The movie opens with a scene from a Civil War battle (unnamed). The opening sequence is a bit graphic, but it was a war so we shouldn't complain too much. The movie became much less graphic after the first sequence. We then encounter President Lincoln speaking with two black Union soldiers. They are telling the President that his Gettysburg Address has had a significant impact on their lives and their decisions to fight for the Union.Some of my favorite scenes of the movie are when Lincoln is carrying his youngest son to bed, many of the Senate scenes, and the scenes that involve Lincoln with his cabinet that show his passion and his humor.
In my opinion, the main theme or conflict in the movie is President Lincoln's insistence that his proposed 13th Amendment to abolish slavery be passed. Mr. Lincoln uses many political maneuvers to delay a decision of peace with the South so that the 13th Amendment may pass before he agrees to a peace treaty. While the Senate is debating the amendment there are many scenes of the debate in the legislature. These were some of my favorite scenes - the behavior of the senators (booing/cheering people, yelling and jumping and clapping) remind me of the sessions of the British Parliament that I have seen on CSPAN. They are passionate and energetic.
Overall, Lincoln was a long movie (2 1/2 hours) but really enjoyable. Daniel Day Lewis did an amazing job as the 16th President and Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln was very convincing. My favorite character might have to be Tommy Lee Jones' senator - there was a lot of passion, anger and surprises with his character. If you get a chance to see Lincoln in the theater you should go. Otherwise check it out on DVD when it comes out!
