Geoffrey Fletcher’s screenplay of former Harlem teacher and poet, Sapphire’s 1996 bestselling novel “Push”, evokes a spiritual emotionally moving and highly inspirational film “Precious”. Helmed under the wing of director Lee Daniels, the feature had already won three awards at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. Featuring newcomer Gabourney Sidibe, a normal college student picked from audition, takes on the lead role.
Set in Harlem 1987, it narrates the dramatic and moving tale of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life of immense difficulty and abuse. At her young age, she had already been impregnated by her father once with a baby suffering from Down syndrome. School is no different as she experiences verbal abuse from her peers for her figure and frequently undermined as a loser. Unknown to most, Precious is an articulate intellectual girl able to reach ninth grade with high marks even without the ability to neither read nor write.
As she heads home, she faces a slave-like treatment from her horrendous mother Mary (Mo’ Nique), a lazy woman who continuously degrades her daughter’s appearance and mental capabilities even blaming Precious for stealing her husband’s attention and sexual satisfactions. Things turn for the worse when the school expels her after learning she’s pregnant once more.
But luck never left her side as she begins anew by transferring to an alternative school, “Each One, Teach One”, a place where dropouts prepare for the course that would guide them to their GEDs. Here she finds her savior and regains her self-esteem and confidence through her patient but firm teacher Ms. Blu Rain (Paula Patton). In this place she begins her journey from failure, pain and powerlessness discovering hope, love and acceptance along the way to emerge as a strong and self-determined woman ready to take on any challenge.
Aside from boasting of a screenplay that would move even the toughest critics to tears, what makes the film really stand out are the amazingly heartfelt performances of the stars.
For her screen debut, Sidibe gives life and authenticity to Precious that no other actress could match. She evokes from audience both tears and smiles for her true-to-life depiction of the tale. Patton also reveals another side of herself, a steeliness we’ve never seen from her before. But gaining most praise is Mo’Nique’s ferocious take on the role that would surprise many. Most striking is her devastating monologue during the film’s closing moments, highly deserving of an Oscar.
Faultless camerawork and editing take audience right into the picture providing a clear insight of Precious’ hopes as well as a direct look into her daydreams.
This film conveys the message of how compassionate and loving people could dramatically change the lives of others. It is a masterpiece highly deserving of awards and praise.
