"Precious" Movie Review

“Precious” (2009, written by Geoffrey Fletcher and directed by Lee Daniels) is a drama film for spoiled, rich ass brats to watch and be thanked for for the situation they are at the moment. The film’s setting took place in Harlem, centers around, a overweight, illiterate teenager, pregnant with her second baby from her father, struggles to balance her life between education and her dysfunctional and abusive mother, Mary (Mo’Nique). Sixteen-year-old Claireece P.  “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) sees her life hopeless, unfair and cruel but finds small joy and peace along with other girls similar like her, Rhonda (Chyna Layne), Jermaine (Amina Robinson), Joann (Xosha Roquemore), Rita (Stephanie Andujar), and Consuolo (Angelica Zambrana) in a small alternate school. Miss. Rain, “Each One Teach One” alternate school teacher (Paula Patton) and Miss Weiss, the social worker (Mariah Carey) helps Precious to start over with her life.

“Precious” being a film about abuse, violence, sexual assault, and pervasive language, it was rated “R” by the film company. The outstanding review of film’s popularity was based exceptionally from the cast member’s outstanding performances (Mo’Nique winning Oscar for best actress in a supporting role), best direction to the cinematography, and best screenplay adapted from the book (receiving six Academy Award nominations). The editing of the film was excellent, captivating the audience’s attention by colliding Precious “day dreams” with her present moment of cruel reality to balance out the heavy drama going on in the film. 

The casting choice for the movie may have influenced the outcome of the movie. Such as casting Mariah Carey (singer/songwriter) into the film definitely played a pull factor towards the film, attracting more audience through her fan clubs. Gabourey Sidibe and couple of the co-stars definitely gained their fame through “Precious” nation wide which helped their careers launch off. The movie’s dark atmosphere of thrill, violence, and exposed scenes captivated the viewer’s attention, with just a bit too “realistic” condition. In conclusion, Precious is not for everyone due to its heavy mature contents but it is a great film to watch.