Release Date: 11/19/09
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire, directed by Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer) who brings us his second directional effort, can be summed up in one word: Fierce. The script is fierce, the performances are fierce, and it left me feeling very moved. It also left me feeling fortunate to have such a great family and a great life, and not having to deal with any of the hardships the main character must go against. This is an artsy drama that brings us some of the most realistic and heartbreaking performances of 2009. Precious will be sure to stay with you for a long time, it will suck you in and lead you into the story of survival of one girl and her tragic life.
Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. She’s pregnant for the second time; at home she must wait hand and foot on her mother (Mo’Nique), an evil and angry woman who abuses her. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret, she can neither read nor write. Beneath her unemotional expression is a curious young woman with an undeveloped but unshakeable sense that other possibilities. Threatened with being expelled, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One. Precious doesn’t know the meaning of “alternative,” but her instincts tell her this is the chance she has been waiting for. In the literacy workshop taught by the patient yet firm Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness and pain to love and self-determination.
Sitting in the balcony of Roy Thompson Hall, the buzz just seemed to be spreading. Precious was looking like it was going to be the film to see in Toronto this year. Lee Daniels announces his cast, writers, and producers onto the stage, including the films big time producers Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey. Everyone on stage just seemed like they wanted to reveal this film to the world and was excited about doing it.
Precious is a fantastic and sad story and Gabourey Sidibe beautifully portrays its main character. This might be the rawest acting of the year, she plays the emotionless girl to perfection, almost not realizing how screwed up her life really is. By the end of the film you just want her to be safe, because she goes through so much pain. Sidibe is a big girl who was perfectly cast for her looks, but she shows the world that she also has a future ahead of her, because her acting talent is off the charts. A scene that stands out in my mind is when she finally lets her emotions off her chest and asks, “why me?” Almost guaranteed to be remembered come awards time.
The other performance that stands out is Mo’Nique. Is this the same lady from the movie Beerfest? She throws away her usual comedic routines and puts together one of the most evil and monstrous female characters of the past years. She embodies everything you don’t want in a mother, and it really is a scary portrayal. She should also be remembered when nominations are announced, because if you hate a character this much then she is doing a damn good job. There are also some solid supporting roles by Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz who are nice little additions in their small parts. One character I thought could have been cast better was that of Paula Patton. Her performance feels forced at times and having a better chemistry between Precious and Ms. Rain would of helped the film a great deal.
Precious is a film that has soul. I give the director props for bringing to life an authentic and powerful piece of art. Precious feels real while still being original. The film might be hard for some people to relate to which might make it not as enjoyable for some, but for what its worth it makes for a great dramatic feature film.
Life is hard. Life is short. Life is Precious.
Precious is Made.
Imdb: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Moviewiseguys: 8.5/10
