A simply stunning line-up of films for you this week, including four Oscar nominees – three of which are in the running for Best Picture!

Which to see first? Will it be the hunt for Osama Bin Laden, the life and times of a fabled American President, an epic 19th Century Russian romantic drama, or the unexpected relationship between two mentally unstable people?

And for music fans, Dave Grohl‘s documentary Sound City is playing for one night only in Auckland and Wellington tonight – full details after the jump.

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Here are the films opening today:

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SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK……FILM OF THE WEEK

USA | 122 minutes | Comedy, Drama, Romance | Director: David O. Russell (The Fighter)

Silver Linings Playbook CRR

A former mental patient and former sex addict strike up a friendship as they both try to rebuild their lives. Looks touching, charming and brilliant; and worth seeing for Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper alone. Oh yeah, and it has Robert De Niro in it too!

Distributor: Roadshow Distribution

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ZERO DARK THIRTY

USA | 157 minutes | War, Drama, Thriller | Director: Kathryn Bigelow (Hurt Locker, Point Break)

Zero Dark Thirty CRR

The controversial, Oscar-nominated film about the manhunt for Osama Bin Laden looks thrilling – even if we do know how it ends. The brilliant and lauded Jessica Chastain leads a stellar cast, including: Mark Strong, Joel Edgerton, James Gandolfini and Mark Duplass.

Distributor: Hoyts Distribution

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LINCOLN

USA | 153 minutes | Drama, Biography  | Director: Stephen Spielberg (War Horse, Saving Private Ryan)

Lincoln CRR

Stephen Spielberg brings us a sweeping epic about the final four months of the presidency – and life – of Abraham Lincoln. Daniel Day-Lewis is a shoe in for Oscar glory. Time to find out why.

Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox

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ANNA KARENINA

UK, France | 124 minutes | Drama, Romance, History | Director: Joe Wright (Atonement)

Anna Karenina

No one does period drama like Keira Knightley. This stunning looking film is also up for several craft Oscars: Cinematography, Production Design and Costume Design.

http://youtu.be/LKFhG5EGYtQ

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

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STEP UP TO THE PLATE

France | 86 minutes | Documentary | Director: Paul Lacoste (L’ile au phare)

Step Up to the Plate Review Thumbnail

Find out what happens when a world-class chef hands over his Michelin star restaurant to his son in this insightful documentary. A must see for foodies!

Distributor: Curious Distribution

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HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS

USA, Germany | 88 minutes | Action, Fantasy | Director: Tommy Wirkola (Dead Snow)

Hansel and Gretel CRR

This take on the future lives of the famous Grimm’s fairy tale siblings could either be thoroughly entertaining or an absolute disaster. Let’s hope it doesn’t turn out to be Van Helsing 2.

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

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SOUND CITY

USA | 108 minutes | Documentary | Director: Dave Grohl (debut feature)

Sound City CRR

A fascinating looking documentary on the legendary Sound City recording studio in California, which became a second home to artists such as Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Nirvana, Metallica and the Foo Fighters. Rock on!

In cinemas tonight only! Auckland: Event Manukau 8:45pm, Event Queen Street 7:00pm, 8:45pm (gold class only) & 9:30pm, Event West City 8:30pm. Wellington: Event Queensgate 8:45pm.

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So many great films. Which will you see first?