Lincoln

The film recounts President Abraham Lincoln's (Daniel Day-Lewis) efforts during 1865 to pass the Thirteenth Amendment in the U.S. House, formally abolishing slavery.

DreamWorks Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox

Expecting the Civil War to end within a month but concerned that his 1863 Emancipation Proclamation that freed the slaves will be thrown out, Lincoln wants to pass the measure by the end of January.

DreamWorks Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox

While Lincoln and Secretary of State William Seward (David Strathairn) work to secure the necessary Democratic votes, the leader of the Republican party begins peace talks with Confederate leaders.

DreamWorks Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox

Republican Rep. Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones) decides to moderate his then-radical statements about racial equality, while Lincoln denies that Confederate representatives are in Washington to discuss peace. The amendment passes by two votes.

DreamWorks Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox

On the night of April 14, 1865, Lincoln is in a late-night meeting with his cabinet when he is reminded that Mrs. Lincoln (Sally Field) is waiting to take them to their evening at Ford's Theater.

DreamWorks Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox

After Lincoln's assassination, the film ends with a flashback to Lincoln delivering his second inaugural address.

DreamWorks Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox