What I loved most: Unparalleled acting

What I really hated: Overtly dramatic scenes

For the many Meryl Streep supporters who have been following her films religiously, you will know how versatile an actress she is. From a despotic and high-handed fashion editor to a quirky and amusing resort owner, she never fails to dazzle on screen and her latest turn as a punctilious and pious nun is certainly Oscar-worthy. She plays the role of Sister Aloysius with a perpetual martinetish scowl and cold disdain for students of her school who stepped out of line. Armed with moralistic fervor and fierce conviction, she indicted Father Flynn, played by an excellent Philip Seymour Hoffman of improper conduct with a student. The characterization is done with precision and depth, with each role becoming larger life under the capable hands of the two charismatic leads and Amy Adams who gave a noteworthy performance as a nun who chooses to believe in Father Flynn when he defended himself, in hopes of reverting back to the simple life without the entanglements and risk of getting embroiled in the scandal. The plot explores themes on bigotry, social standing between sexes and faith. It recognizes the fact that doubt and faith are actually not so different as both can act as a powerful bond between people; there can never be complete faith without the doubts being answered first. Father Flynn, with his forward and unconventional thinking serves as a stark contrast to the unctuous Sister Aloysius. The polar opposite is even more evident in one scene where the priests were seen dining without decorum while the nuns ate conduct themselves in a prim and proper manner at the dining table. The characters are ultimately layered and flawed in one way or another, making them more human and thus, fallible. The engaging performance and palpable tension escalates into an explosive climax in the form of a confrontation and a question of beliefs. In her quest to seek truth and justice, Sister Aloysius had betrayed the beliefs which she held so dear and the final scene in which her character became a subdued shadow of her former self as she expressed her doubts and grief over her scarifices was heart-breaking and affecting. This is without a doubt one of the most sophisicated and complex film to hit the screens in a long time, a rare cinematic gem.

What I loved most: Detailed storytelling

What I really hated: Editing

This is not Clint Eastwood's finest but it is certainly quite compelling and remarkable. The plot revolves around the search of a single mum for her missing child, which was hindered by the corrupted and malevolent police force trying to hide its incompetence from the eyes of the public. Angelina Jolie gave a tour de force performance as the angsty and grief-stricken mother who puts everything on the line to face down the authority in a campaign to seek justice and recover her son. However, to her terror, she was incarcerated at a mental faculty for her defiance and forced to endure humiliation, oppression and haplessness. Jolie's deft portrayal makes it easy for the audience to empathize with the plight of her character and the heart wrenching plot gets even more engaging as the film depicts the scheming manipulations and machinations of the police to conceal their ineptitude over the fact that they were shirking their responsibility as law enforcers. The situation continues to spiral into an abyss of totalitarianism under the despotism and dictatorship of the police until an influential and righteous clergyman stepped in to intervene and lend support to lone woman fighting so many battles at once. It gets even more depressing when she had to deal with and accept the possible demise of her child at the hands of a maniacal serial killer who derived morbid satisfaction from brutalizing children. The carnage and savagery was kept to a minimum but the cinematography was done in a way that is even more disturbing and unsettling as it leaves the audience to wonder. This is much more effective than films like the 'Saw' series which actually shows the gruesome killing with homicidal glee but does nothing to leave us chilled and numbed with fear and dread. This film will no doubt raise a few doubts in our minds over national security issues and transparency concerns over law enforcement. The film would have fared better though, with a more substantial screen presence from John Malkovich as he was severely under-utilized in the film. Succinct editing would be much appreciated as well. It would also have been interesting to examine the psyche of the killer to give a brief history of his background and allow the audience an insight into what had possessed and driven him to commit such heinous acts against innocents. After all that has been said, the bittersweet denouement of the film will resonate through your soul, leaving you with bitter rage, inconsolable grief and a twinge of hope.

What I loved most: The cinematography

What I really hated: Nil

This critically acclaimed Hindi film which has won the hearts of millions is truly amazing to behold even though I must admit that I had some reservations prior to its viewing as I was somewhat jaundiced towards Hindi films in general. To say that I was completely floored and utterly impressed would be an understatement. It is quite simply put, brilliant. Although it is easy to dismiss it as a typical rags-to-riches love fable, and some may find certain elements of the tale a tad far-fetched, the plot is nevertheless sweet and affecting, depicting a love that transcends time and defies all odds. The story is set against a vibrant and exotic Mumbai backdrop, picturesque in its kaleidoscopic and iridescent glory, yet within it festers a nest of corruption, shady dealings and seedy establishments. Dev Patel gives a deft portrayal of the plucky and precocious protagonist, earnest and fierce in his quest to reach out to the love of his life by becoming a contestant of the household favourite gameshow. Freida Pinto is honest and vulnerable as the damsel in distress, trapped by circumstances of her ill fate. The characterisation is richly textured and layered, with the flesh-and-blood characters coming to life under the capable hands of director Danny Boyle. Apart from that, the superb cinematography sets off the flourish and mystique of Mumbai, capturing the splendor and resplendence of Taj Mahal as easily as it focuses on the unsavoury sights of the slums. This is a pulsatively moving and emotionally resonant melodrama that will sweep you off your feet, delivering the timeless message that love conquers all with sincerity and a touch of Bollywood.