Realistic sometimes to the point that it’s hard to watch, the movie “Precious” is a story of a life of misery for a young teenage girl that really depicts the idea that “every cloud has a silver lining.”
Precious, played by Hollywood newcomer Gabourney Sidibe, is a 16-year-old girl growing up in 1987 Harlem while pregnant with her second child. Both of her children have been fathered by her own father who raped her. She is overweight, uneducated, and has no social life. She has been put down at home by her very own mother Mary, played by Mo’Nique, who abuses her and makes her feel like nothing. Mary tries to persuade Precious to drop out of school and get on the government’s welfare program as she has because she believes that Precious can’t amount to anything more.
Because of her pregnancy, she is forced to attend a special-needs school where she is given a glimpse of hope through her teacher Ms. Rain, played by Paula Patton. Rain helps Precious to discover that she can do more with her life than what her mother tells her, so even though Precious believes that she is good at absolutely nothing, Rain brings out the talents that lie within.
Her caseworker, played by a raw, unleashed Mariah Carey, also takes a pure interest in Precious’s case. She not only looks at the situation as she would all others, but she takes a stand for Precious and does what is right on her behalf.
You may look for a huge turn-around like a chance at college or a professional job for Precious, but that’s something you won’t find. Instead, she is offered the opportunity to do things that some of us take for granted; like reading or writing and getting placed at a half-way house to escape the pains of home. Naturally, we expect things to go farther because this is what usually happens in most other movies like “Coach Carter.” The skills and chances that she is afforded are just enough for her at the time that is presented in the movie. She gained a chance to really live.
Although it may be hard to view because of the graphic nature in which the issues are presented, it is a must see. Director Lee Daniels really pushed the envelope in order to expose just how prevalent domestic violence and abuse is in inner city areas.
Not only should you go watch the movie, but take some time out and read “Push” by Sapphire which is what the movie is based on. Domestic abuse is real.