New movie is truly ‘Precious’

Based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire, “Precious” is the story of a 16 year old girl growing up in Harlem, New York in the late 80′s. It will tug at hearts and make a grown man cry at the unbelievable events this young girl must endure, such as rape and cruel physical abuse.

 

The protagonist, Claireece Precious Jones, played by Gabourey Sidibe, is abused sexually and verbally in her torn family. When she is pregnant with her second child because of incest, she is offered a chance at an alternative school, where her teacher gives her hope for the future and lets her express her feelings through writing.

 

Mrs. Rain is brilliantly played by Paula Patton, who brings with her an aura of inspiration whenever she is on screen and is highly recognizable as a teacher who wants only the best for her students. Other stand-out performances include Sidibe’s breakout role as Precious and Monique as the mother of Precious. The tough role of playing the abusive mother was seemingly effortless for Monique, while the star role of Precious seemed to come naturally for Sidibes as well. These stars were great matches for the leading roles.

 

The realness of this film and the superb acting is what gives it rave reviews and four stars everywhere from Rolling Stones to Time magazine. The reality is, the incidents that go on in this movie could happen to anyone, although they are unjustified and wrong. But even though the film ignites anger and sorrow, the film gives much hope to those experiencing similar things as Precious. She must have a large helping of courage to survive the remarks that fellow students and her mother makes, and the memories she carries on her shoulder every day of being raped.

 

Another hardship is having to raise her first child, who was born with down syndrome and is sadly named Mongol. Although Precious takes the abuse of her mother, she will do anything to keep her children safe and out of harms reach, and because of that she has to make many changes in her life, including going to a social worker and moving out. Through it all, she remains courageous beyond belief, and proves as an example for us all.

 

Simply put, this movie is a piece of gold in a treasure box of silver. There are not many like it, and it shouldn’t be missed. Unlike other movies that are seemingly meaningless, this movie makes those that haven’t suffered through abuse think about how lucky they are, and how every moment is truly Precious.