"Lincoln" official movie poster.

"Lincoln" delivers a compelling story and distinguished portrayal of the heroic 16th president of the United States.

The film boasts a star-studded cast, with its chief protagonist Abraham Lincoln played absolutely phenomenally by Oscar-winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, focuses on the president's final months in office as he battles the Democratic Party to narrowly pass the historic 13th Amendment of the Constitution before the end of the Civil War. 

Day-Lewis's performance will more than likely land him yet another Oscar nomination. He gives a subtle yet powerful portrayal of a man who struggles to hold together not only a House divided, but a country divided. Lincoln is depicted as a man with a passive exterior who simultaneously exudes authority, but above all, a man who loves both country and family.

The film reveals not only the political complications that Lincoln underwent during those last turbulent months, but the personal issues within his marriage and his family that are largely unspoken of. The film manages to humanize Lincoln without taking away from the magnanimity of the iconic American luminary.

Spielberg does a fantastic job creating a film that serves at once as an American history lesson, a tribute to one of our greatest presidents, and a stunning work of art. The film is almost completely dialogue, with beautiful cinematography to frame it.

"Lincoln" may not satisfy adrenaline junkies and might even bore some due to its dialogue-based sequences and obviously dated verbage.

However, for those who love a good old-fashioned historical drama with terrific dialogue and fantastic acting, "Lincoln" is a must-see. A full-immersion 19th-century experience with emotional heft to boot, "Lincoln" will certainly be a holiday favorite.

"Lincoln" is now out in limited release, and will be in wide release this Friday.

]

Reach Staff Reporter Dian Qi here.