“Precious is OSCAR worthy!”
Starring: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, and Lenny Kravitz
Directed by: Lee Daniels
MPAA Rating: R for child abuse including sexual assault, and pervasive language.
Genre: Drama, Adaptation and Teen
Release Date: November 2009
By John Delia
There are many things that can bother me, but when it comes to child abuse it’s a subject that comes right up there at the top. Depicted in Precious, I was totally disheartened for the main character and sympathetic to her cause. The film is a must see for all mature adults.
The story of Claireece ‘Precious’ Jones (Sidibe) a sixteen-year-old African American girl was born into a life no one would want. She’s pregnant for the second time by her absent father and at home she must wait hand and foot on Mary her mother (Mo’Nique) a poisonously angry woman who abuses Precious emotionally and physically. School for her is a place of chaos, but she has still reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: She can neither read nor write. Living a no choice life we follow her pain and anguish on a fateful journey that may lead her out of her hellhole.
In order to make this story work several elements had to be brought
together by director Lee Daniels, pinpoint acting that would make the characters believable, sets and locations that would enhance the plot and cinematography that depicts the mood. In Precious he hits the target on all counts. Choosing Sidibe as Precious and Mo’Nique as her mother is genius.  The two get into their roles and give performances that are worthy of major awards. Sidibe depicts the submissive side of the young teen caught in an abominable situation that shows the effects of taunting by her piers, wickedness of her mother and sickness of her brutal father.
But although Sidibe shines in Precious the top kudos go to Mo’Nique as a hateful, hurtful and yes, if you can believe it, jealous mother who is out of control and an example of humanity caught up in a sorrowful life. A scene most ingrained in my brain shows Mary coming apart in a welfare meeting. It’s one of the best performances in a supporting role I’ve seen in many years.
Other outstanding support actors are featured in the film including Mariah Carry as Ms Weiss a patient yet insightful welfare worker and Paula Patton as Ms Rain a teacher that will not give up on Precious.
Precious is rated R for child abuse including sexual assault, and pervasive language may be a little strong for immature children, especially the rape scene. The film is based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A drama that has the potential for an Oscar. (5 of 5 Palm Trees)