Make no mistake, this is a superb movie in the classic Hollywood tradition. It's more of a courtroom drama than a bio-pic, engaging us as it does with the thrilling and moving narration of the incredible efforts required to obtain the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, rather than giving any sort of overview of Lincoln himself. It certainly is gratifying to see an American movie getting to grips with the shame of the US government only getting round to abolishing slavery in January 1864, and even then only by the skin of its teeth. A brilliant piece of storytelling that does no violence to the historical facts and has a compelling momentum. Spielberg gives us excellent clarity on the moral issues versus the pragmatic to-do list in the entirely literate and completely gripping script, coupled with awesomely brilliant and compelling performances from everyone concerned, but particularly from Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln - an extraordinary achievement. An absolute must-see.

Spielberg is the Shakespeare of the silver screen. And Lincoln is his history play. Charting Abraham Lincoln‘s political battle to achieve the abolition of slavery, it‘s an incisively scripted drama. And with a powerhouse performance from Daniel Day Lewis, it‘s never less than engrossing.

The American Civil War is nearing its end. But Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day Lewis) has yet to garner the necessary votes to achieve the abolition of slavery. Beset by traditionalists, the future of the nation - and his life‘s ambition - are in the balance. By hook or by crook, he sets out to topple the forces ranged against him before time runs out and the country lapses into a conscience-less peace.

Some actors portray a character, others inhabit them. Daniel Day Lewis is Abraham Lincoln. And one of the joys of this film is the curious sense that you‘re actually meeting the President himself so seamlessly does Lincoln come to life. The stooped gait, dogged manner, mercurial wit and mellifluous voice, are flesh-and-blood believable.

It‘s the key to the film. That and the cinematography of Spielberg-regular Janusz Kaminski. Lincoln‘s effectively a stage play. There are precious few exterior shots during the nearly three hour running time. So Kaminski‘s prowling camera and luscious palettes beguile you that in these drawing rooms and debating chambers, all the world‘s a stage.

Being Spielberg, there has to be humour. Tommy Lee Jones (as Lincoln-supporter and Radical leader, Thaddeus Stevens) eats the scenery and spits it out in wonderfully scathing taunts and insults. Avoiding caricature, he‘s a world-weary political barnstormer with a big mouth but with eyes that convey conviction. A neat contrast with Lincoln‘s sharp, whip-smart manoeuverer.

Great issues of state, political intrigue and a complex personality. Shakespearean indeed. But where are the roguish comedy characters offering a commentary on the action? Ah, there they are, up in the gallery. Bewhiskered hacks and opinion-formers, including a barely recognisable James Spader, chortling over the prating politicians below them.

But what Shakespeare didn‘t do was add another Act when the drama was done. And Spielberg lapses into the po-faced codas that blighted Schindler‘s List and Saving Private Ryan. Mawkish, flag-waving and plangent, those last 20 minutes are redundant. Better off freeze-framing on a silhouetted Lincoln about to head off to the theatre.

Quibbles aside, Lincoln is a rich, funny, informative and beautiful film. It feels like a play. Daniel Day Lewis‘ Lincoln is as real as any cinema character could ever be. And that‘s an exhilarating experience. But is it worth a tenner at the cinema, this turning point in world history? As a story no – on TV would be fine. But as a chance to meet the man himself? Absolutely.