Precious (2009)

Hey everyone,
I'm going to review one of what I consider to be one of the most difficult films I've had to watch, which is Precious.


Plot: Precious (Gabourey Sidibe) is 16-years-old, illiterate, overweight and pregnant with her second child. She's repeatedly raped by her father, who fathered both of her children and constantly physically, verbally, emotionally and mentally abused by her mother, Mary (Mo'Nique). Precious is kicked out of school because of her second pregnancy. Her principal arranges her to attend an alternative school. Precious is inspired by the teacher, Blu Rain (Paula Patton) to read. She regularly visits a social worker, Miss Weiss (Mariah Carey), who learns of the abuse. Precious has her second child, a son, and she continues to achieve academically and grow and evolve despite her abusive home.

Review: Firstly, let's start with the plot. The story is very graphic, heavy and sad. It's incredibly heartbreaking of what's happening to Precious and it's sad to think that that happens to people. The story itself is not for everyone and what I greatly appreciate about the plot is that it does make you think about not judging others without knowing their circumstances.

Now for the acting. The acting is top notch. Gabourey Sidibe is simply amazing in her on-screen debut. I've seen interviews with Sidibe. She's funny, confident and has a sass about her. The complete opposite of Precious. Her capability of portraying Precious' growth and the heavy material that's presented with her is amazing to see. Mo'Nique is also amazing as Precious' abusive mother. Mo'Nique is a comedienne, so as an audience, the greater majority of us don't expect this kind of performance from her. She was disturbingly convincing as an abusive, possibly mentally ill woman. She was completely deserving of her Oscar. Paula Patton was also great as Precious' teacher. Her drive and determination to not only help Precious, but her entire class. Mariah Carey was also surprisingly great as the social worker assigned to the case. I will admit that I'm disappointed Mariah Carey and Paula Patton didn't get more recognition at some of the bigger awards, like the Golden Globes and/or the Oscars.

Lee Daniels and Geoffrey S. Fletcher, the director and screenwriter respectively, didn't waver at all. They gave the audience the entire, heavy weight that is Precious' abusive home life and it's very difficult to watch, but I have an amount of respect for them being honest with the material.

This is probably one of the more difficult movies to watch, but it's an important one which shows us that you cannot judge others because you don't always know what's going on behind closed doors.

Rating: 4.5/5