Precious (2009)

Release date: November 20, 2009
Director: Lee Daniels
Novel by: Sapphire
Screenplay by: Geoffrey Fletcher
Cast: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz, Stephanie Andujar, Chyna Layne, Amima Robinson, Xosha Roquemore, Angelic Zambrana

Precious seems to be one of the indie darlings for this upcoming award season, snatching many audience awards in several film festivals, and getting Mo’Nique loads of praise for her role as the title character’s abusive mother.

Precious tells the story of a 16-year-old girl who happens to be obese, illiterate and pregnant for the second time. She seems to be good at math, but this doesn’t seem to stop the principal of her school from kicking her out and letting her enroll for alternative schooling, where she meets other problem girls that are trying to get their diplomas to move on with their lives. She also meets Ms. Rain, who goes to the moon and back to help Precious out of her current life situation because that’s some crappy life she has.

The film isn’t perfect – most films aren’t – but at least it’s a film that will let its audience leave with something other than humming in their ears because of the explosions. Precious is a film about its characters and its acting. Gabby Sidibe, who plays Precious, does so wonderfully, you actually want to hug her to ease her pain. And hey! Mariah Carey can actually act! Who knew?

Moreover, it would be a pity if Mo’Nique decides not to promote the film and campaign for her win, though, because that’s half the fun for us! In her scenes, I felt bad whenever she yelled at Precious, and couldn’t keep my eyes away while she told her side of the story.

A good book adaptation is that which makes you want to grab the book as soon as you finish watching the film, even if the ending leaves you with a bittersweet aftertaste.

Rating: ★★★¾☆ 

amy

YAM Magazine editor, photographer, blogger, translator and part-time web designer. Film junkie, music junkie… and lately series (a.k.a. TV) junkie.

1 Response

  1. September 6, 2013

    […] with Sin Nombre director Cary Fukunaga, and several reviews from the festival’s films like Precious, Up in the Air, and The Cove which will play a big part on the coming award shows… starting with […]

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