Lincoln Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A tall, bearded man tells stories and bribes people until slavery is illegal, then he goes to the theater and things don’t end well.

🍿 Lincoln: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Thirteenth Amendment

The film centers on Abraham Lincoln’s efforts to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in January 1865. This amendment would abolish slavery and involuntary servitude, marking a pivotal moment in American history. Lincoln understands that securing this amendment is crucial before the Civil War concludes, fearing that his Emancipation Proclamation could be overturned.

Political Maneuvering

Lincoln and his Secretary of State, William Seward, engage in intense political maneuvering to gather enough votes for the amendment. They target ‘lame duck’ Democrats, offering them federal jobs in exchange for their support. These underhanded tactics highlight the complex and often morally ambiguous nature of politics, even when pursuing a righteous cause.

Peace Negotiations and Radical Republicans

Complicating matters, Lincoln must balance the demands of the Radical Republicans, who want slavery abolished, with the need to end the war quickly. He authorizes peace negotiations with the Confederacy, a move that threatens to undermine support for the amendment. This creates tension within his own party and forces Lincoln to make difficult choices.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis): The U.S. President navigates the complex political landscape to pass the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery.
• Mary Todd Lincoln (Sally Field): Lincoln’s wife, struggles with emotional turmoil amidst the political pressures and personal loss.
• William Seward (David Strathairn): As Secretary of State, is Lincoln’s close advisor and aids in the political maneuvering required to pass the 13th Amendment.
• Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones): A radical Republican congressman fiercely advocates for abolition but is willing to compromise for political expediency.
• Robert Lincoln (Joseph Gordon-Levitt): Lincoln’s eldest son desires to serve in the Union Army, creating conflict within the family.
• W.N. Bilbo (James Spader): A political operative who is tasked with securing votes for the 13th Amendment through bribery.
• Ulysses S. Grant (Jared Harris): The Union General who is closing in on Confederate forces and is in communication with Lincoln about the conclusion of the war.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Abraham Lincoln: “A law is nothing but a moral sentiment supported by the force of the nation.” – Lincoln explains the true power and meaning behind creating laws.
• Abraham Lincoln: “It’s like knowing you’re going to die. Shouldn’t change how you live.” – Lincoln responds to the weight and difficulty of his decisions.
• Thaddeus Stevens: “Equality is the basis of all morality.” – Stevens passionately conveys his core belief about equality during a debate.
• Abraham Lincoln: “I am the President of the United States, clothed in immense power! You will procure me those votes!” – Lincoln expresses urgency and demands action to pass the amendment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $65,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $182,207,973
• Worldwide Gross: $275,293,450

💥 Lincoln Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely captivated by ‘Lincoln’. Daniel Day-Lewis *became* Abraham Lincoln. I felt like I was witnessing history unfold. The scenes in Congress were intense, and I was on the edge of my seat even though I knew what was going to happen. The ending was heartbreaking, and I left the theater feeling incredibly moved. I actually felt sad for Lincoln’s death. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History buffs”
  • “Political drama enthusiasts”
  • “Fans of Daniel Day-Lewis”
  • “Viewers interested in the American Civil War”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief battle violence”
  • “Discussions of slavery”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Historical subject matter”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Spielberg delivers a masterful and intimate portrait of Lincoln, focusing on his political maneuvering to abolish slavery. Day-Lewis’ performance is transformative, capturing the president’s humanity and determination. A must-see historical drama.
• Rolling Stone: “A powerful and moving film, ‘Lincoln’ showcases Spielberg’s storytelling prowess. Day-Lewis embodies Lincoln with striking authenticity, and the supporting cast shines. While dialogue-heavy, the film’s themes resonate deeply.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “Spielberg’s ‘Lincoln’ is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film, anchored by Day-Lewis’s extraordinary portrayal. The film explores the complexities of political compromise and the moral weight of leadership.

Audience Reactions

Daniel Day-Lewis’s performance was absolutely incredible and transformative.: Viewers consistently praised Day-Lewis’s portrayal of Lincoln and the film’s historical accuracy.

The political drama and suspense kept me engaged throughout the movie.: Many appreciated the film’s focus on the political process behind the 13th Amendment.

Overall Consensus: ‘Lincoln’ is a highly acclaimed historical drama praised for its performances, direction, and exploration of a pivotal moment in American history.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actor)- 2013
2. Academy Award (Best Production Design)- 2013
3. Golden Globe (Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama)- 2013

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Steven Spielberg spent 12 years researching the film to ensure historical accuracy.”
• “The ticking heard from Lincoln’s watch in the film is the sound of Abraham Lincoln’s actual pocket watch, housed in the Kentucky Historical Society.”
• “Steven Spielberg recreated Abraham Lincoln’s Executive Mansion office precisely, with the same wallpaper and books Lincoln used.”

🖥️ How to Watch Lincoln?

Lincoln is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where you may need to purchase or rent it. Check local listings for potential broadcast options. Digital purchase options are available on Amazon, Google Play, and Vudu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Lincoln, you might like these similar films:

• Amistad (1997): Deals with the legal and moral battles against slavery, emphasizing its inhumanity.
• Gettysburg (1993): Another historical drama focusing on a pivotal event in the American Civil War.
• Darkest Hour (2017): Features a leader making difficult decisions during wartime.
• 12 Years a Slave (2013): Provides a stark and unflinching look at the realities of slavery in pre-Civil War America.

🛒 Lincoln Related Products

• Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln: Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography that inspired the movie. Gain deeper insight into Lincoln’s leadership.
• Abraham Lincoln: Complete Book of Facts: A guide detailing the life and history of President Lincoln and the time period he lived in
• Abraham Lincoln Funko POP! Vinyl Figure: A stylized vinyl figure of Abraham Lincoln. A fun and unique collectible for fans of the movie and American history.
• Civil War Strategy Game: A turn-based strategy video game where you can command either the Union or Confederate forces. Recreate famous battles and shape the course of the war.

🎧 Soundtrack

Lincoln features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The American Process” – performed by John Williams
• “With Malice Toward None” – performed by John Williams
• “Call to Vote” – performed by John Williams

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Daniel Day-Lewis winning Best Actor for “Lincoln”

Watch the moment when Daniel Day-Lewis’s exceptional performance in ‘Lincoln’ was recognized with the Academy Award for Best Actor. It’s a powerful and emotional clip!

Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Daniel Day-Lewis Staying in Character During “Lincoln”

Curious about Daniel Day-Lewis’s dedication to his craft? Joseph Gordon-Levitt shares his firsthand experience of working with Day-Lewis on ‘Lincoln’. This interview offers a glimpse into the actor’s fascinating approach and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the film.

✨ Rate