Movie Review: Precious

Based on the novel PUSH, by Sapphire, Precious delivers a powerful impact, with the help of new and unexpected talent, on the big screen.

Written By: Olga Navia
Date Posted: 12/10/2009
Number of Views: 502

Director: Lee Daniels; Screenplay: Geoffrey Fletcher; Cast: Gabby Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, Sherri Shepherd, Nealla Gordon, Stephanie Andujar, Amina Robinson, Chyna Layne, Xosha Roquemore, Angelic Zambrana, and Nia Fraser; Distributor: Lionsgate; Runtime: 109 min.; Rating: R; Theatrical Release: November 6, 2009 (limited)

Precious: Official Site

Precious is intense.

Mo’Nique is nothing short of stunning as the abusive mother of our protagonist, Precious, played by Gabourey Sidibe, an abused teenager living and struggling in Harlem. Sidibe is a remarkable actor. There is no way for me to overstate it. Mariah Carey’s apparent acting skills genuinely surprised me. She is almost unrecognizable as a social worker way in over her head.

Precious is a movie that has stayed with me. It’s a movie of extremes, crawling into the depths of human depravity and rising up triumphantly, stronger and glorious. Go see it.

Olga Navia now writes book reviews, too. Read more of what she has to say at All Bodies Rise.

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monkey facts:

In religion and culture, the monkey often represents quick-wittedness and mischief. Kind of like us.