It’s hard to find a film that is intimately relatable while not exaggerating (by and large) or undermining human conditions. This is a movie where I saw myself in the characters, especially at a symptomatic time when I needed to see a story where people were in similar chaos and found coping mechanisms that reflected their personal battles. Pat manages through routine and structure, and Tiffany through movement and dance—both coping in ways that reflect who they are. It's a valuable portrayal that shows healing isn't one-size-fits-all—especially when deep breaths and meditation don't quite cut it. The heartfelt and extremely well-executed portrayals and discussions around bipolar episodes, psychosis, grief, relationship/family stability, depression, medications, diagnoses, and much, much more are refreshing and showed me that the harsh navigation toward proper treatment isn't so isolating. Its comforting vagueness mirrors real-life ambiguity and slow healing. This film reminds us that even though your struggles are unique and painful, you are never alone, and there is always someone—closer than you think—who can see right through you (in a good way) when others fail to do so. Pat feels alone in his effort to get better, especially when no one takes him seriously—and Tiffany gives him the connection he was missing. Things may take time, as they often do, but holding out for the light at the end of the tunnel (probably not a romantic dance competition) is worth it—you’ll get there. This film shows that recovery is messy but possible. Like Pat and Tiffany, after a very long journey, I’ve also started making my way there. Pat’s recovery is left open-ended—progress, not a cure. Symptoms weren’t cleared, but he’s not trapped anymore. He has stability, connection, and direction—and that’s the whole point. WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!

Silver Linings Playbook is a perplexingly overrated film – uneven in tone, riddled with narrative contrivances and far less insightful than it thinks it is. The performances are fine – Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence do what they can – but the characters are written so erratically that emotional investment becomes impossible. Attempts at quirk feel forced, while the drama is undercut by inconsistent logic. Even the protagonist’s misreading of A Farewell to Arms feels like a moment that should matter but instead exposes the script’s sloppiness – either a character flaw played too subtly or an oversight in writing. A baffling Best Picture nominee – and in my view, one of the Academy’s more embarrassing picks.

DeSean Jackson is the man! A romantic comedy with a distinct messy, chaotic energy that is infectious in the best way. Its depiction of mental illness has some issues, but its heart seems in the right place as it centers on the relationship between people diagnosed with bipolar disorder and displays themes relating to mental illness that remain relevant. Likely David O. Russell’s best film that fully embodies the signature fast-paced, hectic nature of his filmmaking. It’s also arguably the best role so far for Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, who are both phenomenal with great chemistry between them.

I saw this in  2012 when it first came out, but I don’t remember it being this good. I think I was too young to understand it then. Rewatching it in 2025 and it is one of the best dramadies I’ve ever seen. So many aspects of it that many people will just gloss over, like the hyper-realistic characters and situations that just made it excelsior.

This movie told a story about a guy who experienced and witnessed a traumatic and heartbreaking event, involving his wife and another man, to which resulted in him making poor decisions and ending up in a mental institution. It is then shown that this character, Pat, is suffering from an undiagnosed bipolar disorder that shows to add numerous challenges/ hurdles for him to surpass. After witnessing his wife cheating on him, he shows that he still loves and cares about her, therefore, is trying to make himself better for her. While working on himself, he runs into an old friend who introduces Pat to Tiffany, who is a widow and is also trying to deal with her borderline personality disorder. These two started on the wrong foot and the energy between the two was weird, a little awkward, confusing, yet a little flirtations. Through this film, Tiffany tells Pat she can give his wife, practically ex-wife, a letter for him, since Pat is unable to go around the restraining order he has placed on him. Although, she convinces him to participate in a dance competition, so she got something out of this deal as well. Overtime, subtle moments or looks are displayed of Tiffany, showing that there is some romantic interest between her and Pat, although, when looking at moments or looks from Pat specifically, it seems like he feels some connection, but almost “shuts it off”, trying to focus on fixing his marriage. Pat ends up writing his letter for his wife and in return, Tiffany gives another letter to Pat, seemingly coming from his wife. This letter is positive about his making good changes, yet, overall, it says that they should both focus on themselves and continue their own separate lives. While this devastates Pat, he later realizes that Tiffany wrote the letter, meaning his wife never got his letter in the first place. The two continue practicing their routine and make it to the competition, where he sees his wife. At the end of the routine, Tiffany and Pat show excitement and proudness over completing this challenge and you see that strong, fun, and passionate connection between the two. At the end of the film, Pat is left with a decision of if he wants to try to go back to his old ways or try something new and different and possibly better for him. I believed this film to be outstanding. This movie showed strength is the acting that the characters played as well as the actors chosen for each specific role. Bradly Cooper, Pat, and Jennifer Lawrence, Tiffany, both enhanced their mental illnesses throughout the entirety of the film and made their interactions feel somewhat uncomfortable yet exciting. Specifically, I believe these two actors were the perfect people to play these roles. It is clear that these two can snap right into character, making their mental illnesses and situations seems so accurate and overtaking. Another strength is through the message and overall image of this film. If an audience member is also battling with similar situations or even just mental illnesses in general, it can make one feel overly heavy, overstimulated, out of control, alone, and possible a little empty inside. While emphasizing the struggles and constant battles these characters have to face, this film put a positive light onto one’s mindset of their situations. This movie showed that change is hard, but change is possible and may even lead to better outcomes. This movie also shows that people struggling may be the best help for other people struggling. When being able to help one another, it may help create better mindsets, habits, or communication to which allows for self-healing as well. Therefore, this film may appeal to the specific audience of others dealing with mental health battles, showing them that new opportunities, uncomfortable or not, can be the fix that one needs. With that being said, the reviews of this movie are generally very high. The audience seems to appreciate the acting of both actors as well as the realistic depiction of mental illnesses. Others believe this film has errors or issues including finding the plot to be overly confident, people believing the conflict between the two characters are unmotivated, poorly planned and unrealistic, and other little things put within the film. In response to that, I could not disagree more. The two characters braking into outbursts of arguments is completely and utterly realistic when focusing on these specific mental illnesses. Therefore, disagreeing with this statement mentioned above because when dealing with these kinds of struggles, results of these types of behaviors are expected. I also believe the plot had great variety. Not only did this film stray from typical movie plots, but this film also gave little hints of emotion or realizations that created this “oh my word is this going to happen” reaction from the audience. It leaves us guessing what could possibly happen next while then shocking the audience with different results in return. This film was fun, exciting, nerve racking, a little heartbreaking, and powerful. I believe this message could create positive changes for other people looking to get back to where they want themselves to be and who they want to be seen as. Overall, I would rate this film 9 out of 10. Again, it was outstanding with its acting, with its actors, with its overall message, and the end feeling viewers have when reaching the closing of the film. I would recommend this movie to anyone and everyone. Even if not dealing with any mental health issue actively, it may even be helpful to get an insight on what these illnesses may cause one to do, and possible seeing how to help someone get back on their feet if needing that extra push.

Personally ranks in my top 10 movies of all time. Great job by both Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence as well as the supporting cast. Wonderful job by David Russell in telling this story using both humor and drama. You won’t regret watching this one.

A fascinating film. My emotions while watching it ranged from interested and watching with rapt attention, to being kind of bored with what was happening. I don't know if I would sit through it again, but I enjoyed the watch.

I saw this movie awhile ago maybe when it first came out. I decided to watch it again because nothing else appealed to me on any streaming service. I loved it. Even more than the first time. Both of the main characters/actors are incredible in it. The story is great and real. The supporting actor are great . It has depth, romance, some humor but a smart original Kind of humor. I loved it.

Half-way through and I hadn't laughed once as this thought-provoking movie was addressing a couple of serious issues - mental illness and gambling. However I really warmed to it and the portrayal of the dynamic. Not your typical romcom and I loved it. As someone else said, utterly 'charming'....

Not good. Unnecessarily long, not all but some of the acting was really bad and the plot needed to be simpler. The characters were introduced in a confusing way. I did not enjoy it. I did watch it until the end because I still had some intrigue left, but it felt like a chore.

Funny, heartwarming, and charming. Lawrence and Cooper have great chemistry.

Favorite movie of all time! It is realistic, funny, intense and gives a genuine glimpse into the family dynamic of someone living with a mental illness. The love story is also accurately shown and you are rooting for everyone along the way.

I've just seen Bradley Cooper in a quirky comedy Silver Linings Playbook. It's different from most rom-coms (apart from As Good As It Gets) because both Cooper's character Pat and his co-star are mentally ill. The film takes an unromanticised look at the ways in which they struggle with their illnesses, overcome, cope, and learn to live with them. Cooper himself is great in the lead, coming across as sympathetic and vulnerable as well as slightly humourless. The film creates a 'support network' about the couple, including gambling addict/OCD suffering dad (played by an ageing Robert De Niro), one of Pat's former inmates (Chris Tucker), and his best friends, Ronnie and Veronica, who are in a troubled marriage, but seek to aid Pat in his own romantic affairs. The movie has a great 'juke box' soundtrack with many classic pop records, and some nice dancing from Cooper and his partner. Apart from a lot of poor camerawork, this is a very good film and earned several Oscar nominations.

Stylish rom com, deals with some thorny issues but still manages a smile. The two leading actors, what can I say ? they were terrific add DeNiro to the mix and you have the best of all of the rest. Fantastic, warm and wild.

Horrible film. Zero plot, no acting (Oscars? Really? Tough year for sure…), and I actually fell asleep for 20 minutes and didn’t miss anything. I’d like my $5.99 back. Can’t understand any of the praise for this garbage.

I’m not a sucker for Ron-Coms, but when you see Robert DiNiro making his trademark frown, it’s a sharp uphill ride from that point onwards. The has so much insanity moments, and it gets better when it gets crazier. It’s a Ron-Com and a Christmas movie bundle into a unforgettable entertainment. The only Ron-com in my top 10 list of films.

Really beautiful and entertaining movie throughout. I love how the story unfolds and all the little quirks along the way.

Hilarious movie about flawed characters. I laughed harder the second time through.

An incredible film that has great acting from the main actors, great dialogues that make the viewer interested and attached to the plot of the movie, Fun with a dramatic tone, the film keeps viewers engaged from beginning to end and is on the list of the best films of all time.

For me best movie ever. Actors are amazing. The way they do insanity. I loved it. Definetely recommended.