PRECIOUS: Based on the novel push by sapphire (2009)

Directed By: Lee Daniels
Written By: Geoffrey Fletcher

CAST: Gabourey Sibibe, Monique, Paula Patton, Sherri Sheperd, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey

Yes that is truly the whole film title.

The film is a emotional rollercoaster. While not as depressing as I thought it would be. It is a truly dark film.

If you have seen Lee Daniels Previous films As Director (Shadow Boxer) or Producer (Monster’s Ball, The Woodsman) you would know he is drawn to these types of subjects. While He is not the greatest directors he does have a talent for bringing out amazing performances from actors you would never think had it in them.

This film makes you feel all over the place in different scenes. You will Feel Happy, Hopeful, Mad and Sad. It’s a film you have to experience more then anyone can describe it to you. It certainly had a effect on the audience I watched it with. The audience could hardly contain there reactions to the film, Scenes and characters. I’m not going to bore you with the plot you can look it up and the film is honestly better the less you know going in. This is definitely not a movie for kids. Not even to take as a lesson of hope.

Each Scene that involves precious and her mother feels like a old west showdown. The Two titans in one room circling each other each with there hands on there guns. Only the mother has the home court advantage as she is scary and she never gets up out of her chair. It’s almost like a horror film the tension is always that thick between the two of them.

Thank god for the scenes of hope that break up the gloom and tension. The scenes of precious in school or around her classmates actually, brung a smile to my face as it helped lighten the mood and showed hope.

Some of the artistic flourishes get a little annoying but you get through those easily enough. at times it seems like it is trying to hard in those scenes but understandable if you look at them as metaphors.

The performances are good all around even in the Minor roles. Monique totally transforms into her character Of Precious’s mother and a true face of evil a monster in human skin. Her performance is definitely notable and Oscar worthy. Even the roles played by Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey could have been distracting but they fit right in and never take you out of the film.

I know I maybe reviewing more with my emotions then with technical aspects of the film. But at times some of the best films or many people’s favorites are more based o emotional reactions then visual dynamics.

The film says it’s based on a true story because there are real precious’s out there going through this. This film just tries to put a face on the people involved and a voice for those who can’t speak out.

I can’t say enough about how good this film is. While not the best film of the year it certainly will affect you somehow. I know this will not be some of you out there's cup of tea but give it a chance it will surpise you.

Definitely a must see.

GRADE: A