Advertise here.
 |
Title: Precious
|
/ 
/ 
/ 
| CONSUMER ADVICE |
Parents, there is abusive violence and language. Recommended for ages 17 and up. |
If ever there was a movie that will make you feel blessed for your own family it’s Lee Daniel’s controversial new film “Precious.” Based off the novel “Push” by Sapphire, “Precious” is the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe). Precious is a fat, quiet, ugly girl on the outside. Not unlike many girls who walk past us on the streets. She never speaks in class and on her way to school she steals a ten piece bucket of chicken for her breakfast. At first glance many people may not want to know more about this person. As far as most people are concerned she’s a rat on the street, a parasite, who has little better to do then mooch off of other people and the Welfare office.
 |
Precious is a good girl though. She’s a girl who, like most girls, just want to be loved. But she is ignored by people on the outside world and abused by her unstable mother (Mo’Nique), who constantly reminds her how worthless she is while she beats her (the preferred weapon of choice is a frying pan). Being kicked out of school for being pregnant a second time brings her to an alternative school is where she starts to put her life together. She starts writing and reading everyday. She’s actually very good at math. Her teacher Blu Rain (Paula Patton) senses the trouble Precious is going through, and does what she can to help her. Precious finds more help in a social worker (Mariah Carey), who for once finds herself caring for one of her clients.
 |
“Precious” is a rough movie. Make no mistake about it. Yes, it is about hope, finding a new life from a troubled one, and seeing that there is love to be found everywhere in the world. But what comes before all that? Rape, emotional abuse, beatings, poor living conditions, and fantasies of living a different life. Early on Precious looks through her scrapbook and imagines herself as a star in the world and her mom as a loving one. This is far from her reality though. At one point she looks in her mirror and sees herself as a skinny white teenager. Some may take this as an admission from director Lee Daniels that it’s better to be white, but I disagree. At this point in the film the abuse has gotten so bad Precious just wants to live a life as far removed from this one as possible.
 |
Remember; in her other fantasies she’s still heavy and black. Though this is an excellent movie by any measuring stick you want to use, chances are you want to see this because Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry are producing this. While I am happy these producers have decided to come together to help sell a movie that might otherwise not catch the attention of people, it should be noted that those going to see this because they are familiar with these producers previous work are in for a shock. This IS a movie, but it’s also a reality check! Much like “Schindler’s List,” “Mysterious Skin,” and “The Woodsman” were. Everything I mention is excellent and this movie gives you a chance to live someone else’s life. But do I recommend it? That’s a whole other question all together.
 |
Let’s put it this way: I recommend it only if I think you are ready to handle it and understand it’s deeper meaning. I know that sounds like me patronizing my readers, but it’s the best I can do. Some people will just be so devastated by this film they will not see the good in it, and will most likely hate themselves for seeing it. If you aren’t ready for something difficult then this is likely not something for you. There are plenty of comedies playing in another auditorium for you. For those who don’t mind trekking through the dirt for a genuine experience though then this movie I unquestionably recommend. It’s tough and difficult, but it’s also hopeful and touching. It does what great movies in the past have done: It let’s us walk in another person’s shoes and relate to them like we were never able to before.
 |
 |
|
|
Spaceriffic Review
Want to see us review this? Send a donation with your title request, and it will be done (might take awhile, but it will get done).
Click here for a list of films that have already been requested before you request something.
