There are several independent films and films that do not use a lot of gimmicks out there that deserve more credit to be given to them. The following films are incredibly well written, and have tremendous dialogue, screenplay and performances. They are all worth watching. Read the following list and give these films a watch!

1. "Short Term 12"

This movie is about a diverse group of teenagers who live in a group home due to behavioral and mental health issues that they cope with. The issues that the teenagers are exposed to include depression, anxiety, trauma, domestic violence, self harm, physical assault, drug abuse, loneliness and more. The staff of the group home and the teenagers begin to form tender bonds, and as the story unfolds we see the vulnerability and the struggles of all the characters. The storyline, message and performances are incredibly mastered. Although this movie may be a tear-jerker, there are beautiful happy moments in it as well. Some of the familiar faces in the star cast include Rami Malek who has played Elliot of the Emmy winning "Mr Robot," and Lakeith Stanfield who plays Darius from the hit TV show "Atlanta."

2. "Fruitvale Station"

"Fruitvale Station" is a film that is based on and revolves around the life of the late Oscar Grant, who had been a victim of a racially motivated police brutality attack in the year 2009 while living in Oakland, California. This movie gives an accurate account of the brutal details upon which Grant was murdered, and it also captures his ordinary life in a very extraordinary way. Grant is just one of many innocent victims of police brutality.

3. "Rock On!!"

"Rock On!!" is a movie based on the true story of the fame, fall and reunion of an Indian rock band. This film captures the lives of Mumbai based grunge rockstars of the rock group "Magik" which was established in the late 90's. The film captures the friendship, love and personal lives of the stars of this rock group and gives viewers feelings of nostalgia and euphoria. Accompanying the movie is the Bollywood debut of the multi talented Farhan Akhtar, one of the best modern artists, directors and producers to exist in India. This movie has amazing performances and stunning acting.

4. "Dil Se" ("From the Heart")

This movie is my personal favorite and I have very close personal attachments to it. "Dil Se" surrounds the life of an India-based journalist and executive at All India Radio who is assigned to interview extremists who have committed human rights violations. However, this radio executive unexpectedly falls in love with a mysterious woman whom he follows across the country despite being unwillingly engaged. This film captures the violence and police brutality that exists in the insurgent state of Kashmir from the Indian military itself, and the threat of terrorism. But is also gorgeously captures the trials of love, forgiveness and humanity.

5. "Amores Perros" ("Love's a Bitch")

This is a triptych anthology film capturing three different tales in the setting of Mexico. The film reflects upon animal abuse and the abuse that is inflicted from human to human, whether it be related to how we treat our family or our loved ones. The film is brutally honest along with its characters and it is also wonderfully constructed. The themes are loyalty, inequality, kinship and violence. Gael Garcia Bernal is one of the main actors.

6. "The Fall"

This is an L.A.-based adventure fantasy that captures the life of a stuntman named Roy Walker who is hospitalized and bedridden after taking a jump for his debut film. He is devastated by love and loss and seems to be reluctant in sharing his emotions with others until he meets a little girl named Alexandria who is also recovering from a broken arm. Walker begins to tell Alexandria a story about her namesake. He tells correlating stories about five protagonists: an Indian warrior, an ex slave, an Italian explosives expert with a pet monkey, and a bandit. Although the movie is rated R, it captures childhood and fantasy in an incredible way.

7. "Rise of the Guardians"

"Rise of the Guardians" tells a story about Guardians Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and the Sandman who call upon Jack Frost to stop an evil power called "Pitch Black" from spreading darkness into the world. Although this is an animation movie, the characters are relatable because they are reluctant and vulnerable, but they are also heroic and triumphant. They are energetic and overzealous, but also stubborn, powerful and unafraid of working for a social justice cause despite the evils and enemies that they face.

8. "Wolf Children"

"Wolf Children" is a beautiful Japanese anime story about an oridnary human woman who falls in love with a werewolf. When her partner passes away unexpectedly, the woman has to cope with being self-sustaining and independently caring for her children. In order to protect her half-wolf children, the woman carries her children off into a rural area and attempts to raise them as normal human beings, although her son dissents. This film perfectly captures the complexities of love, family, change, childhood, soul searching, self awareness and the power of single womanhood.

9. "The Artist"

This modern day black and white French silent film is a romantic comedy and drama about the relationship between a famous actor named Valentin and his apprentice; a young girl named Peppy. This movie is about when the era of silent film is suddenly followed by sound-film, which puts Valentin in a tight position since he was the king of silent film. Silent film merely becomes nostalgic and Valentin becomes depressed and alcoholic due to the sudden turn of events in his life. While Peppy blossoms into a rising star, Valentin plummets into oblivion.This movie is like its title -- a true work of art, it is nostalgic and has amazing cinematography and captivating performances.

10. "Udta Punjab" ("High/Flying Punjab")

"Udta Punjab" is a contemporary Bollywood movie about the drug epidemic that has sporadically changed the environment of Punjab into the Mexico City of India. It encapsulates the lives of a rockstar, Tommy Singh, who finds himself in a dilemma after being accused of drug possession and a young girl, Kumari, who after being abducted becomes addicted to heroin. The two lives meet and set out for freedom and redemption. Not only is this a story exposing drug abuse, but it also speaks volumes about the issue of sexual exploitation of women and government corruption. This is a brilliant and highly entertaining watch.