Lincoln reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews Lincoln. Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Abraham Lincoln in Spielberg's new biopic.
Please tell us what you think of the film -- or Mark's review of the film below. We love to include your views on the show every Friday.
www.bbc.co.uk/5live
Fridays at 2pm on BBC 5 live.

[@AFilmFantic]

I am 14, and I thought Lincoln was excellent. Daniel Day Lewis earned his Oscar.

[@adamlane6453]

Now you're all growed up.

[@farneyblakeley]

I don't think Mark was referring to the kinds of teenagers who actually listen to him

[@DBSites]

I agree there. I believe that a teenage audiences that either/or a) listens to him b) has a keen interest in/understanding of history were at the very least, engaged with this film. I did take interest in Jones’ character, but I did more so with both Lincoln as well as Bilbo.

[@fredkelly6953]

my 14yr old enjoyed it. Good storytelling is good storytelling and Speilberg is a modern master. I also think you underestimate today's kids capacity to decipher knowledge.

[@jodu626]

I’m 4 years old and I thought it was really good

[@65g4]

You are not 4 years old you would not understand this film at 4 years old

[@joshvotion3898]

@@65g4 wait, your telling me that a 4 year old wouldnt get this movie

[@65g4]

@@joshvotion3898 yes a 4 year old would not be interested in a movie like this i had only watched my first movie at 4

[@ryananon779]

@@65g4 I'm his dad. Jodu626 (who is now eight and doing fine) and I are proud Americans. I made him watch because it's important to understand where we come from. To my delight, he actually enjoyed it despite being tied to a chair. Please don't doubt my son in future. You'd be speaking German now if it wasn't for my boy and other boys like him who rescued your asses at Normandy. But I digress.

[@philr6723]

I have to disagree on teen audiences. Although recently turned 20 I still consider myself to be part of the age bracket described. My friends (some younger) and I were impressed by and immersed in the film. I can't deny that huge numbers of young people would prefer 'vampire-hunting', but the same could be said of anyone in any age group with similar taste in cinema. I think our generation deserves more credit for the hunger and appreciation we have for this kind of film-making.

[@Thisandthat8908]

besides the fundamental flaw in his point: teenagers grow older and the movie doesn't disappear. Even if he was right, it doesn't matter.

[@samwhither9457]

Now you are 30...crazy how time passes...

[@MrBeesknees95]

I'm 17 and I loved it...though I am studying America in history at the moment..

[@babyshambler]

I saw Lincoln last night and thought it was fantastic. Purely dialogue led - even the action scenes are short and exist to drive the narrative rather than to thrill.

[@lw3646]

Brilliant film, the cinematography and the performances. I agree with them about the use of music by Speilberg. He doesn't do subtle when it comes to that. His films wear their emotions on their sleeve so to speak.

[@AerosolKid95]

Although all people in all walks of life are always different, he was speaking very broadly and in that sense I think he's right. I really enjoyed the film but I can't imagine a teenager without any prior interest in history or politics could take much away from a 3 hour period piece that gives a very faithful historical portrayal of a laborious political process.

[@FalconPunch256]

I'm a 17 year old teenager and I found Lincoln genuinely interesting and humorous, a glimpse at who Lincoln was rather than a regurgitation of his story. It was wonderful and, as Kermode said, truly monumental. I don't agree with the teenager comment. Teenagers wouldn't find Citizen Kane or The Master very exciting, but those are hardly flaws to begin with.

[@toma6068]

I'm not born yet but I thought it was incredible

[@ryananon779]

What's it like being three? (I'm still unborn, writing this from inside my future father's left testicle -- wish me luck in the big race!)

[@dole-brentbayalas854]

7 years ago when this came out I was blooooownnnn on my third viewing. I am Filipino but Lincoln really stirred in me a patriotic zeal for my government despite how corrupt and bureaucratic it is.

[@Powpowpictures1]

I have a huge fascination with American history and it's politics. I cannot wait to see this film! Great review Mr Kermode, I absolutely know where you're coming from when you say something can be monumental in both good and bad states.

[@jibsmokestack1]

One of the first times I've really valued Mayo's contribution. Intelligent points about Lincoln and the historical context. He's been much better recently, less of the annoying interruptions disturbing the Kermode flow. A positive development!

[@Chelss1234]

i have to disagree, i am a 16 year old girl and although admittedly i have a deep interest in all genres and aspects of film film i found Lincoln to be greatly interesting with many relateable moments and characters, there were certainly stronger moments and ones harder to engage with but overall feel it is monumental much like yourself.

[@guileniam]

Did you not get bored?

[@brechtian802]

Watched this back when I was 14 and I actually loved it.

[@nigelcarren]

I have been 14 three times now and I loved it!

[@Wilsy1808]

5:15 "HOOOOOOW DAAAAAAAAAAAARRRREEEE YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOU"

[@salvador_ii9771]

Hahaha haha 😂

[@EpicWishProductions]

I agree Tommy Lee Jones character arc was also my favorite aspect of the film. I truly enjoyed the film despite the history lesson. Don't agree about the music. I felt it was rather muted, with mainly a piano based theme. Only thought there was one too many subplots. Mainly the son wanting to join the army subplot could have been jettisoned.

[@z_mo.things]

Good review ! As always.

[@johnpbh]

The book that the film was based on "Team of Rivals" is a wonderful read and really gives an understanding of everything that went on during that time. For a book telling such a complicated, multi layered story it is a very easy read.

[@BarronBrothersFilms]

I was 12 when I saw this movie and loved it.

[@ikerauzmendiesparza6948]

I'm 19 and I loved this movie. It was interesting, deep and everything I wanted to see in this flick.

[@astolatpere11]

Thanks for this. Sums up my thoughts exactly ... Though much more eloquently.

[@TheBhargavsai]

Daniel Day-Lewis has brought life into a statue, a vague personality about whom we do not know much. It is Daniel Day-Lewis who created brooding, sad person which lincoln actually was. It was the perfect performance for me, just because it never confused me, but it subtly entertained me.

[@JosephDeGolyer]

I'm 20, I think that's young. I found the movie very interesting.

[@henn863]

John Williams' music being "slightly overstated" is quite an understatement.

[@jedivisconti]

I'm gonna to watch it...

[@Rueuhy]

I believe what Kermode was saying was that Lincoln could have been brought alive on screen instead of an animated version of what everyone has read about him. The inner turmoil of keeping a union together and seeing slavery as a secondary issue. When he spoke of teenagers not being drawn to this movie it was based upon an analytical analysis of what drives movie audiences today and the target audiences. And of course the intelligent teenagers would find that offensive. But that be as it is.

[@NxDoyle]

All the syllables, Mark.

[@wrjalmond]

I'm 18 and I disagree with Mark that it isn't attractive to a teen audience because of the lack of vampire hunting. I enjoyed the first half which was probably slower but the moment I began to enjoy the film less was when it began its American spiel(berg). The film felt as if its makers thought that America was the first country to abolish slavery, in fact, the irony that the 'land of the free' abolished slavery fully 30 yrs after even Britain should be a source of embarrassment.

[@tortfeasors]

I saw Lincoln this afternoon. I can understand why you were bored as it is very talky. However, I can't agree with you, unfortunately. The story is inherently not boring as it's about the abolition of slavery in America. Not only is it important, but fascinating. You don't need to change the pace of something like that. I personally loved it. Not saying that you're wrong, just that our opinions differ :)

[@DuffPaddy1]

Schindler's List was a great film because of the way the story was brought across to the audience and the skill involved in the storytelling, not because of the story it was telling.

[@mauherkan]

excellent review

[@AntZombie121]

I'm 23 and i was probably the youngest guy in the cinema. I liked the look of the film and a lot of the performances were excellent but i still found it hard to engage with the film, it may require more viewings.

[@jessica5497]

Wow the first time i disagree with Mark... I was 12 and loved LOL and my favorite performance was from Daniel day Lewis...

[@JRobbySh]

Well, of course, “Lincoln” portrayed a figure who is Christlike. A man of sorrows. But one much more emotional, and enigmatic than Raymond Massey, or Gregory Peck, or Henry Fonda, to give but three considerable actors who have portrayed him. As for the real man, more than one compared him with a New England farmer after meeting with him. Of our Presidents, myself guess is he was more like Coolidge in voice and manner than others. I say that especial;l;y because Coolidge was a much better writer and orator than he we think. Coolidge had the clarity of a classically trained speaker and also the brevity. Did not have the poetic touch, however, of a Robert Frost.

[@jamesmacgillivray9607]

Keen observations

[@harveysingh8625]

I believe in cause and effect, if you cause a problem which is humanly negative there is going to be an negative effect which will result in a human negative reaction… What we all need to do is calm the freakin hell down and…key word…humble yourself..😊💕🙏🏼

[@chrishiggins7166]

Director Steven Spielberg delivers A terrifically acted, well directed, well written & A very stylish biopic. (90%) (4.5/5 stars) (positive)

[@robnewman6101]

The 1860s were a so dark decade time!

[@KneeAches]

This movie does not need picking apart. It is an excellent film. Maybe it needed a car chase?

[@tinmachine693]

And some Vampires to attract the teenage market

[@B2Roland]

I wonder if he thought it was monumental.

[@affalaffaa]

Should be MMXIII. Cutbacks in the pixel department are hitting hard

[@YourLoyalDeserter]

I'm 16, and I loved it.

[@abbyhuntley3171]

I saw this in my teens and it felt like the longest cinema trip of my life

[@LukaszPrzek]

Hoooww Daarre Youu!

[@July41776DedicatedtoTheProposi]

Forget the vampire nonsense with the teenagers! It is good as sally Mary Todd is a very interesting person. In 20 years they will love and cherish it!

[@benvids]

A very slow film and awfully wordy yet completely compelling. It seemed to me there was no effort to make the period, plot or dialogue accessible for modern audiences, or for those not well versed in this moment of American history. - For better or worse. It is beautifully shot with almost every scene lit like a classical painting, black interiors illuminated by corners of faces. Agree with Mark, certainly monumental.

[@alittleolder]

Can't believed you referenced that pretty bad Tim Burton movie

[@thetreoman]

When you dont know enough about Lincoln

[@albertlabriola36]

HOWWWWW DARRRREEE YOOUUU

[@HTHAMMACK1]

Half the time I can't figure out whether Mark liked a film or not.

[@tinmachine693]

I'm 59 and I haven't seen it

[@JoseCortes-on6uy]

"Lincoln" is big and awesomely well shot and conceived, but it's a bit desiccated. D.W. Griffith's "Abraham Lincoln" also was well-meaning and quite stodgy. In John Ford's "Young Mr. Lincoln", Lincoln was inexorably turned into a monumental profile. Filmmakers can't help it. Abraham Lincoln is a tricky subject for a movie. Funny thing about Spielberg, though. Starting out as a quirky middle point between Orson Welles and Howard Hawks he has now made a prestige movie in the manner of Robert Wise.

[@dennismason3740]

@kermodeandmayo fer crissakes make a Kermode and Mayo movie in a slapstick Sherlock-Watson mode set in whatever time you choose and the script ("all over the place you need a thousand milligrams just to hold on...") - kidding. You can shoot movies on your futuristic (the FUTURE IS HERE) cellular telephones and someone you know can actually edit on a laptop. Do I need to write a script for you, as well? Brits. Ya can't slap 'em with a fish, ya can't deny their blues. Bully and cheers and aloHA (that's what the natives used to say when you got off the plane in Honolulu with a great big Jeremy Brett HA on the end ) - truth writes itself. Even der Spiel knows this. Too many cooks. One outline, improvisation (already rehearsed playing themselves and yes bring in an appalling stunt double or two) - friends in cameos including Sir Anthony Hopkins. When I told Tony this idea he laughed and said "yes of course I'll play a character like myself" and there you are. I believe that Mister Hopkins will do it for free - he's rather a magnanimous guy. I'm kidding. I haven't talked to Sir Anthony Hopkins since 1985.

[@truthteller4689]

lol Simon Mayo never agrees.

[@Tymbus]

"Monumentally dull" are the words that you are looking for Mark

[@ThisVideoGetsMeMoist]

SPielberg hasn't been the same since Crusade and Always.

[@sj8185]

Why is everyone in this comment section 14 years old

[@roathripper]

10 min review but I'm still left wondering 'is it a good film that is worth watching?'

[@uplaysucks5625]

It's kind of late now, but yes it is

[@tinmachine693]

I think he was desperately trying not to say it was dull, coz he didn't want to offend SS or DDL.

[@roathripper]

@@tinmachine693 8 years on and i still haven't seen this movie lol.

[@richlasma]

you are wrong!!! it was great and l was 20 when l watched

[@wonderwebbo1]

This film was like a history chanel biopic watch Glory instead .A mutch more cinamatic take on the civil war and the fight for equality

[@thatfilmgeekguy]

I know I’m coming to this late, but they’re not remotely telling the same type of story. And more action doesn’t equal more cinematic.

[@user-fv7jb1bd3s]

What on earth is the problematic version of being monumental, in terms of a film?

[@Grifftinderpals]

I did not understand this review at all, I drove a Lincoln once and I have to say it was a soddin' crap motor compared to me Austin Allegro.

[@tinmachine693]

Was it the Continental? Very springy suspension.

[@fruitcake4t]

Vin Diesel should have played Lincoln

[@Thisandthat8908]

Therer is some weird logic in this whole teenager arguemnt. Teenagers grow older and the movie doesn't disappear. Even if he was right, and i doubt it, it doesn't matter. Also from what you read about Lincoln, the constant story telling is historically true. Changing things from what we believe is historical to appease critics (who will always find something else) or special audiences, would be wrong.

[@RustinChole]

Read any biography. He used stories and parables to make his point CONSTANTLY. Another fail🙄

[@jqyhlmnp]

Most of the comments are exceptions. This film absolutely failed with the teen demographic :P

[@danoliver8804]

Great if you love long drawn out constitutions .

[@mrpig408]

I read that Day-Lewis made everyone on the set call him "Mr. President" as he stayed in character at all times. I hope that it is not true. That kind of method acting stuff is so pretentious.

[@ra83clement]

It's another film made just to try and get awards and a film made trying to make a good film

[@Aperki2010]

I'm 106 and I hated it.

[@SnapographyAP]

Uncharacteristically rambling and repetitive review.

[@Joggi98]

2/10 not enough vampire hunting

[@ra83clement]

Should of read, the film should be made to be a good film. Not just try to win awards in that generic award film

[@97Bobson]

FIRST

[@yossarian22athome]

It was rather boring and inert.

[@ThatGingerCuntFromTerminator2]

you should stick to watching transformers

[@MrCassavius]

I think its a very cardboard movie, very austere, very talkative, and IMO, very boring, not because of those reasons strictly but because how the story is treated (and the story is incredibly boring itself when doesnt have any change or variation in themes or pace)

[@irishbloke99]

I got lost after 20 mins, i know nothing about american history and its clear this film is for americans or history buffs. Its not something for someone outside either of those two categories. I wish i could have enjoyed it but it felt boring, long and dull. Call me ignorant i like history but it wast for me.

[@laura12515]

It was so pretentious and sickeningly overrated. Errr

[@mattwaldren]

Im a 35 year old man and i found the movie very dry, boring and basically 2+hours of white old men in funny hats talking politics in rooms whilst the lighting and costume people scream for an oscar nomination.