Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Lincoln

film

Lincoln

2012

The revealing story of the 16th US President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? The PG-13 film involves slavery, racial injustice, Civil War consequences, political manipulation, battlefield imagery, family fears of death, and Lincoln’s assassination. Its complex dialogue and historical themes suit mature teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Educational value5/5
  • Positive messages5/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Lincoln’s assassination and death occur near the end, with family and national grief treated seriously; war deaths are also part of the context.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some realistic battlefield aftermath and assassination-related injury imagery appear, but blood and bodily details are limited rather than graphic.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Period political arguments include occasional sharp language and mild profanity, without frequent strong obscenities or slurs.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Contains a brief, non-explicit reference to the intimate relationship between Thaddeus Stevens and his partner.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religious references appear, reflecting the historical context of the period.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Features marital friction between Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, and a brief, discreet depiction of Thaddeus Stevens' relationship.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

The intensity of the subject matter and the weight of war create a tense atmosphere, but it is not horror-based.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Very limited, subtle references to adult relationships.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Smoking appears occasionally as a historical period detail. Substance use is minor, not central, and not presented as a major influence on the story.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes depiction of the gory aftermath of a Civil War battle and brief mentions of war conflict.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Focuses heavily on the moral fortitude required to pursue human rights in a fractured society.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Demonstrates creative problem-solving in a high-stakes, real-world political environment.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Reflects the racial issues of the 1860s and includes significant, though constrained, portrayals of Black individuals.

Educational value5/5
Why this rating?

Excellent resource for understanding the political process of the Thirteenth Amendment and the end of the Civil War.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Shows characters struggling to demonstrate empathy while under immense political pressure.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes the importance of moral courage, persistence in democracy, and the pursuit of equality.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Lincoln and others demonstrate determination, civic responsibility, and moral purpose, while the story also acknowledges compromise and political manipulation.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Lincoln would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Lincoln, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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