Lincoln⁚ A Parents Guide
This guide is designed to help parents make informed decisions about whether or not the film “Lincoln” is appropriate for their children. It provides information about the movie’s themes, content, and potential issues that may be of concern to parents, such as violence, language, and historical accuracy.
Overview
“Lincoln” is a 2012 historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Daniel Day-Lewis as President Abraham Lincoln. The film focuses on the final four months of Lincoln’s presidency, as he works to pass the 13th Amendment, which would abolish slavery. The film is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, and it depicts the political maneuvering and personal struggles that Lincoln faced during this critical period. The film received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and historical accuracy. It was nominated for twelve Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won two for Best Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Best Production Design;
“Lincoln” is a powerful and moving film that offers a glimpse into one of the most pivotal moments in American history. It is a story about leadership, compromise, and the fight for freedom. The film is suitable for mature audiences, but it may not be appropriate for younger viewers due to its intense themes and graphic depictions of war.
Themes and Content
“Lincoln” explores several important themes, including the complexities of politics, the morality of war, and the struggle for equality. The film depicts the political process in all its messy glory, showing how compromises are made, deals are struck, and ideologies clash. It also delves into the moral dilemmas faced by those involved in the war, particularly the decision to send young men into battle and the cost of human life.
The film’s central theme is the fight to abolish slavery, and it highlights the significance of the 13th Amendment in shaping the future of the United States. The film also touches upon other issues, such as the role of women in society, the power of persuasion, and the importance of leadership during times of crisis.
“Lincoln” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that encourages viewers to consider the complexities of history and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. It’s a film that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages, but its mature themes and historical context may require some guidance and discussion for younger viewers.
Violence and Gore
While “Lincoln” is not a graphic war film, it does depict the realities of the Civil War, including scenes of battlefield violence and the aftermath of combat. The film features some images of soldiers with missing limbs, bloody wounds, and the aftermath of battles, including dead bodies. One scene in particular shows a soldier who has been gored and disemboweled.
These scenes are not overly graphic but are realistic and may be disturbing for younger viewers or those sensitive to violence. The film also includes a scene where William Seward is violently attacked while recovering from a carriage accident, although he survives. It’s important to note that the violence in “Lincoln” is not gratuitous, but rather serves to emphasize the brutality of war and the sacrifices made by those involved.
The film’s focus is on the political maneuvering surrounding the passage of the 13th Amendment, and the violence is depicted in a manner that is intended to be historically accurate and emotionally impactful. Parents should consider their child’s sensitivity to violence before deciding whether or not to watch this film.
Language
The language used in “Lincoln” is generally appropriate for its PG-13 rating, but parents should be aware that there are a few instances of strong language. The film features a couple of uses of the “f-word” and some other mild profanity that is typical of historical settings.
These instances are not excessive or gratuitous, but they do occur and may be a concern for some parents. It’s important to remember that the film is set in the 1860s, and the language reflects the social norms of that era.
The language in “Lincoln” is primarily used to convey the intensity of political debates and the realities of life during the Civil War. However, parents should discuss with their children the context of the language used and its historical significance to help them understand the film’s portrayal of the era.
Sexual Content
While “Lincoln” explores complex themes and characters, it does not feature any explicit sexual content. The film focuses on the political struggles and personal sacrifices of Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet during the Civil War.
The film’s emphasis is on historical accuracy and the moral complexities of the era. The portrayal of relationships is primarily through the lens of political alliances and personal loyalties, with no scenes of sexual intimacy.
The film’s themes of family, political ambition, and the fight for freedom are presented in a mature and thought-provoking way, but there are no scenes that would be considered sexually suggestive or inappropriate for a PG-13 audience.
Drug and Alcohol Use
While “Lincoln” depicts the historical context of the Civil War era, which included prevalent tobacco use, the film does not explicitly portray drug or alcohol abuse.
There are brief scenes where characters are shown smoking cigars or pipes, reflecting the common social practices of the time. However, these scenes are not intended to glorify or encourage such behaviors, and they do not play a significant role in the narrative.
The film’s focus remains on the political machinations and personal struggles of Abraham Lincoln and his administration. It is important to note that the film’s depiction of tobacco use is historically accurate, but it is not intended to endorse or glamorize smoking.
Historical Accuracy
“Lincoln” is generally lauded for its commitment to historical accuracy, though it is important to acknowledge that the film is a dramatization, not a documentary. The movie’s portrayal of President Lincoln’s efforts to pass the 13th Amendment and end slavery during the final months of the Civil War is grounded in historical fact, and the key players involved in the legislative process are accurately depicted.
However, some critics have pointed out that the film condenses and simplifies certain aspects of the historical narrative. For instance, while the film does portray the political maneuverings and compromises involved in passing the 13th Amendment, it may not fully capture the complexity and nuance of the historical events.
Despite these minor critiques, “Lincoln” is widely regarded as a valuable and accurate portrayal of a critical period in American history, offering a nuanced and compelling look at the life and legacy of one of the nation’s most revered presidents.
Educational Value
“Lincoln” offers a powerful and engaging learning experience, particularly for students of American history. It provides a unique glimpse into the tumultuous period of the Civil War and the complex political landscape surrounding the abolition of slavery. The film’s portrayal of the legislative process, the debates over the 13th Amendment, and the human cost of the war are all valuable educational elements.
Beyond its historical context, “Lincoln” also explores themes of leadership, morality, and the power of political persuasion. It showcases Lincoln’s strategic brilliance and his ability to navigate challenging political landscapes. The film’s depiction of the moral struggle over slavery provides a platform for discussing important ethical considerations and the enduring fight for equality.
For parents and educators looking to supplement classroom learning or spark a deeper understanding of American history, “Lincoln” serves as a compelling and thought-provoking tool. It can be a valuable resource for stimulating discussions about the past, present, and future of American democracy.
Age Appropriateness
The MPAA has rated “Lincoln” PG-13 for an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage, and brief strong language. This rating reflects the film’s mature themes and content, which may be unsuitable for younger viewers. The war scenes, while not overly graphic, depict the brutality and suffering of conflict, which could be disturbing for children. The film’s dialogue also includes occasional strong language, which some parents might find objectionable.
While the film’s historical significance and educational value make it a potentially worthwhile viewing experience for older teenagers and adults, parents should carefully consider their child’s maturity level and sensitivity to violence and strong language before deciding whether it is appropriate. Open communication with children about the film’s themes and content can help prepare them for potentially challenging scenes and facilitate meaningful discussions afterward.
For younger children, there are other historical films and documentaries that may be more appropriate, focusing on less intense aspects of history or presenting information in a more accessible way. It’s always best to preview films before allowing children to watch them to ensure they are age-appropriate and align with your family’s values.
Discussion Topics
“Lincoln” offers a compelling opportunity for meaningful conversations with children and teenagers about history, politics, and the complexities of social change. Here are some discussion topics that can be explored after watching the film⁚
- The 13th Amendment and the Abolition of Slavery⁚ Discuss the historical context of the Civil War and the significance of the 13th Amendment in ending slavery. Explore the challenges faced by Lincoln in passing the amendment and the role of different political factions in the debate.
- Leadership and Compromise⁚ Analyze Lincoln’s leadership style and his ability to navigate complex political landscapes. Discuss the importance of compromise and consensus-building in achieving political goals.
- War and its Consequences⁚ Reflect on the human cost of war, both for soldiers and civilians. Discuss the film’s depiction of the battlefield and the emotional impact of war on those involved.
- Social Justice and Equality⁚ Examine the film’s themes of social justice and equality. Discuss the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States and the challenges that remain.
- Historical Accuracy and Interpretation⁚ Explore the film’s portrayal of historical events and characters. Discuss how historical films can provide insights into the past while also offering interpretations and perspectives.
Engaging in these discussions can help children develop critical thinking skills, deepen their understanding of history, and foster empathy for others.