Roaring with top quality

Lion ( PG)

Dev Patel gives his best performance yet in Garth Davis’ take on the true story of a child separated from his family and adopted by a Tasmanian couple.

His endearing flick whisks along at a brisk pace and never fails to tug on your emotions.

It’s not as sugary as the trailer suggested and roars with quality.

Live by Night ( 15)

Ben Affleck’s latest directorial effort bombed at the box office, but deserves a chance.

Though far from a vintage crime drama, his tale of Bostonbred gangsters is very watchable throughout.

The cast deliver in spades – especially Chris Cooper’s moral police chief – as sparks fly and guns fire.

Hacksaw Ridge ( 15)

Mel Gibson’s first trip behind the camera in 11 years doesn’t make for easy, comfortable viewing.

The Australian puts the perils of war on screen for all to see; his camera getting up close to the brutal, visceral combat as fire and brimstone rain down on the 77th Infantry Division.

It’s a hellish cocktail of severed limbs, blood, hidden gunfire and horror- style jump scares that leaves an indelible mark.

Andrew Garfield’s anti- guns lead is a lovable force of nature and Gibson’s cast is spot on across the board, with Sam Worthington in career- best form and Teresa Palmer warming hearts.

What a shame, then, that Gibson overdoes the religious iconography late on.