Watch Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship

On a cold winter night in 1865, just months after the end of the Civil War, two great men meet in the Oval Office: President Abraham Lincoln and famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass. In Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship, audiences get a glimpse into the complicated and often tumultuous relationship between these two influential figures.

The film, starring Danny Glover as Douglass and Ernest Troost as Lincoln, opens as the Civil War is drawing to a close. As Lincoln prepares to deliver his second inaugural address, he receives a letter from Douglass requesting a meeting to discuss the future of the nation. Despite his initial reservations, Lincoln agrees to meet with Douglass, and the two men strike up an unlikely friendship.

Over the course of the film, viewers are treated to a series of intimate conversations between Lincoln and Douglass, as they grapple with issues of race, politics, and the meaning of freedom. They discuss the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth Amendment, and the challenges that lie ahead in the struggle for civil rights. They also share personal stories about their own lives and families, giving the audience a sense of the men behind the historical figures.

The conversations between Lincoln and Douglass are both poignant and illuminating. Lincoln, with his gift for language and his folksy charm, often takes the lead in the discussions, using his words to soothe Douglass's concerns and put him at ease. Douglass, for his part, is more cautious and skeptical, pushing Lincoln to see the reality of racism and discrimination in America. Their debates are intense, but always respectful, and the chemistry between Glover and Troost is palpable.

In addition to the conversations between Lincoln and Douglass, the film also includes scenes of both men interacting with their families and associates. We see Lincoln spending time with his wife, Mary Todd, and his young son, Tad, who provides some comic relief with his mischievous antics. We also see Douglass speaking at rallies and meetings, and engaging with other prominent figures of the time, such as Susan B. Anthony.

While the film is primarily focused on the relationship between Lincoln and Douglass, it also offers a broader perspective on the political and social issues of the time. We see the aftermath of the war, with its devastation and loss of life, and we witness the struggles of African Americans as they face discrimination and violence in the North and the South alike. Throughout it all, Lincoln and Douglass remain committed to their ideals, even as they recognize the difficulties ahead.

The film is shot in a straightforward, no-frills style, with minimal special effects or cinematography. This puts the focus squarely on the performances of Glover and Troost, both of whom are excellent. Glover captures Douglass's intelligence and charisma, as well as his deep sense of anger and frustration at the injustices of his time. Troost, meanwhile, gives us a Lincoln who is both wise and vulnerable, struggling with the weight of his responsibilities even as he tries to do what is right.

Overall, Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship is a powerful and thought-provoking film that provides a unique window into one of the most important relationships in American history. With its outstanding performances and its nuanced exploration of complex issues, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.

Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship is a 2018 family movie with a runtime of 12 minutes.