Precious
Overview
Set in Harlem in 1987, Claireece "Precious" Jones is a 16-year-old African American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother, an angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is chaotic and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and a secret; She can't read.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Set in the 1980s, Precious is rooted in the African American community of Harlem, New York. It provides an authentic portrayal of the struggles faced by lower-income families and the systemic issues they confront, such as lack of education, poverty, and racial discrimination.
- Powerful portrayal of resilience and human spirit by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe as Precious
- Compelling narrative that tackles sensitive themes such as child abuse, poverty, and illiteracy
- Exceptional performances from a strong ensemble cast, including Mo'Nique and Paula Patton
- Directed by Lee Daniels, the film offers a raw and unflinching look at inner-city life in Harlem
Fun Facts
- Gabourey Sidibe, who played Precious, was discovered through MySpace by the film's casting director
- Mo'Nique won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Mary Lee Johnston
- The original title of the novel on which the movie is based, Push, references a phrase frequently used by Precious' father to demean and abuse her.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
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Italiano
IT
Title: Precious
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Deutsch
DE
Title: Precious - Das Leben ist kostbar
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Português
PT
Title:
"A história de luta, coragem e determinação da jovem Clareece "Precious" Jones."
Pусский
RU
Title: Сокровище
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Français
FR
Title:
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Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
This is kind of a rough movie to watch. A very victimized and bullied teen tries to get through life. It ends on a fairly positive note but damn. Incest babies is just a weird, skin crawling topic for me so that is always going to be rough to go through.
Towards the tail end of the 1980s, "Precious" (Gabourey Sidibe) is feeling anything but. Intimidated by her angry, petty criminal, mother "Mary" (Mo'Nique) whilst expecting her second child by her own father. She's 16, big, black and constantly bullied - with little chance of that cycle improving amidst a community that isn't looking for any new problems. Sometimes the only solace this girl can take is when she imagines herself living a more glamorous, escapist, lifestyle - but those are merely momentary escapes from her tough urban existence. There might be a blessing from her latest pregnancy, though, as the school principal sees it as an opportunity to transfer her to a school where she might actually get some attention, feel more included and make some new friends. It's that evolving characterisation that the young Sidibe delvers potently here as she gradually begins to feel a little more empowered, finds some inner strength and courage and maybe even starts to see a corner she can turn. There's also something to be said for the less frequent but still quote powerful contributions of Mo'Nique as a mother whom, as the narrative develops, might not be so drastically different from her daughter and who is quite possibly just as lost and out of her depth. It's a film about appreciating self-worth more than anything, and though this particular scenario also adds racial tensions and a great deal of frustration and hopelessness, it isn't without a degree of optimism if the spirit is there - and it gets a little timely help now and again. It's a solid indictment of one-size-fits-all educational politics and proves that teaching is most definitely a vocation that requires vision, patience and understanding. There's an all-star cast to spot if you want, but they aren't really needed, it's all about these two women at the top of their game.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Trailer
Official Trailer
Featurette
Meet the Artists: Lee Daniels