Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Outstanding drama about revered leader's political genius.
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Why Age 13+?
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Lincoln
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Parents say this film provides a gripping and educational portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history, particularly focusing on the passage of the 13th amendment and the complex political maneuvers involved, led by a powerful performance from its lead actor. While many appreciate its engaging narrative and strong acting, others caution about its length, violent battle scenes, and frequent strong language, making it more suitable for older children and teens.
- historical accuracy
- strong performances
- mature themes
- educational value
- parental guidance
- long runtime
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 46 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie varies widely in engagement and educational value, with some feeling it was slow and boring while others appreciated its historical context and character depth. Many commend the powerful performances, particularly by the lead actor, yet caution that the film is best suited for older teens due to its strong language and occasional graphic violence.
- boredom factor
- strong performances
- educational value
- suitable for older teens
- graphic content
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
It's 1865. President Abraham LINCOLN (Daniel Day-Lewis) has just been reelected, and it's clear that the Confederacy isn't likely to survive another spring in the ongoing Civil War. But before Lincoln can embrace the likelihood of the South's surrender, he wants -- seemingly more than anything -- to pass the 13th Amendment and definitively outlaw slavery in the entire Union. With the help of Secretary of State William Seward (David Strathairn), Lincoln hires three political negotiators (James Spader, Tim Blake Nelson, and John Hawkes) to convince at least 20 of the House of Representatives' Democrats (who staunchly oppose the amendment) to vote for the bill (usually in exchange for patronage positions). Meanwhile, in his personal life, Lincoln faces more issues of compromise and sacrifice with his emotional wife, Mary (Sally Field), and his desperate-to-enlist son, Robert (Joseph Gordon-Levitt).
Is It Any Good?
There's no better film to watch to pay witness to how even our country's greatest historical leaders still had to make quid pro quo overtures across party lines to move forward. Based on Doris Kearns Goodwin's award-winning book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln is more about the political intrigue of Lincoln's final months than a "biopic" about his personal life. Day-Lewis' performance is a brilliant character study of a legendary man. Unlike the over-the-top characters Day-Lewis played in Gangs of New York and There Will Be Blood, his President Lincoln is an introspective man who tells stories that sound like parables and who exudes a powerful dignity, even in silence. As Mary Todd Lincoln, Field makes a passionate case for the First Lady's instability, stemming from the overwhelming grief of losing son Willie.
But one of the most startling performances in the film, which is so eloquently scripted by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner, is courtesy of Tommy Lee Jones as Stevens. The uncompromising abolitionist congressman wants complete racial equality -- not just the legal extinction of slavery -- but even he knows that change sometimes comes in baby steps, not revolution.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why President Lincoln is still considered one of the most influential presidents of all time. How does the movie's depiction of President Lincoln compare to what you know or have learned about him? Did anything surprise you about his political or personal life?
What does the movie tell us about how politics have changed since the 1860s? Do politicians still have to work together and make compromises, even if they fundamentally disagree? What is the continued relevance of the 13th Amendment?
How closely do you think Lincoln adheres to history? How many liberties with the facts do you think a movie like this can take? Why might filmmakers decide to do that?
How do the figures depicted in Lincoln demonstrate perseverance and courage? What about humility and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
How does Mary Todd Lincoln's emotional fragility -- in no small part spurred by the fear of one of her remaining sons going to fight in the war that her husband considers necessary -- impact Lincoln's situation?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 9, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : March 26, 2013
- Cast : Daniel Day-Lewis , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Sally Field
- Director : Steven Spielberg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : DreamWorks
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 150 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage and brief strong language
- Awards : Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : February 9, 2026
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