The Greatest American

Lincoln- Steven Spielberg is at it again working his magic in his latest installment revolving around one of the greatest leaders America has ever had. Daniel Day-Lewis (Gangs of New York) delivers the performance of his career as our 16th president during a time where the country was at war with itself leaving him to do whatever he can to mend the gap between races. It's January, 1865 and an end to the Civil War is very much in sight but the war on Capitol Hill between the democrats and republicans is still neck and neck. The task at hand is to pass the vote to put the 13th amendment into effect, ending slavery and involuntary servitude in its entirety. Only one problem, there are some politicians in the House of Representatives that do not agree with President Lincoln; democrats. Lincoln, being a republican president, must somehow get his left-sided colleagues to see things clearer, the way it should be as we know it. Along with his wife, Mary, played by Sally Field (Forrest Gump), a few persuading and unorthodox lobbyists, and his cabinet, the president intends to do nothing more than reset the bonds of man, simple.
        Lincoln tells the story of not just a president in a controversial time, but of a man who must juggle the burden of this country as well as that of his rather dysfunctional family. Starting with his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, who is in strong belief that her husband is set out to put his job before her as well as their sons and is a very emotionally-racked woman to begin with. The eldest son, Robert Lincoln (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, The Dark Knight Rises), is back from school and has plans other than those of his parents. And finally the youngest, Tad Lincoln (Gulliver McGrath), who wants to be just like his father. This makes up the First Family who look to their head who happens to be Commander-In-Chief as well in times of need. 1865 was not only the year of the Civil War's end, but also that of Abraham Lincoln's.  Day-Lewis' breathtaking role is supported with faces such as Tommy Lee Jones, James Spader, and David Strathairn in the cinematic experience of the year. Spielberg can already begin shining the Academy Award statuettes from directing this mesmerizing cast portraying a time in the life of one of, if not The, greatest American to have ever lived. Grade: 9.4/10