My Left Foot

Directed by: Jim Sheridan

Written by: Shane Connaughton, Jim Sheridan (screenplay); Christy Brown (book)








"My Left Foot" tells the story of Christy Brown, a young man from Ireland born with cerebral paulsy. His left foot, from which the title is derived, is the only part of his body which he can control. He is smart and creative, but is often written off because he is trapped within his body's limitations.

Daniel Day-Lewis once again brings his "A game" and brings Christy to life for the film. It's well worth watching the film for his performance.

Beyond him, though, it's a really compelling and interesting story.

Lincoln

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Written by: Tony Kushner (screenplay); Doris Kearns Goodwin (book - "Team of Rivals)









Abraham Lincoln is such a massive figure in American history, that it's hard to believe that any one movie could reasonably define him.  Of course, only Steven Spielberg could even reasonably attempt a movie of this scale.  And, for the most part, he was pretty successful.

Part of the film's success lies in its relativey limited scope.  "Lincoln" only shows the president at the peak of his leadership, nearing the end of the Civil War while he is trying to have the 14th Amendment passed and ratified.

Daniel Day-Lewis somehow becomes Lincoln (or, at least, how I always imagined him to be), but great performances are pretty much expected from him.