Dave Smith First and foremost this movie is a courtroom drama, but what sets it apart is the topic and theme. Set at the end of the American Civil War it examines the motivations behind the controversial trial of Mary Surratt. It shows us emotions and views of the US after 4 years of civil war. What started as a profound belief in fighting for an obvious cause by both sides has deteriorated into visceral hatred. As all normal convention as gone by the way in the name of war, so has justice, and the assassination of Lincoln and the trials thereafter are merely an extension of that war. I have noted some criticisms in other reviews, such as putting forward Surratt's innocence, or an inaccurate portrayal of the behaviour of the prosecution. The movie does no such thing, and such comments are evidence that the effect that the Civil War has had on American society has still not faded to this day. This movie excellently displays the effect of war on a previously just society.

trevorkane-42903 The movie was good, It wasn't great but i liked that James Mcavoy was the lead actor i think he did a very good job at not being too shy as a lead role. They also made the movie so that it wasn't just for history buff so that a average person who doesn't know much about what happened can follow and understand the movie. Another that was good was that it was mostly historically accurate, of course there were somethings that they had to make over dramatic for the sake of the movie, but most of the movie was realistic. And when you watched the movie you didn't see many mistakes, it was like that they were more concerned about what the movie was like instead of getting the movie done by the due date.

character7520 Not entirely historically accurate-- but what historical movie is, anyway? It sets out to tell the overall arc of a historical event, and it does it effectively, with great acting and an effective score.The portrayal of certain events leaves the viewer with a sense of trepidation, which is brutally effective. For example, the portrayal of the assassination of Lincoln had me in anxious anticipation of what was to come, even though I knew already.It makes for good commentary on how a senseless thirst for revenge, as well as assumptions and predetermined verdicts can undermine the law. This historical event is still relevant today, and will be for as long as we allow bias and misplaced needs for revenge when judging persons of a crime; and it's portrayed quite well in the movie.That said, the movie does stretch the truth quite a bit, with regard to how the event actually happened and how the historical figures were portrayed. It's portrayed as far more black and white in terms of morality than it actually was. However, it still gets its message across and conveys the story decently. It's certainly worth seeing if one has an interest in history.

Soccersizzl103 This dramatic and intriguing movie surrounded the grief, pain, and anger of Lincoln's assassination. It showed the injustice and corruption of the government during this trying time in history. The plot is suspenseful, leaving ones eyes glued to the screen trying to anticipate what's going to occur next. Out of 23 movies to chose from for a history assignment, I chose this movie because interested me. It interested me because I was intrigued in how the nation took Lincoln's assassination and what they did to find the people behind the tragic event. Throughout the movie, I started to notice how I was drawn to the characters in a way that I was affected by their moods. At first, Frederick is stuck between a rock and a hard place, between if it's right or wrong to defend Mary Surratt. In the end, his decision to defend Mary Surratt was something worthwhile and he grew fond of her. The corruption and injustice shown in the military government demonstrates the struggle between good and evil. To be honest, at first I was hesitate of how good this movie would turn out to be. Overall, I actually deemed it as a good and intriguing movie as it progressed, but the ending left me deeply upset and angered. I was hoping for a happy ending, but was left with a disappointed and frustrated feeling. Have fun watching!