The Sunrise Theater brings the most acclaimed movie of 2012, "Lincoln," to the theater this weekend.

Critic Andrew O'Hehir, writing for Salon, described the film as "a thrilling, tragic and gripping moral tapestry of 19th century American life, an experience that is at once emotional, visceral and intellectual."

"Lincoln," directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role, does not attempt a full biographical treatment of the 16th president, but focuses on the final days of the Civil War and Lincoln's struggle with Congress to pass the 13th Amendment.

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.

The cast includes a host of stars: Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, John Hawkes, James Spader, David Strathairn, Jackie Earle Haley, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jared Harris, Walton Goggins, Lee Pace, Bruce McGill, David Oyelowo and Julie White.

The film has been nominated for 12 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Spielberg and Best Actor for Day-Lewis.

It is based on the book "Team of Rivals: the Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln," by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

"Lincoln" will be shown from Thursday, Feb. 7, through Sunday, Feb. 10 (no Monday showing), with shows on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. The film is rated PG-13 and runs for 2.5 hours.

Critical reception has been nearly universal in its praise, for both the skillful depiction of the creaky process of politics and the stunning performances of cast members.

Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly describes the film as "grand and immersive ... brilliantly dramatizes the delicacy of politics, along with the raw brutality of it ... a dream of history as it might truly have happened."

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that "rarely has a film attended more carefully to the details of politics ... Tommy Lee Jones in particular portrays a crafty codger with some secret hiding places in his heart."

After each showing of the film, in the Sunrise lobby moviegoers will have an opportunity to purchase "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" by Doris Kearns Goodwin. The Country Bookshop will be donating a portion of the book sales to Sunrise Theater.

The historical Sunrise Theater is located at 250 NW Broad St. in Southern Pines. Tickets for the all shows are $7 for adults (plus a $1 suggested donation for theater improvements) and are only available at the box office before each show.

Refreshments, including beer and wine, are available.

For more information about this film or any events at the Sunrise, contact the theater at (910) 692-3611 or www.sunrisetheater.com.