Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2008)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Jameson W

  
  Good film! Powerful and touching at times. Mo'Nique received a lot of praise for her performance here and it's for a good reason; she gives a really great performance. I also loved Paula Patton and Mariah Carey's performances. Overall a solid film about the hardships in… More
  Good film! Powerful and touching at times. Mo'Nique received a lot of praise for her performance here and it's for a good reason; she gives a really great performance. I also loved Paula Patton and Mariah Carey's performances. Overall a solid film about the hardships in life. Maybe a little overrated, but still good. I loved the classroom scenes.

• Jason O

  
  Not as good as I'd expected based on what I'd heard, but it's stuck with me since I saw it. I envy Precious in that she was able to find out why her mom had hated and abused her for years, cause I know I'll never find out why mine did the same to me. The actress… More
  Not as good as I'd expected based on what I'd heard, but it's stuck with me since I saw it. I envy Precious in that she was able to find out why her mom had hated and abused her for years, cause I know I'll never find out why mine did the same to me. The actress who plays Precious's mom deserved the awards she got, cause she did an excellent job!

• First L

  
  Well made, watchable, even riveting at times, but sheesh. Precious is a 16 year old girl pregnant with her second child by her father. Her mother (Mo'Nique) is a violent, loud and ignorant woman who also sexually abuses the daughter. The first child Precious had was born with… More
  Well made, watchable, even riveting at times, but sheesh. Precious is a 16 year old girl pregnant with her second child by her father. Her mother (Mo'Nique) is a violent, loud and ignorant woman who also sexually abuses the daughter. The first child Precious had was born with down syndrome, so her mother named it "Mongo". Precious is also picked on at school and considers herself to be dirt. That is until her principal recommends a special school for her where she might get some individual treatment from her teacher (Paula Patton). The teacher has the students write in a journal every day as a means of communicating their feelings (I guess). Precious is like a blunt object used to batter you about the head and make you cry. It's unapologetically anti-male: they're either sexual objects (like male nurse Lenny Kravitz) or brutes who attack and rape. Even the awful mom is sort of portrayed as the pitiful victim of her man's abuse. And it stands to reason, her super awesome teacher who helps her the most is a lesbian, of course. At times, all the drama dips down into comedy, and no, I'm not laughing with, I'm laughing at. Still, of all the movies made about inner cities and disenfranchised people of color, this is probably the best one I've seen.

• Brad W

  
  Precious is a moving and heartfelt story that many people can relate too. The story doesn't change topic, it doesn't ever become dull or boring, and I almost immediately was interested with the plot and characters. The acting was great, all the actresses were incredible… More
  Precious is a moving and heartfelt story that many people can relate too. The story doesn't change topic, it doesn't ever become dull or boring, and I almost immediately was interested with the plot and characters. The acting was great, all the actresses were incredible and this is possibly one of the best casts in recent years, I truly think they deserved all their praise. The way the film flows and tells its story so great is just one way of telling you how much this movie is incredible, and I highly recommend you see it right away.

• Matthew R

  
  This film is both innovative and downright gross. The story surrounding this girl is something that you wouldn't even expect in Shakespearean tragedy. The style of the film compliments the idea of imagination taking you away from the harshness of reality, but also utilizing those… More
  This film is both innovative and downright gross. The story surrounding this girl is something that you wouldn't even expect in Shakespearean tragedy. The style of the film compliments the idea of imagination taking you away from the harshness of reality, but also utilizing those fantasies for the purpose of further striving in your life. It is a powerful story delivered by the most unlikely cast of actors, and for once, something with Tyler Perry's name on it doesn't send me howling away in anger. The celebrity appearances I am sure was originally there to secure financing for the film, but they really do a superb job. I didn't even realize who Lenny Kravitz or Mariah Carey played until I looked at the credits. Gabourey Sidibe is absolutely amazing in the title role and Mo'Nique was equally powerful and believable. From the horrible things that happen to Precious mounting up as the film goes on, to the utter brutality and debauchery of her life's surroundings, this film is rather unpleasant to watch, but it is so gripping and real, that you find a way to muscle through it. And what truly made this film work was the decisive and jaw-dropping third act, where everything just falls into its place and you feel the most repugnant form of bittersweet feelings as the credits role. Unbelievable.

• Dan S

  
  An entirely over-rated, melodramatic mess of a movie that features outstanding performances but an out-of-control story. Seriously Academy? This was BEST PICTURE nominee worthy? This picture is a piece of trash. Much like another Lee Daniels film, "Monster's Ball", it… More
  An entirely over-rated, melodramatic mess of a movie that features outstanding performances but an out-of-control story. Seriously Academy? This was BEST PICTURE nominee worthy? This picture is a piece of trash. Much like another Lee Daniels film, "Monster's Ball", it follows the thought-process of "If it looks like it couldn't get worse than it already is - it can". Unlike "Monster's Ball", which featured a realistic outlook and a structured storyline, this film introduces the cliches left and right that you'd find in a Hallmark movie. It also packs in every horrible situation possible into a year or so time frame. Incest, AIDS, rape, the ghetto scene, horrible home lives, domestic violence - you name it, it's there. There are some nice stylistic additions that Daniels inserts (fully capturing Precious's fantasies), but they're wasted on a story that manipulates its audience from the get-go into feeling sorry for this girl. You add in some sketchy camera work, sometimes overbearing music, and melodramatic scenes that aim for subtle power but instead come off as cheesy and forced - you've got me confused as to why this was nominated for so many Academy Awards, and why it was called one of the best films of the year by many big name critics.

• Raymond W

  
  The subject matter may be a downer, but this ultimately hopeful and inspirational story is a realistic, powerful film with incredible performances from the whole cast, but Mo'Nique just blew me away.

• Bethany M

  
  Very good film and extremely poignant. You feel incredibly empathetic towards Precious and it's sad to think that is realistic. Things like this do happen - and they need to stop!

• Bobby H

  
  Precious was extremely over-hyped and over-rated. The movie attempts to play with your emotions and it works to an extent giving us an insight look at what many of millions of American's living in poverty go through on a daily basis. While it's a good tug at your… More
  Precious was extremely over-hyped and over-rated. The movie attempts to play with your emotions and it works to an extent giving us an insight look at what many of millions of American's living in poverty go through on a daily basis. While it's a good tug at your emotions, it doesn't necessarily make it a good movie, and I think that much of its hype and over ratings came from people who felt to guilty to point out how bad it truly sucked. A good movie should capture your emotions and I cannot deny this movies ability to do that but there has to be more to a movie than feeling sympathy for characters. Other than that... The story was really boring aside from the few emotionally intense scenes that were few and far in between the huge amount of boring scenes that hardly had reason for development into the movie. The movie was predictable and it was a lot like walking on a treadmill, it moved forward, but it wasn't going anywhere and when it finally did conclude it the ending was as unimpressive as the beginning, and middle. Simply put: Precious is boring and despite the emotional connections and sadness it brings to mind, I just didn't see it as a good 'movie.' Just a simple, basic, not very well told story that they turned into an even worse movie.

• Sophie B

  
  Amazing yet disgusting at the same time. The hardhitting plot really draws you in and the fantastic acting of Gabourey Sidibe makes you feel like her friend. Great film but wouldn't want to watch it again.

• Chris W

  
  This is a mostly pretty good movie, but it's also pretty overrated. The performances are terrific however, and are the best part of the film. The story is mostly good, albeit really depressing. Actually, it could have been a lot worse. This actually felt rather toned down… More
  This is a mostly pretty good movie, but it's also pretty overrated. The performances are terrific however, and are the best part of the film. The story is mostly good, albeit really depressing. Actually, it could have been a lot worse. This actually felt rather toned down compared ot what I was expecting. The writing is okay, but not great. Some of the direction is good, but there's too much slo-mo and shakey editing. You'd think I'd give it a lower grade because of all that, but no. Like I said, the performances pretty much carry things. The cast is wonderful. Carey and Kravitz are really strong in serious dramatic roles that often aren't given to people like them. Mo'Nique, like everyone said, it amazing, and I'd love to see her do more serious films like this. For a first-timer, Sidibe knocks it out of the park. It's a really challenging role, but she's brilliant. Paula Patton is also quite strong, In an odd way, I kind of want ot call this a bit of a blaxploitation film, but a different type of one. I'm afraid if I do though, that it will undermine the message of hope and perseverence on display. It's good, but really flawed. There's a bit of humor, which helps, and, as much as I liked it, I think I'd rather watch Angela's Ashes again, and that's saying something, especially since that was real, and this is not. Sorry for rambling. See this at least once. The acting and emotional power are definitely not to be missed.

• Cassandra M

  
  A fine film. An American urban working class drama, it manages to steer clear of almost every possible idiomatic pothole created by predecessors charging blithely down the same street. It seems real - only the controlled framing tells you that it's not a documentary to begin with… More
  A fine film. An American urban working class drama, it manages to steer clear of almost every possible idiomatic pothole created by predecessors charging blithely down the same street. It seems real - only the controlled framing tells you that it's not a documentary to begin with - it's often funny, and has wonderfully placed surreal day-dream sequences (I wasn't a fan of these per se, but I liked how they were used). The Dangerous Minds/Freedom Writers school of contrived classroom turnaround is completely avoided (with one notable exception). The final set piece is one of the most raw, emotionally bruising and uplifting things I've seen in a cinema for a very long time; everyone was crying. At the centre is (worthy Oscar tip) Gabby Sidibe as the eponymous Clareece Precious Jones. The fact that her middle name is not some sort of irony lever is a testament not only to Lee Daniels but also to her iron performance. It's also impressive that the satellite cast act with the character she is digging out (yes, even Mariah Carey, an amazing metamorphosis). It would be so simple and safe for everyone to treat Clareece as the fat girl whose acts garner pity and pathos. That is not this film, not by a very long way. The film achieves so much. It's relentlessly warm and human - a middle- class audience, such as the one I was in at the 53rd London Film Festival, doesn't need to nod sagely and side with the protagonists as abstract figures representing a life of alternative fortune. There's too much to enjoy and synchronise with. Consequently, when the bad things happen they are spasm-in-the-auditorium shocking.

• Thomas J

  
  I am out of breath... the kind of breathless as a result of being punched HARD in the stomach. This is a hard movie to watch, but I felt I had to continue to the end with Precious. The acting is superior... often I felt I was watching a documentary because I no longer saw… More
  I am out of breath... the kind of breathless as a result of being punched HARD in the stomach. This is a hard movie to watch, but I felt I had to continue to the end with Precious. The acting is superior... often I felt I was watching a documentary because I no longer saw Mo'Nique, Gabourey Sidibe or even Mariah Carey.... I only saw their characters. Powerful, disturbing and yet encouraging.

• Gordon A

  
  Issue movie writ large which clearly has worthy intentions but as a viewing experience was too blatant and forced for my tastes. While I can see the idea behind the fantasy sequences they do stop the flow in its tracks. Casting Kravitz and Carey was also a mistake as they distract… More
  Issue movie writ large which clearly has worthy intentions but as a viewing experience was too blatant and forced for my tastes. While I can see the idea behind the fantasy sequences they do stop the flow in its tracks. Casting Kravitz and Carey was also a mistake as they distract from the believability. It has been designed to inspire black teenage girls and I wish it well.

• Film C

  
  I did enjoy this movie, it was a good storyline if not a bit horrible, especially all the bad things that happens to that one child. Its emotional, and funny however its not going anywhere really in the story, yes she gets away from the abuse and goes to alternative learning and gets… More
  I did enjoy this movie, it was a good storyline if not a bit horrible, especially all the bad things that happens to that one child. Its emotional, and funny however its not going anywhere really in the story, yes she gets away from the abuse and goes to alternative learning and gets her kids back but apart from that the story is just dewindling through the abuse, heartache of one person with not much going on! Its amazingly acted and a great supporting cast and Paula Patton is gorgeous but its not a rewatchable movie because its just not exciting to watch. An inspirational , emotional movie that does deserve a watch but one watch is enough!

• James A

  
  Its as if someone gave a young Junior High student a writing assignment to come up with a bunch of bad things to happen to a single person. Highly overrated and much like Crash it guilts people into praising it based on subject matter and not actual story.

• Nate Z

  
  I can't tell whether or not I liked this movie or if it simply beat me into submission. The heavy-handed tale of extreme suffering comes across like watching somebody get beaten for two hours. WAM! Your father rapes you. WAM! Your mother doesn't intervene, in fact, she… More
  I can't tell whether or not I liked this movie or if it simply beat me into submission. The heavy-handed tale of extreme suffering comes across like watching somebody get beaten for two hours. WAM! Your father rapes you. WAM! Your mother doesn't intervene, in fact, she molests you too. WAM! You're pregnant with your second kid from dear old dad. WAM! You have AIDS. The material is so unrelentingly dark that the constrained happy ending it leaves you with feels wholly naïve. Precious (Oscar-nominee Gabourey Sidibe) goes from having a hellish existence to having a 10% less hellish existence. It's hard to find any light of hope within. Thank God that the movie is so well-acted all around, from Mo'Nique's ferocious Oscar-winning turn as Precious' monstrous mother, to Sidibe's heart-wrenching portrayal of an abused and ignored soul, to even a makeup-free Mariah Carrey as a no-nonsense social worker (lack of makeup being the universal sign an actress wants to be taken seriously). Director Lee Daniels lays out the melodrama with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. You feel beaten down by the conclusion. I can't decide if the fantasy sequences Precious flashes to as a coping mechanism are insightful or just embarrassing. I found Precious' stoicism worth rooting for, but the movie seems to stop short of finding a way to make me care about her as a character rather than a victim. Her role is mostly impassive but she manages to find her character's dignity, which is what the film asks us to ultimately fight for. By the end, I felt like I was watching an urban equivalent of A Serious Man, only it wasn't intended for me to laugh at the misery. Nate's Grade: B-

• Leigh R

  
  Amazingly sad. Fabulous done movie with wonderful acting. Mo'Nique really surprised the hell out of me with her portrayal of Precious' mother. My goodness... what a movie.

• Summer W

  
  Crushes your soul into pieces over and over again, and then puts it slowly back together.

• Lanning :

  
  Gabourey Sidibe is outstanding here, but . . . hmmm . . . no one else really is anything more than a type. An annoying type. Really, in the end for me, not anywhere near what I'd hoped it would be.

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