LINCOLN (2012)

Summary:

Set during the final four months of Abraham Lincoln's life, the film chronicles his arduous efforts in January 1865 to abolish slavery permanently by passing the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. As the American Civil War nears its end, Lincoln faces immense political opposition and personal turmoil, believing that the amendment must be ratified before the Confederacy's surrender, fearing it might otherwise fail.

The movie meticulously portrays the political maneuvering, moral dilemmas, and human cost involved in this pivotal moment in American history, highlighting Lincoln's profound leadership and unwavering commitment to freedom and unity amidst a nation deeply divided by war and ideology.

Keywords: Lincoln, 2012, Daniel Day-Lewis, Steven Spielberg, Historical Drama, Civil War, Thirteenth Amendment, Abolition of Slavery.

Plot:

In January 1865, President Abraham Lincoln, haunted by the ongoing Civil War and the immense loss of life, is determined to secure the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which would outlaw slavery throughout the United States. He believes that peace negotiations with the Confederacy are imminent, and if the war ends before the amendment is ratified, the Southern states, once readmitted, would block its passage. Lincoln, therefore, instructs his Secretary of State, William Seward, to secure the votes of "lame duck" Democratic congressmen who will soon be out of office.

The film delves into the intricate and often morally ambiguous political machinations employed by Lincoln and his allies, including the use of patronage and persuasion, to sway reluctant representatives. Simultaneously, Lincoln grapples with the immense pressure of the war, his strained relationship with his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and his son Robert's desire to enlist. The narrative builds to a tense climax as the amendment faces a crucial vote in the House of Representatives, with Lincoln's legacy and the future of the nation hanging in the balance. The film concludes with the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox and Lincoln's tragic assassination, cementing his place in history as the emancipator.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln
• Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln
• David Strathairn as William Seward
• Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Robert Todd Lincoln
• James Spader as W.N. Bilbo
• Hal Holbrook as Preston Blair
• Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens

Crew:

• Director: Steven Spielberg
• Screenwriter: Tony Kushner (based in part on 'Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln' by Doris Kearns Goodwin)
• Producers: Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy
• Cinematography: Janusz Kamiński
• Film Editor: Michael Kahn
• Music by: John Williams

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: November 9, 2012 (USA)
• Language: English
• Genre: Historical Drama, Biographical
• Running Time: 150 minutes
• Accolades: Won 2 Academy Awards (Best Actor - Daniel Day-Lewis, Best Production Design) from 12 nominations. Also received numerous other awards and nominations, including Golden Globe Awards and BAFTA Awards.