"Precious is set in Harlem 1987 and about Clareece 'Precious' Jones - an obese and impoverished African American teenager, systematically abused emotionally and physically by her mother and repeatedly raped by her mother's boyfriend. Pregnant by him for a second time, she is expelled from school, and recommended to attend 'Each One Teach One', an alternative education centre where she meets an inspiring teacher who prods her into seeing that there could be hope for a better life." (53rd London Film Festival)
Precious manages something precious few films can do: eliciting the full range of emotions. Anger at Precious’ mother, (played by comedienne Mo’nique at her cruellest, most repulsive best); sympathy that Precious has fallen pregnant for the second time to her mother’s rapist boyfriend; hope that she can make a better future for herself by learning to read and write thanks to her sensitive remedial teacher (Paula Patton); and joy at the small things that make her life palatable.
For Precious that’s the friendship and humour she finds in her new classroom, and a dose of daily fantasy. When things get tough, and they do repeatedly in this harrowing film, Precious’ mind escapes to her dreams. It’s a surreal cinematic technique that shows that while all else crumbles, Precious’ spirit will always win.
Gabourey Sidibe gives a fearless performance in the lead role in which we see her physically and emotionally at her worst. Few actresses would allow stylised close-ups while gorging on junk food.
Then there’s Mariah Carey as her social worker. Barely recognisable in drab office attire, Mimi brings a quiet strength to a role. Lenny Kravitz also shows up as the hot male nurse who tends to Precious when she goes into labour but this time the cameo feels a little contrived – his part doesn’t add much to the story.
Director Lee Daniels knows there is beauty to be found in the bleakest of places. As much as this is a powerful social drama, it’s an irreverent and uplifting story of resilience and dignity. By the time the credits roll, you’ll feel exhausted and elated.
By Rebecca Barry Hill, Flicks.co.nz
Pretentious (Give me an award) film festival drivel. Don't worry if you miss it, there will be more identical pig troff (Award Winning) drama next month. 5\5 stars from jackietheupherselffilmreviewerontv. 0\5 stars from me.
i thought this movie was very sad, it captures the true essence of some peoples daily lives, great storey line & great choice in cast..definitly a must see!!
This is the years BEST MOVIE. What a great film. Its hard,gritty,and tough...but what a story and the acting is the best Ive seen for years...Even Mariah Carey was good. This is Gabourey Sidibes picture and her acting is fawless...how Sandra Bullock beat her out for this years Best Actress Oscar is a real mystery....what a stunning brilliant acting tourdeforce she takes us on...and the remarkable Monique was the same her final scenes were acting at its best. This film is not for everyone and is at times hard going...but see it for the acting.....Brillant stuff. Years Best Picture so far!.....10 out of 10.
surely cannot be classed as entertainment
In saying that however I found the movie a little drawn out and judging by the people leaving the theatre prior to the movie finishing I guess they felt the same. A fairly predictable storyline of life in Harlem in the eighties no doubt but worth a visit to the theatre to view...not an uplifting experience though.
A great American film.
Precious does what it does, and tells what it tells, with a power and a style that has never been brought to bear on this material before. In the lead role, debutante actor Gabourey Sidibe is astonishing.
While it may not be perfect on a technical level, dramatically it’s a blow-your-socks-off triumph. Be moved. Very, very moved.
As Precious, Sidibe is superb, allowing us to see the inner warmth and beauty of a young woman who, to her world's cruel eyes, might seem monstrous.
Nimble and self-assured as Mr. Daniels’s direction may be, he could not make you believe in “Precious” unless you were able to believe in Precious herself. You will.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 4th Feb 2010.
Release date: February 4th 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
