Cornwall

Daniel Day Lewis was great and deserved the Oscar, but otherwise I found the movie very dry and boring. Clearly I just don't like politics that much, and this movie did little to make the machinations of government interesting to me.

Very good story that shows the inner workings of politics and how Lincoln used many tricks to get what he wanted. Inspiring. Superb acting by Lewis, worthy of the Oscar he received for the role. Even though we know the outcome, the story is still riveting.

Despite some phenomenal performances by a stellar cast, this remains a film about politics and thus was peppered with some very dull moments. My mood shifted repeatedly between keen interest and shear boredom. Ultimately though I was hoping to see a strong depiction of Lincoln's final moments but alas the movie doesn't deliver. Could have been great but is instead just good.

Great performance by Lewis & others, some beautiful shots and cinematography.

It wasn't perfect - but there are performances in this movie that were exceptional!

Excellent acting accurate portrait of a complex figure in american history.

This was a very interesting movie of American History.

Some people walked out half-way through the movie. Understandable. This movie was made more boring than it otherwise should have been by the over-the-top verbose lines and rhetoric the actors had to speak, couched in American politi-speak and flowery rendition, difficult to believe that old log-cabin Abe who was supposed to be the most salt of the earth president actually spoke this way every day never mind the Congressmen. Today's representatives are cave-men by comparison, Romney would look like a bafoon by comparison. I'm sure that the scriptwriters could have found an easier way to communicate to the audience what Abe was really about and although Abe did write [the Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863] but he didn't speak that way in bed with Sally Field did he? It's a great history lesson in democracy for sure but come prepared to be assaulted with Hollywood's finest verba aequivoca ac in dubio sensu posita, or better yet, as per an online dictionary, "For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or equivocal a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes." Yea, I don't get it either so if you get half of what the dialogue is about, then you're in the top 1% of drama majors.

First off, I usually hate history based movies. That being said this one was quite good. The actors are uniformly capable and convincing and the sets and costumes first rate.

DDLewis was fantastic: I truly had the sense that I was seeing something close to the genuine article. Usually Lincoln is portrayed in an otherworldly/saintly/remote way. Lewis' Lincoln felt real. That performance alone made the film worthwhile. So too, the scene design: the White House and House and war scenes and carriages all were modest and tangible. The narrative, though, was more Spielberg-esque: it had a Hollywood feel to it, complete w/ its slow building climax (the vote) So the movie is realistic on so many fronts, except for the slow-mo "suspenseful" arrival at that inevitable triumph, the feel-good feeling of its Big Moment. Too bad Spielberg had to do his usual crowd pleasing gimmick.

The film is an american classic. I was mesmerized. I am not surprized some really didn't appreciate it. After all it took some focus and intellect to follow it. Although I'm sure most have the where withall, they, in this fast paced modern era do not have the patience and calm to follow and appreciate the development and the nuance.

The best feature of this long painfully boring movie was the depiction in costumes and setting of that period. The worst feature was the lack of action scenes. I almost dozed off in the middle of the picture. Certainly, it should win big at the Oscars for the performances of the actors and the direction.

Great acting, costumes, cinematography, editing, directing. The Oscar belongs to Daniel. He WAS Lincoln. For me, the film depicted how politics is still now what it was then. A series of deals made behind the scenes, unbeknownst to those out of the loop and who do not read the fine print. If it wasn't for that backhanded way of doing things, nothing might ever get done in Washington. Despite how Obama oversold himself when he promised us change, it continues to be "business" and "politics" "as usual." Interesting look at the 13th Amendment though.

This movie is about men talking politics and that's all. I was bored out of my tree and walked out half way. The characters, sets, acting was superb, otherwise I would give it a lot lower. So just be prepared that it slow, long, dry and full of law and politics. It's a great story to learn about that part of our history and somebody's rendition of how it all went down.

A superb slice of American history that is relevant to the entire planet because of its universal message of freedom & equal rights for ALL peoples--not just Americans!

Daniel Day Lewis gives yet another flawless performance and will win best actor hands down.

If you have any interest in historical American politics this is a must see. Daniel Day Lewis was almost Lincoln himself and the movie gave a glimpse into the life and perils of this very interesting First Family. Thoroughly enjoyable!

Although I never studied American history but knew about the assassination of the 16th President of the United States. Up to the events in 1865, and nearly a 150 years later, this movie surely visited back to those history dates including the role and image of President Lincoln by actor Day-Lewis. He looked exactly like him. Anyone wishing to know about this piece of American history, go out and see it.

Wonderful storytelling and character portrayals by Daniel Day Lewis and Tommy Lee Jones. After a long time did I sit amongst an audience who was audibly appreciative and engaged with the film.

Extraordinary... reminds you of why America is great.

Long boring don't waste your time even if it's free. The civil war was more about economic inequality against the south not slavery but I love how that goes unnoticed, but whatever. I guess this movie is supposed to help to settle the score, what a long boring joke.

Even though it was a long movie, I was never bored. I found the dialogue/banter in the debates far more intelligent and entertaining that today's average North American's speach.

Maybe this movie is not for everyone, my mum almost fell asleep in the first half hour... but this movie was definitely for me. When I nudged her to open her eyes and the story go a hold of her slowly but surely, even she was gripped eventually. I thought it was brilliant, important and great right from the beginning. I have loved every Daniel Day Lewis movie I've seen and this may be the topper. He deserves to win an Oscar for this movie, and this movie deserves to win an Oscar. I loved it. When we walked out of the theatre, we both agreed, that was one of the best movies we'd seen in a while (we watch a movie every or every other week) And she wasn't kidding.

Fabulous story, acting and costumes. A must see.

Best movie I have seen all year!! I felt as through I was there myself. Excellent movie and highly recommended...

Saw it twice. Very factual. Nice for a change.

Think this was probably the most boring movie I have seen in a decade. Luckily the superb acting by DDL prevented me from nodding off for over 2 hours or leaving after the first 45 minutes.

Slow moving movie although the history lesson was okay. Could have made the movie in half the time.

Lots of interesting character actors popping up in this one. Part of the fun trying to picture where you have seen these people in the past. Interesting depiction of earlier American politics.

Brilliantly told political intrigue. Clearly, politics hasn't changed much, and even Mr Lincoln's hands weren't completely clean. Shows you the depths and heights a truly dedicated human being is willing to go through to accomplish a goal. Well thought out film, sensational acting, superlative film work.

Loved the cast and director but not enough violence or humor for me.

Historically it appears to be accurate. Most people don't realize that the President had to fight his own cabinet to get things done. Acting is terrific. Daniel Day Lewis and Sally Field are great. I couldn't t stop remembering Tommy Lee Jones portrayal of Alexander Stephens. It was powerful.

An excellent movie. Daniel Day-Lewis does a masterful job as Lincoln sometimes you forget you're watching an actor. Very technical and deep at times, really gets into the why's and wherefores of a historic moment in US history. Funny in spots with a great cast. Tommy Lee a welcome sight after too many years as are James Spader and Hal Holbrook. And where else is Jared Harris gonna show up. Not for someone looking for battles and gratuitous violence/nudity but definitely for those looking for an understanding of the man. Probably going to see it again.

Daniel Day Lewis should win the Oscar for this one.

When I visited the US and saw the place he was assassinated and his bed where he lay, at that time, I thought I should read or see a movie about Lincoln. He was the greatest President according to me an Indian who immigrated to Canada and visited the US during the year 1998.

Well documented film. Also worth seeing with a full line of big name actors.

Daniel Day Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field exhibit fine acting. Well done. This important story reminds us of courageous leadership by Lincoln who changed American history.

Viewing this movie clarified what the "Civil War" was about; "a way of life"... power, greed, fear and hate... As a child in school I didn't realize what the war was about. It's so sad to realize so many lives were lost because of hate filled minds, hearts and inner spirits, and the rebellious, unwillingness to accept God's plan for all of us; unity and abundance.

[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Excellent movie. Brilliant cast. It would have been a '10' had Spielberg ended with the assassination; the last bit seemed a bit too much.

It was really boring. I did not enjoy it, and left before it ended.

Great history lesson! A must see for history buffs.

I actually never made it to the end of the movie. This movie was not captivating at all...

Hm, it seemed over-long for the situation they were depicting, a situation that I am not even sure is historically accurate. I normally love history, but this movie is almost painfully boring.

THIS MOVIE IS ALL ABOUT POLITICS i.e. the manoeuvering in Washington to get the anti-slavery (13th amendment) passed in Congress. That is not the most gripping plot, almost an educational documentary really, and it's unlikely to appeal to the young folks, who relish action, sex, fantasy, excitement etc. The acting was excellent. Overall - worth seeing, 'tho somewhat sedate and pedantic.

In the course of the viewing I kept wishing I had more of a knowledge of American presidents and the american constitution. Having said this I enjoyed the movie, wonderful actors, dialogue, good diction, but I don't think for a minute that it will get the Oscar. Generally speaking people are really not interested in politics, so this movie will go over most people's heads.

I actually never made it to the end of the movie. My friend and I (and a bunch of other people) walked out of the theatre. This movie was not captivating at all... none of the characters were interesting, the acting was over the top and sometimes downright laughable and essentially, it was a monologue for Daniel Day-Lewis. I couldn't even believe I made it through an hour and half of it.

Way too much chatter. If I'd wanted to hear so much preaching, I would've stayed with my ex-wife.

Obviously big budget from the get-go. Despite excellent performances from Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones and James Spader also picture book cinematography and art direction, this epic was neither engrossing or emotionally captivating. Would have been better as a PBS mini series.

Nice historical movie with great acting by Day-Lewis as Lincoln and Tommy Kee Jones as Stevens. The civil war though had little to do with Slavery as there were Slaves in the North as well as the South. The Yankees were looking for a convenient excuse to invade the South to get to their cotton and conquer them, a bit like we did in Iraq for similar economic reasons. The civil war killed Thousands on both sides in a useless massacre and left both sides weakened or ruined and deeply in Debt. Geez, it reminds me again of today... lol. The Amendment abolishing Slavery would not have passed had it not been for Steven's determination and Lincoln's deception about the unbeknownst capitulation of the Dixies. The horse- trading and vested interests are visible in Congress and little has changed. This system seems obsolete and doesn't represent the best interests of the average American citizen but rather the self-serving interests of the war machine, big business in the North and its bankers. The high debt essentially enslaved its Citizens who must pay interest and capital back via taxes. Same today. Lincoln apparently got killed trying to grapple the Money Printing from the Private Bankers like JFK tried doing also. So the history part must be taken with a grain of salt and is more like a typical Spielberg Sci-Fi.