‘Lincoln’: It was all right

The rich blue hue of the Union overcoats engulfs my retinas as I watch soldiers gasping for breath in the bubbling mud. The camera hones in on Lincoln, as he tells two black soldiers that he is uncertain whether they will receive rights but feels for them.

All AP US History teachers offered their students extra credit for attending “Lincoln” this fall. I entered the theater with high hopes, especially since Steven Spielberg directs it and Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field star in it.

Unfortunately, even a casual love for history is not enough to properly enjoy this film — one has to be the type of person who watches the History Channel for fun to love it.

Right off the bat, viewesr must have prior knowledge of the 13th Amendment as well as the Proclamation of 1863 to understand the film. But even though we AP US History kids know the background of the story, I still didn’t like the movie.

The movie tells of the hardship faced by the country during the Civil War, and Lincoln’s fight to end slavery. The movie centers on Lincoln using everything from bribery to deception to to ensure the passing of the 13th Amendment.

The movie also deals with Lincoln’s relationship with his wife, Mary Todd. A confidante and advisor to the president, she is his only unconditional friend.

Lincoln’s son, Robert, is also a source of contention in the film. He wants to quit law school to join the war effort, against the wishes of his parents. Robert feels ashamed that he is not fighting for his country.

This movie goes too in-depth and was too concerned with being factually correct rather than being interesting. It is more of a documentary than a drama; there is little romance or thrill. On the other hand, this movie would be a good one to watch in history class, since it is highly informational, even if it isn’t action-packed.

There are some humorous portions, however. Tommy Lee Jones’ character, a radical abolitionist, provides a lot of comic relief. Jones is a refreshing character in an otherwise dull film.

Daniel Day-Lewis is admirable as Lincoln. However, I did not cry when Lincoln died, as I expected to. I don’t know whether it says more about Daniel Day-Lewis’ acting or my toughness.

All in all, Lincoln isn’t a terrible movie. But I wouldn’t watch it again.