Lincoln

I absolutely loved it.

What else is there to say? I thought it was perfect. Bravo!

Brilliant

This nuanced and beautifully realized revelation of Lincoln's character and personality was a joy to watch. Those who don't see enough insight into Lincoln's thinking couldn't have been watching the same movie, or are simply unable to observe and understand without having everything spelled out to them. I agree that eliminating the last two scenes - the assasination (through son Tad's experience) and the 2nd inaugural address, would have made the film stronger, but they are the only examples of Spielbergian sentimentality. For everything else about this film, we should be grateful and awed.

A Thanksgiving Week Turkey

If you're looking for a movie with entertainment value you'll be sorely disappointed with "Lincoln." We'd hoped for a movie with more Civil War action but, instead, it's very closterfobic about "Lincoln and the battle to pass the 13th amendment" banning slavery, a more apt title. There are corpses but almost nothing about the Civil War that defines Lincoln's presidency. The movie is set in early 1865, just months before Lincoln's assassination. If you're researching a paper you'll find this movie helpful??, but if you're looking to be entertained, you'll struggle with dozing off. The language was gratuitously crude for my 11 year old daughter, whom I apoligized to. Don't be deceived by the trailers, this movie is long and sleepy.

A Great American Movie

"Lincoln" is a stunning achievement, a truly Great American Film. It is superbly written, brilliantly acted, and masterfully directed. It is a fascinating history lesson and surprisingly funny. It is joyous and heartbreaking (you know how it ends, but it still hits you in the gut). Oscars all around, including Spielberg, Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones. Easily one of the best films of this, or any, year

Woman Grieve (complete)

I put my grief on public display. Dancing to freedom. Oh yes, I will have freedom some day. Oh dear God, be the lifter of my head. I thought it were my son, but my husband is dead. Dead on the inside, for it is his belief that somehow I can choose to contain my grief. Sincerely, You grieving wife (end) Lynn Burriss Webler

Woman Grieve cont'

You've made speeches before, so eloquently waxed. Yet, for your own flesh and blood you feel immensely taxed. Don't you know? there is a time for lamenting, the Bible doth say.This is the season, so let your emotions give way. Release the debilitating sorrow and the unbareable pain, for it will cripple you, if you let it remain. But if hiding it from me and the rest of the world you choose, Do Not judge me harshly because I REFUSE. My grief comes with an undignified praise, stretched before the world that they all may gaze. (to be cont')

"Woman Grieve"

Sally Field's monologue portraying Todd's grief was profound. It inspired me to write: "Woman Grieve" Dear Mr. President, How dare you try to straight-jacket my grief. I stand before you in disbelief, that you would try to silence my tears with your unmentionable pain and your incomprehensible fears; when such a time has been set aside for mothers to weep and wail; when their sons bare a cross, which so many others fail. Yet you place a clock at the forefront of my suffering and pain. I loathe your disdain. What a cowardice act to dare defend, that my sorrow is to great for you to comprehend... (more to follow)

A masterpiece

A beautiful, moving film that brings the struggles of mid-19th century American governance to life better than anything I could have imagined. Tommy Lee Jones took a prize-winning script and brought the cantankerous Stevens to life in a way that shocked me. Day Lewis showed Lincoln to be in turn brilliant, crafty, astute and -- above all -- compassionate. For all of its brilliance, however, the film failed (through NO fault of the script or cast) to shed light on Lincoln's inner life -- the process by which he invariably arrived at the right decision, at the right time and for the right reason(s). Alas, the great man was too busy saving the union to reflect on such things. And then he was gone before he could show us.

It's Only a Movie

And a fine one at that. I think people should stop looking for hidden liberal metadata and take it for what it is; beautifully filmed, extremely well acted. Don't go if you are expecting Indiana Jones, or if you already have a chop on your shoulder, but if you are patient and can excuse a couple of false notes, it's well worthwhile.

Superbly Acted Movie

I went into the movie with some hesitation. Expecting a 'dry documentary.' Not being a Civil War history buff, I could not attest to the total accuracy of the the movie. However, Mr. Daniel Day-Lewis' portrayal did provide a riveting movie to watch. Quite a lesson in what happens in politics -- and with the drama of having the fate of (literally) millions of persons' live at stake.

It's power and emotional punch is undeniable

I idid not know what to expect after the initial reviews of Lincoln. Some had called it cold and distant. I am not sure what movie these reviewers saw. It begins slowly to be sure, but slowly, imperceptibly, its power takes hold and you are immersed in 19th century America. The language could have been a challenge; instead, it was a revelation, sometimes deeply moving, other times hilarious, and always to the point. I find it hard to understand why some feel this movie is a partisan statement. It is far from that. Politics is the heart of the movie, but its soul is the soul of America, what we once were and what we strive to become each and every day.

Yawn

This film had too many folks and had to little excitement.

Wonderful -- and Haunting

"Lincoln" is a great, great movie. Daniel Day-Lewis deserves his third Best Actor Oscar (which itself would be a first). It is a wonderful -- and haunting -- portrayal. Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, David Strathairn are all terrific. There isn't a weak performance to be found. I do wonder why the film didn't end a few scenes earlier than it did -- with Lincoln walking away, descending the White House stairs to go to Ford's Theatre. It seemed like a fitting tableau on which to end. Perhaps not enough people knew from the earlier references (i.e., to Good Friday) where he was headed.

Best this year

The movie makes you wonder, how bad it was in those times.

Overrated movie of the year

This is Lincoln as the liberals would have liked him to have been. Between Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Steven Spielberg, how could it have turned out differently? The movie would have been more aptly named "The 13th Amendment", because in the end, you'll know more about the politics of passing that amendment than you'll know about Lincoln, the man. Daniel Day-Lewis did a wonderful job, as did Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones, of portraying their subjects. That is the bright spot of the movie. If you're looking for something more watchable, however, you might want to look for "Paint Drying: the movie". At least that will be a shorter film.

inaccurate

Inaccurate. Sorry.

PC BS Bore

I can't believe so many people are raving about this. I couldn't wait for the long, boring-a** PC movie to end. Hollywood is really shameless. I will say, however, that Daniel Day-Lewis did an incredible job. Tommy Lee Jones, too, was great. But overall in accurate two and a half hour yawn. Save your money for retirement and retire the idea of giving any money to a theater for this horse crud.

a fine performance

This is clearly Daniel Day Lewis' best performance since his outstanding performance as D-Day in "Animal House"

What a history lesson!

We watched Lincoln yesterday with our three kids (ages 14, 12, and 11) and we all came out the wiser from this movie. The acting is superb, the setting perfect, and the lessons are still resonating with us. The pace is a bit too slow in the first half but it does pick up and gets you completely entranced in the second half. Highly recommend it. Not sure why it is only playing in Bethesda, though...