Lee
Daniels (producers on "Monster's Ball) unleashes an urban drama
pressure-cooker steeped in verite realism. "Precious: Based on the
Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" follows 16-year-old Claireece "Precious
Jones" (well played by newcomer Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe). Jones is a
300-pound high school student, pregnant with her second baby by her own
father. Precious's cruel mother Mary (Mo'Nique) humiliates and
physically attacks her daughter–when she isn't giving orders from her
permanent place in front of the television. Daytime reveries of red
carpet fame and the adulation of her imaginary fans allows Precious to
block out her stressful reality. The lighthearted vignettes also allow
the audience a chance to breathe in the midst of an unbelievably
devastating story of traumatic family abuse. Precious finds hope and
support when she gets into an alternative school. Paula Patton adds
some much-needed optimism as Blu Rain, an altruistic teacher whose
dedication to her students enables their intellectual growth.
Significant too is Mariah Carey's disarming performance as Ms. Weiss, a
no-nonsense welfare counselor who listens to Mary's explanation of her
treatment of her daughter. "Precious" is an unforgettable drama whose
intrinsic truth outweighs any exploitation or politics that might
attend such material. If you're looking for a gritty socially-conscious
movie, this is it.
Rated R. 109 mins. (A) (Five Stars)
