Lincoln is in conversation with two black soldiers during his visit to army front heading for an assault on Wilmington port while two white recruits barge in. These while boys talk about Lincoln's speech at Gettysburg cemetery. When Lincoln enquires as to whether they heard anything that day, one of them starts reciting his speech. Suddenly their company is ordered to march and both boys leave. Then, the black soldiers complete the famed speech. This is the opening scene from Steven Spielberg biopic Lincoln released in 2012. And the speech they talk about is arguably one of the greatest speeches about country, democracy and patriotism. In his succinct address, Lincoln conveyed his gratitude for the sacrifices made by American people, highlighted the importance of a continued civil war and motivated the armies to fight for a higher purpose. And to think that this whole speech is merely of 250+ words and was concluded in around three minutes, you can't help being awed. A few glimpses of the the speech,
"...our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal...."
"...We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives, that that nation might live..."
"...that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion..."
"...and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth..."
No one speaks like this any more.
No nation today has a leader capable of addressing its people thus. In our country as well, there is a drought of powerful speakers who can arouse the feeling of nationalism and valour. Orators of the likes of Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Bose, Bhagat, Bismil and Tilak are long gone. Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihar Bajpayee have faded through time and Mr Narendra Modi is the last flag bearer, singular person who is holding the banner of great public-speaker in modern India. Well, let's stop brooding on poor state of our politicians and go back to the topic, Lincoln, the movie.
Film revolves around the thirteenth amendment of emancipation proclamation (abolition of slavery in America) and it begins with Lincoln's second election. No need to say that the film is a master class entertainer and impeccable historical documentary at the same time. You get transported to the American world of 1865 and can feel their struggles and rejoice their conquests. Daniel Day Lewis delivers (nay, literally lives the part) astounding performance as a lead. After the film, he has decided to take an indefinite break saying he cannot improve on the performance given in this film. Though I would love to watch him act as much as possible, I can't help agreeing with him. His performance is beyond that of any we have seen in recent years of cinema and he deservedly bagged an Oscar for this movie.
The film however is more than just good acting or storytelling. It emphasises the transition of USA in to the most powerful country, the greatest country as Americans like to call it. You see, for 87 years since they won freedom from Britain, America was house of poverty, oppression and barbarianism. As it is quoted in the movie "American people had lost their compass because they were tolerating the evil of slavery." When a human is cruel to another human being, they rip their soul. If you don't believe me go and read Harry Potter 7th book. Shred by shred, such people or society drives themselves towards obliteration. Such was the situation in America. Only after Lincoln did they realize their true potential and lived up to it. Hence, in all sense of the word, it was the greatest achievement in American history. Most elementary factor that every man and woman is equal to each other in their right to living, dignity and opportunity, was actualized through 13th amendment in the constitution of USA.
Great men end up making even greater sacrifices for their cause. Such is the history of humanity and such shall be the future. Be it a leader or an actor, to achieve the best of what they are capable of requires them to put up with more than they are willing to. In this film you can visualize, through director's imagination, the turmoil Lincoln and his family went through. Assembly sessions picturised here will not be misplaced in any contemporary political drama. Same hacking and hustling as we see today was prevalent more than a century ago and scientists want us to believe that the evolution is still on.
Another powerful character that left its mark was that of Thaddeus Stevens, a radical Republican who is polar opposite to Lincoln and his politics. Only matter they see eye to eye is demolition of slavery. Tommy Lee Jones is remarkable and achieves his fourth Oscar nomination for the portrayal of this outspoken and passionate politician. Film is filled with quirks and witty moments.
Most important message, as stated above, is the notion of equality. I can't help compare the social structure of free Bharat wherein even after 67 years of independence we are struggling with untouchability and reservation, both of which are equally detrimental and offending to human race. We are on the brink of a major political upheaval and its impact might very well be equivalent to that of Lincoln's tenure. Let's hope that this time we do not repeat the mistake we have been repeating for over six decades now.
Well, the day of reckoning is nigh upon us Bharatiyas. So, if nothing else, at least to jolt your sense of nationalist patriotism, I urge you to watch this film. And I wish you enjoy as much as I enjoy it each time.
"...our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal...."
"...We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives, that that nation might live..."
"...that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion..."
"...and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth..."
No one speaks like this any more.
No nation today has a leader capable of addressing its people thus. In our country as well, there is a drought of powerful speakers who can arouse the feeling of nationalism and valour. Orators of the likes of Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Bose, Bhagat, Bismil and Tilak are long gone. Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihar Bajpayee have faded through time and Mr Narendra Modi is the last flag bearer, singular person who is holding the banner of great public-speaker in modern India. Well, let's stop brooding on poor state of our politicians and go back to the topic, Lincoln, the movie.
Film revolves around the thirteenth amendment of emancipation proclamation (abolition of slavery in America) and it begins with Lincoln's second election. No need to say that the film is a master class entertainer and impeccable historical documentary at the same time. You get transported to the American world of 1865 and can feel their struggles and rejoice their conquests. Daniel Day Lewis delivers (nay, literally lives the part) astounding performance as a lead. After the film, he has decided to take an indefinite break saying he cannot improve on the performance given in this film. Though I would love to watch him act as much as possible, I can't help agreeing with him. His performance is beyond that of any we have seen in recent years of cinema and he deservedly bagged an Oscar for this movie.
The film however is more than just good acting or storytelling. It emphasises the transition of USA in to the most powerful country, the greatest country as Americans like to call it. You see, for 87 years since they won freedom from Britain, America was house of poverty, oppression and barbarianism. As it is quoted in the movie "American people had lost their compass because they were tolerating the evil of slavery." When a human is cruel to another human being, they rip their soul. If you don't believe me go and read Harry Potter 7th book. Shred by shred, such people or society drives themselves towards obliteration. Such was the situation in America. Only after Lincoln did they realize their true potential and lived up to it. Hence, in all sense of the word, it was the greatest achievement in American history. Most elementary factor that every man and woman is equal to each other in their right to living, dignity and opportunity, was actualized through 13th amendment in the constitution of USA.
Great men end up making even greater sacrifices for their cause. Such is the history of humanity and such shall be the future. Be it a leader or an actor, to achieve the best of what they are capable of requires them to put up with more than they are willing to. In this film you can visualize, through director's imagination, the turmoil Lincoln and his family went through. Assembly sessions picturised here will not be misplaced in any contemporary political drama. Same hacking and hustling as we see today was prevalent more than a century ago and scientists want us to believe that the evolution is still on.
Another powerful character that left its mark was that of Thaddeus Stevens, a radical Republican who is polar opposite to Lincoln and his politics. Only matter they see eye to eye is demolition of slavery. Tommy Lee Jones is remarkable and achieves his fourth Oscar nomination for the portrayal of this outspoken and passionate politician. Film is filled with quirks and witty moments.
Most important message, as stated above, is the notion of equality. I can't help compare the social structure of free Bharat wherein even after 67 years of independence we are struggling with untouchability and reservation, both of which are equally detrimental and offending to human race. We are on the brink of a major political upheaval and its impact might very well be equivalent to that of Lincoln's tenure. Let's hope that this time we do not repeat the mistake we have been repeating for over six decades now.
Well, the day of reckoning is nigh upon us Bharatiyas. So, if nothing else, at least to jolt your sense of nationalist patriotism, I urge you to watch this film. And I wish you enjoy as much as I enjoy it each time.
how many of leaders of our country really felt this. very touching. good one.
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