Smokewood Entertainment Group, Lee Daniels Entertainment and Lionsgate.

Written By: Geoffrey Fletcher, based on the novel by Sapphire

Passing by a stranger on the street, we all make assumptions. We may not outwardly admit to it, but assumptions are a part of human nature. Those assumptions and the prejudices that can prove as a breeding ground for those assumptions are confronted head on in Lee Daniels’ powerful and uncompromising, “Precious: Based On The Novel ‘Push’ By Sapphire.”

For example, take this film’s lead character, Clareece ‘Precious’ Jones. To look at her is to be dared to judge her. She is tall, obese, African-American, her clothes don’t exactly fit and she seldom talks and keeps to herself. As a schoolmate of Precious, you would see that as a fellow middle school student, she is much older than you (16) and takes special classes because she lacks the ability to read or write. You might also be aware that she has a Down Syndrome child and lives on the dangerous side of Harlem. Perhaps, you have seen classmates yell derogatory names at her, tease her repeatedly and even be physically violent against her.

Have an image and some preconceived notions in mind? Director Lee Daniels, his screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher, and the source material’s author, Sapphire, know that you do. And they have no fear in confronting them head on in an uncomfortable, but necessary manner.

At the heart of “Precious” the movie is that Precious, the girl, has not given up on her life. This is not an inner city child addicted to drugs, selling drugs, or looking for an easy way out. Yes she idolizes BET videos and, in voice-over, unabashedly shares her desires of becoming a part of the stereotypical images common to African-American pop culture. But, who amongst us doesn’t seek escape from the difficulties in life from time to time? And while we soon learn that Precious’ difficulties are extreme in nature and unbelievably devastating to observe, she gets up every morning and sets out to make each day a little better than the one before yet.

There are constant roadblocks in her way. Pregnant for the second time with another child conceived by her rapist father, Precious is being expelled from her middle school. As a saving grace, she is enrolled in the Each One/Teach One alternative school program and placed with teacher and counselor, Ms. Rain (Paula Patton). Defiant in opposition to this idea is Precious’ mother, Mary, brought to life in a jaw-dropping, frightening performance by comedienne and talk show host, Mo’Nique. In fact, Mary is opposed to any idea that does not involve Precious cooking, cleaning, and taking care of Mary in all capacities of life. Abusive verbally and physically, Mary’s one piece of motherly advice is to forget about school and simply to “go and get that welfare”. Precious strikes up a connection with her welfare counselor, Ms. Weiss (Mariah Carey). Suddenly, Precious has two small building blocks in her life – school and a counselor; avenues which may lead her out of the deplorable conditions she battles behind closed doors.

It is a rather obvious statement to make, but to bring a film like this to the screen is an absolute risk. The novelist of “Push”, Sapphire, has stated that her book may have brought many directors and producers to the table, but that she and others dismissed attempts to bring the story to life on the big screen. Sometimes fresh eyes and a fresh take on things can work wonders, and Lee Daniels’ vision and approach to telling this story is remarkable.

One moment we are envisioning the dreams Precious has in being a celebrity, with a light-skinned boyfriend, and the envy of everyone around her. Then, just as quickly, we stare at a pot of boiling pigs feet, zone in on the constant loop of game shows on the family television, or cringe at the horrors Precious encounters within the walls of her apartment. Bold and yet never exploitative, Daniels’ tells Precious’ story in direct correlation to how Precious, the person, would want her story told. Jumping in and out of reality, staring at things that to an outsider might seem rather inconsequential, and facing down pain and opportunity with an equal eye, “Precious…” is fearless.

Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe gives a haunting and memorable performance in the lead role, and along with Mo’Nique’s incredible work, Mariah Carey wipes away the “Glitter” of past performances with a sincere and moving portrayal as Precious’ welfare counselor. Paula Patton is effective as the teacher who takes Precious to new academic heights, while providing a direct example to Precious that you cannot judge a book by its cover. That message, albeit one that may scream of cliche and appear as rather simplistic, gets reiterated time and time again; perhaps no more definitively than in a stunning and shocking final scene as Mary Jones attempts to rationalize the decisions and parenting choices she has made in raising her only child.

Fearless in tone and uncompromising in its final form, Lee Daniels’ “Precious: Based On The Novel ‘Push’ By Sapphire” is an earnest essay on the power inherent in people to overcome adversity and find a life worth living – no matter the circumstances.

“Precious: Based On The Novel ‘Push’ By Sapphire” received the following Academy Award nominations for 2009:

• Best Picture
• Best Directing (Lee Daniels)
• Best Actress (Gabourey Sidibe)
• Best Supporting Actress (Mo’Nique)
• Best Adapted Screenplay
• Best Film Editing
  

Should I See It?

Raw, unpolished, but as honest as anything you will see, “Precious” is a film which has that feel of something that should be seen by as many people as possible.

There are difficult and unnerving moments which cannot be ignored, but the film carries a message of hope and possibility that is unshakable.

The acting on display is pitch perfect and real. Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Carey, and Patton all deliver moving and powerful work.

The abusive relationship between Precious and her parents is unflinching and may prove to be too much for some viewers.

The artistic, independent flourishes that Daniels indulges in may prove to be too distracting and take some viewers out of the story.

It has been alleged that the film is simply a manipulative propaganda piece about the disadvantaged in America. I completely disagree, but acknowledge the sentiment might exist with some viewers.