Washington, February 14 : Michelle Obama on Wednesday heaped praise on the Oscar-nominated film "Beasts of the Southern Wild", saying that it is "one of the most powerful and important movies that has been put out this year -- or in a long time."

The First Lady told a group of students -- who were gathered at the White House to watch the movie -- that she saw it last year with a large group of family members and friends ranging in age from 3 to 75 years old, the Politico reported.

She said that one of things that struck her about the movie is how it completely captivates the audience with its content. She called the film - which follows the trials and triumphs of a little girl living in a poverty stricken community near New Orleans - "beautiful, joyful and devastatingly honest."

Speaking further about the movie, she said that it makes us all think deeply about the people we love in our lives who make us who we are.

She pointed out that it shows us the strength of our communities, no matter what they look like, while also showing that those communities can give us the power to overcome any kind of obstacles.

Obama added that it is a compelling story of poverty and devastation, but also of hope and love in the midst of some great challenges. (ANI)