When it comes to modern directors, Steven Spielberg is a household name. Among his extensive resume includes the movies “Jaws,” E.T.”, “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind;” all landmark achievements for their stylized use of visual effects and entertainment value. But then there is the more “serious” Spielberg; the type that reaches into significant historical events, and for a fragment of time recreates a living, breathing world that once only existed in memories and books. These movies are made for their historical and aesthetic value, not just to attract audiences. “Lincoln,” his latest film, is of this caliber. But it even stands apart from his past historical achievements. You will not see the blood and gore such as in the opening scene of “Saving Private Ryan.” You will not experience the raw tragic violence of “Schindler’s List” (though there is one smoky battlefield scene that comes close.) “Lincoln” instead runs much like a courtroom drama; not dry or dull, but fresh and riveting throughout. And it could easily win Best Picture this year at the Academy Awards.

“Lincoln” deals with the last few months of the President’s life: the war is coming to a close, with the Confederacy near ready to surrender. But rather than deal with the end of the war, the President focused on an issue that he felt was more important: a proposed 13th Amendment. If passed, it would officially abolish slavery forever. Lincoln was afraid that, even if the country was reunited, slavery would eventually start to come back in the South. The war, and all the lives it claimed, would have been for nothing. For several weeks, the controversy spreads at Congress after Lincoln proposes his bill. If we abolish slavery, then what next? Allowing blacks the right to vote? Allowing interracial marriage? People were not quite ready to accept the black race as equals. But, with some convincing, Lincoln is confident that he can pass the bill.

The movie manages to keep the audience engaged, even though most of what we see is scene after scene of people talking. People talking in Lincoln’s office; having heated discussions in Lincoln’s study; frenzied arguments among Congress at the House of Representatives. But with John Williams’ uplifting, not too melodramatic score; the use of moving camera shots and close-up angles; and of course, the performances of a well-chosen cast, Spielberg manages to make even a simple courtroom debate into something just as momentous as the final battle of a war film. “Lincoln” also allows us to glimpse behind closed doors, into the world of Congress. This is a place ripe with corruption, greed, and discrimination; but it is a place that seems a necessary evil, which has the capacity to do some real good in the end.

Abraham Lincoln died before voice recording was invented. All that we know about his personality is what we can see in pictures, or from documents of people that knew him. And all that we really think when we look back at him is what legend has created: the man whose image is on the penny and the five dollar bill, who has towns and cities named after him, who is represented as a famous statue and memorial at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. So, it is difficult to humanize him. This is where “Lincoln” succeeds at its finest. While simultaneously preserving the legend, the movie also shows the flaws that prove Lincoln’s humanness: the high-pitched, broken tenor voice; the hunchbacked, awkwardly slow stride; the sometimes unexpected outbursts and angry gestures. Though soft-spoken, with a voice that does not travel well, Lincoln’s strong confidence and storytelling manner demands the attention of every room he enters, which would suddenly quiet in hushed admiration. Daniel Day-Lewis is a wonder in this role. With just a hand gesture, a nod of the head, or a raising of the eyebrows; we are witnessing an actor who has completely sworn himself to his role. We are watching Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President. Day-Lewis rightfully deserves an Academy Award for his performance. There is nothing else so far this year that even comes close.

Among the rest of the cast, Tommy Lee Jones is perfect as the Congressman Thaddeus Stevens. Limping across a courtroom with his cane, Thaddeus’ witty manner and cynical confidence rival only that of Lincoln himself. Sally Field is also great as Mary Todd Lincoln, providing one of her career-best roles as the First Lady behind the man. Spielberg brings out the best in his actors, for once managing to capture their raw talent in its fullness.

For those interested in politics, desirous to learn more about the Civil War and the passing of the 13th Amendment, possessing a fondness for historical biopics, or just a fan of Daniel Day-Lewis, this film is for you. Spielberg has come a long way since the flashy special effects-driven films of his early career. He has proven himself an artistic director too, a legend among the rest. And he has managed to make one of the best movies of the year.