Lincoln

In the final stretch of his presidency, Abraham Lincoln faces a nation torn by Civil War and divided loyalties. The film follows him as he weighs a plan to hasten peace while pressing for abolition, balancing political risk with moral purpose. Surrounded by a cabinet and lawmakers who test his resolve, Lincoln negotiates with rivals and allies alike, using a blend of leverage, patience and quiet persuasion. The story spotlights his private life and public pressures, showing a president who refuses to let the war consume the soul of the country. Through tense sessions, late-night strategy meetings, and delicate votes, the fate of emancipation and union hangs in the balance. Its brisk, tense cadence mirrors a nation at a crossroads.

Directed by Steven Spielberg and scripted by Tony Kushner, Lincoln draws on Doris Kearns Goodwin's historical work and period accounts to dramatize a pivotal chapter. The 2012 release showcases Daniel Day-Lewis in the lead, backed by a truly accomplished ensemble.

Worldwide box office reached $275,300,000 against a budget of $65,000,000, underscoring solid commercial performance for a prestige historical drama with a high profile cast. Audiences appreciated the debates and the stark formal tone that Spielberg sustains throughout, providing a clear sense of the era and its pressures.

Lincoln earned strong recognition from major awards bodies. It received numerous Academy Award nominations and won in several categories, notably for Daniel Day-Lewis's performance. The film also drew nominations from other groups, marking Spielberg's high regard for historical drama. Critics praised its craft and historical accuracy. By many influential critics.

Critics praised Day-Lewis's restrained performance and the film's measured storytelling, noting themes of leadership under pressure, moral complexity, and the push for emancipation amid a brutal war. It balances intimate portraits with broad historical scope, offering a sober examination of power, duty, and cost. The ensemble adds quiet, human texture.