Precious

Difficult to write a review for this movie, it came with a lot of hype for a small budget movie.
Almost like the token small movie that makes it big every year, like Slumdog Millionaire, Little Miss Sunshine, Juno etc
It is by turns Terrifying to watch the Human Drama unfolding but ultimately a movie about Hope and the unbreakable Human Spirit.
The story is based on a novel and not a True story, but is based on things that do happen in real life, which makes the experience all the more shocking.
The Performance by Gabourey Sidibe in her first role is very Natural and you really feel for her plight.
Paula Patton as the teacher is good, but a little Micelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Minds at times
But the most memorable performance is from Mo Nique, she is a total MONSTER.
There is a real sense of trepidation EVERY TIME she came into the story. She will give me nightmares for a long time.
Just to touch on a few of the previous Reviews this is NOT a… more »

Difficult to write a review for this movie, it came with a lot of hype for a small budget movie.
Almost like the token small movie that makes it big every year, like Slumdog Millionaire, Little Miss Sunshine, Juno etc
It is by turns Terrifying to watch the Human Drama unfolding but ultimately a movie about Hope and the unbreakable Human Spirit.
The story is based on a novel and not a True story, but is based on things that do happen in real life, which makes the experience all the more shocking.
The Performance by Gabourey Sidibe in her first role is very Natural and you really feel for her plight.
Paula Patton as the teacher is good, but a little Micelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Minds at times
But the most memorable performance is from Mo Nique, she is a total MONSTER.
There is a real sense of trepidation EVERY TIME she came into the story. She will give me nightmares for a long time.
Just to touch on a few of the previous Reviews this is NOT a Girly film or a Mariah Carey film.
Its just a very Moving and Passionate low budget film that has a Girl in the Lead Role and Mariah Carey in a very good supporting role.

I hired this film this afternoon, wanted to watch it before I bought it. I'm gonna write this review, then order 'Precious' straight after!

This is a truly horrifying story, which is based on several different women the author has encountered.

Based in the 80's, Precious is the story of Clarice 'Precious' Jones, a 17 year old girl frequently beaten and tormented by her vile Mother Mary (Oscar winning Mo'Nique). As the film begins Precious is kicked out of school for being pregnant...again. However when a supportive maths teacher realises her potential, she is referred to an 'alternative' school where she begins to flourish. Her Mother, sadly, is not impressed demanding Precious leaves school and goes on welfare to support her. A particularly heartbreaking scene is when Precious's Grandmother brings Precious's Down Syndrome daughter (who she takes care of) home so that Mary can masquerade as a caring parent and grandparent to claim welfare for supporting the family. Her… more »

I hired this film this afternoon, wanted to watch it before I bought it. I'm gonna write this review, then order 'Precious' straight after!

This is a truly horrifying story, which is based on several different women the author has encountered.

Based in the 80's, Precious is the story of Clarice 'Precious' Jones, a 17 year old girl frequently beaten and tormented by her vile Mother Mary (Oscar winning Mo'Nique). As the film begins Precious is kicked out of school for being pregnant...again. However when a supportive maths teacher realises her potential, she is referred to an 'alternative' school where she begins to flourish. Her Mother, sadly, is not impressed demanding Precious leaves school and goes on welfare to support her. A particularly heartbreaking scene is when Precious's Grandmother brings Precious's Down Syndrome daughter (who she takes care of) home so that Mary can masquerade as a caring parent and grandparent to claim welfare for supporting the family. Her treatment of the child when welfare worker isnt looking is nothing short of shocking.

As Precious's second child is born she realises that she has to improve her life. Her return home with her newborn son and the horrific scenes of violence meted out by Mary are simply heartbreaking to watch, I had tears streaming down my face.

This is one of the best films Ive ever seen. When the eventual reasons for Mary's hatred of Precious are revealed it's still impossible to forgive Mary for the brutal treatment of her daughter, and whilst I didnt sympathise I did feel upset at her story.

All in all a fantastic if uncomfortable film. Makes you think of the millions of children who endure this kind of treatment every day. Why Gaboury Sidibe didn't win an Oscar for her portrayal of Precious is beyond me. Buy this film!