In a nutshell - Well-executed direction, strong screenplay and more importantly powerful performances

Rating: 8/10 (14 January 2013)

Silver Linings Playbook was one of the best movies I've seen in recent times. The story was completely out of box with versatile performances by Bradley Cooper , Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Anupam Kher.
Released from a mental institution , Pat tries to reconcile back to his ex-wife after losing his job , his house. Moving in with his parents , he meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own but who becomes the only silver lining in his life.
From the director of critically acclaim The Fighter, David O' Russel gives in yet another powerful drama with some knockout performances. The story and script is powerful with some high octane drama that is sure to keep you engrossed. However , this movie is challenging and is made for niche audiences that is sure to keep some folks at bay. Couple of scenes have been executed brilliantly - the scene where Pat tries to find his wedding video at 4 AM in the morning, the scene at the Diner restaurant between Pat and Tiffany and her sudden burst into flame is one of the best scene in the film. The film relies more on actor performing at the moment and that is the best part. Direction contains lot of gravity and is handled superbly. Screenplay is grasping. Editing is crispy. Art direction and Cinematography is good. Dialogues are punching. Story , based on Matther Qucik's novel , is well-written. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence are the soul of the film. It is their enduring performances which makes this film more watchable. Watch out for their chemistry as if they are playing real characters. They vehemently supported by fine performances by Robert De Niro and Anupam Kher.
Silver Lining Playbooks is definitely a strong contender for upcoming awards this season for its well-executed direction, strong screenplay and more importantly powerful performances. Excellent 4/5