s skin, in the last four months of president's life. It is difficult and restless time for America, the Civil War is raging and he is the most responsible person for everything. His vision is clear – he wants the thirteenth amendment to be accepted, so the slavery could finally be abolished.

Since it is a historic movie, it wouldn't be bad if a viewer already knows some fundamental facts, but even if he doesn't, he won't have any troubles to understand the movie. Every historical fact which is crucial for the plot is enough explained. A viewer though could be confused with too much political talks, since it is all very detailed. But that's Spielberg’s way – he wouldn't let anything to stay half-done and the details are just reflection of his dedication to this topic. Some historians claim that there is a certain number of historic inaccuracies. The movie lovers answer – so what? It isn't meant to be a tool for learning school lessons anyway.

And this movie highlights not only Lincoln's deeds. We are confronting with many Democrats and 

Republicans, the ones who supported him and the ones who didn't. Thaddeus Stevens is one of the most important pro-abolishers. And of course, there were many of them who were against this visionary. Lincoln is just the center of many turbulent happenings.

I found very interesting the way Daniel Day-Lewis constructed his character. Actually, it is not just a character, it is a figure. Wrapped in a great costume, he knew what to do. He wasn't the typical authority, with a commanding lo

ud voice. Occasionally he increases the voice, but he is very calm and serene. His authority bases on his attitudes and firm arguments. Also, his political moves are mostly related to the mood of the people. He cared a lot for their opinion. That's how Lincoln was presented this time.

What is very valuable about this movie is its effect of the reminding us of some maybe forgotten things. Slavery in America was abolished only 148 years ago! If someone gets interested in this topic and tries to find out something more, he will be surprised to learn that Mauritania abolished slavery in 1981, while in some parts of Africa it still exists!

But let's get back to the movie. Lincoln managed to abolish the slavery, but that wasn't the end. He wanted to do more, even to franchise the black people, no matter how radical that was back then. Though he didn't reached all of his aims, he did change world. Therefore, he is a true inspiration and reminder that world change is possible.

Spielberg made a significant contribution to the history drama genre by making this movie, and that's his contribution the movie world change withal. I hope the movie will be an inspiration for the viewers, too and I know they will enjoy it for sure.