Precious

Although not a "feel good" film in the traditional sense, Precious still has moments that remind us that people have a great capacity to endure and survive. Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe has the title role, and her story is just too horrible to imagine. Her mother, played by Mo'Nique, is both physically and emotionally abusive to Precious, as she makes Joan Crawford seem like mom of the year by comparison. As if that's not enough, her dad rapes her whenever he feels like it, and is the father of her first child, with one on the way. It's no surprise then to learn that Precious has little self-esteem. Whenever her circumstances become just too much to take, she escapes to her fantasies, where she's both beautiful and adored. She also uses food as a way to numb her pain, all the way up to over 300 pounds of numb. Out of duty and compassion her principal refers her to an alternative school, where she eventually makes some friends, learns to read and write, and most importantly, gains the self confidence to make some positive changes in her life.
The film takes place in 1987 in Harlem, when the neighborhood was decidedly less pretty than it is in today's semi-gentrified state. Setting the film in that time period only helps drive home the seemingly hopelessness of Precious' life. This film, although depressing at times, tells its story quite well. This is thanks to a fine script, and, some truly riveting performances. Gabourey Sidibe has been getting a lot of Oscar buzz for her fine acting job, deservedly so, but it is Mo'Nique as her mother, who really steals the show. She plays a beast of a woman, and I only hope that she didn't have to base it on anyone in her own life. This is truly a fine film with some stellar performances: don't miss it.

Rating - 3 1/2 Stars