Lincoln Family Movie Review

lincoln movie review rating guide for parents and families

MPAA Rating
PG-13

for an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage and brief strong language

Genre
Drama

Director
Steven Spielberg

Starring
Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Hal Holbrook

Studio
Touchstone Pictures

Release Date/In Theaters
11/9/2012

Lincoln Movie Review for Parents

-by Ginger

           Steven Spielberg puts his own special touch on what happened to Lincoln, as he deals with not only the Civil War, but also infighting within his own cabinet. The issue of concern is slavery and his decision to support the abolition of slavery, which drew more than harsh criticism from many in the local community, even his most reliable cabinet members. This family movie guide feels that this is a very realistic portrayal of what it must have been like to be there.
            Yes, this movie has intense scenes of war, which we all know that Spielberg can do so well. There is strong language and gory carnage. Spielberg did not candy-coat the Civil War and the impact that the division based on principles had on the entire country. This is not a movie for the young children, but would be highly recommended for those that are studying the Civil War in school. The Lincoln movie provides a more realistic interpretation of the events than any textbook could provide.
            As far as a historical movie is concerned, this interpretation is one of the best portrayals of one of the most important moments in American History. Of course, costuming, setting, and every possible detail is as accurate as possible. This Lincoln movie makes the audience ask themselves some serious questions about their own convictions regarding some tough philosophical and religious questions that relate to the events of today as much as they related to the events of the past.
            Many think of the Civil War as a historical event, but Spielberg makes the content and subject relevant to the events that continue to shape our world today. He addresses the issues of tolerance, equality, and the rights of all men to seek their own pursuit of wealth and prosperity. One of the key issues that we face today is the struggle between two parties and their inherent rights. When both have rights and their rights conflict, whose rights are more important? This is the approach that Spielberg uses to make this much more than a historical documentary. This parental guide to the movies does not recommend this movie for the younger members of the family, but considers Lincoln a must see for everyone else.

Read more family movie reviews by Parental Guide.