''Silver Linings Playbook'' (2012 movie)- Review

Directed by: David O. Russell
Released: 2012
Country: United States

Genres: Romantic comedy, Drama

Main cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Julia Stiles, Anupam Kher, Brea Bee

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

Jennifer Lawrence of ''The Hunger Games'' fame and Bradley Cooper play the protagonists in this delightful, sublime, sweet romantic comedy film. What this film turns out to be is a wonderful film that gives a smile, that touches us, that keeps us laughing, and turns out to be one of the best romantic comedies in years. These days, we have been tired seeing cliched romantic comedies. In 2011, a there was a refreshing addition to the genre, ''The Artist'', a beautiful film, and in 2012, there is ''Silver Linings Playbook'' for you, a subtle, sublime film free from all those cliches.

Based on the novel ''The Silver Linings Playbook'' by Matthew Quick, the picture's protagonist is Pat Solitano Jr. (Bradley Cooper), who has spent eight months in a mental health facility, because he suffers from bipolar disorder. He has now returned to his parents' house, only to learn that his wife, Nikki (Brea Bee) has left him, after some terrible problems that happened. Pat wants to reconcile with Nikki, but how will he?

Then he meets the recently widowed Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), sister of his friend Ronnie's wife Veronica. Tiffany is a complicated character, just like him. Mysterious, bizarre, with a complicated past that is revealed in course of the film, we come to know in an instant that she is strange. There is a scene when Bradley is walking Tiffany to her home, Tiffany hugged him suddenly, then suddenly started crying, then slapped him, then walked away! I was surprised and started laughing. What did just happen?

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence in ''Silver Linings Playbook''

Anyways, Bradley and Tiffany meet each other at their walks, and Bradley isn't quite comfortable with her. When Bradley tells Tiffany that all he would like is to get reunited with Nikki, Tiffany promises to help him if he becomes her dance partner for a competition. While they practice, a bond develops between them, a deep feeling...

Jennifer Lawrence seems one of the most talented young actresses ever. In ''The Hunger Games'', she had played the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, excellently. She impresses us with every movie she is in, and her performance is one of the reasons ''Silver Linings Playbook'' is an excellent movie, she gives one of the best performances of 2012. Bradley Cooper is brilliant, and he acts excellently during the angry outburst scenes. Other moments are also excellent, and the two leads are extremely charming and memorable.

Robert De Niro is excellent as he always is, as Pat's father. Jacki Weaver, as Pat's mother, is sweet. Anupam Kher (a famous Indian actor) plays Pat's caring therapist. Chris Tucker as Danny, with whom Pat had developed a close friendship in the mental health facility, is excellent enough. 

The music by Danny Elfman is extremely excellent, and from the beginning to the end of this film, we are impressed by the beautiful scores. The cinematography is excellent; the editing is very good; and the screenplay is wonderful. 

This is one of the best romantic comedy films in years, with sweetness, sublimity, beauty..We see Pat trying to reconcile with Nikki with the help of Tiffany, and between them a deep relation develops, but it isn't a typical love triangle. What is it, I don't know. But I do know that Tiffany and Pat are two characters who will remain very memorable to me. 

4.5 out of 5