To call this film beautifully disturbing is a terrible understatement. Based on the novel "Push" by Sapphire, it's solidly dark and depressing, yet "Precious" gains its title as one of the most uplifting movies in years. When you see the life that Claireece "Precious" Jones has to endure every single day of her life, you start to empathize. Growing up against incorrigible odds in Harlem, you start to wonder if this girl can be successful in the world. Director Lee Daniels does a terrific job in making us somehow feel like we are always at her side, as if we"got her back". You will root and cheer for her, but probably most of all worry for her. I cannot truly express my admiration for this film. You simply have to see it to understand. Once this film grabs you, you are stuck. "Precious" super-glues your mind to the powerful emotions to the characters and it's impossible to escape. With Oscar-worthy performances across the board and an intense but touching script, this is easily one of the best films of the year.
Claireece "Precious" Jones is a rather large African-American who is pregnant for the second time with her father. She's only 16. Precious is also only in jr. high school. Her mother hates her with a passion because she feels as if she stole her boyfriend from her. It's not at all surprising that Precious doesn't feel loved, seemingly lost in the world. Not to mention all the scrutiny she is receiving because of her weight. What Precious finds out is spectacular. Love is out there somewhere. If it means searching far and wide into the depths of the city then so be it. But Precious finds love, and it lifts her up from the ground. Director Lee Daniels brings hope to a hopeless situation. It's astounding.
The cast of the film is certainly one of the best ensemble casts of the year. Gabourey Sidibe is the breakout performance of the year, no doubt. Simply a tour de force, as she gives Precious a relentless side but also gives her some powerful resistence. With solid performances by the supporting cast like Mariah Carey and Paula Patton, the most electrifying of them all is Mo'nique. She plays Mary, Precious's mother. I don't have a problem at all by calling her performance the best of the year. She is so real and authentic, it's frightening. Mo'nique makes the character so unpredictable, that at the times it's hard to even watch her. Expect Oscar-nominations coming this film's way not only in best picture, but a couple of performance nominations. While being led by the jobs done by Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'nique, the entire cast scores as well.
"Precious" is gritty, dark, depressing, mentally intense, and definitely remorseful. But look into the eyes of Claireece "Precious" Jones. You see pain, hardship, abuse, sadness, and hatred. But despite all of these, you see something more prominent. You see hope.
Rating: 31/2 out of 4
