PRECIOUS – Reviewed by Joyce

Now that the awards shows are over, the tally shows us that Precious has won 2 Oscars, 65 other awards, and has had 55 additional nominations. The film cleaned up at the Independent Spirit Awards, taking top honors.

But somehow, in this maelstrom of accolades, I wasn’t all that wowed. This movie is absolutely, positively worth a view, but dare I wonder if it isn’t a bit over-rated?

Precious is the story of an abused African-American teenager who endures a life that most of us find hard to imagine.  Precious is played by Gabourey Sidibe, a total newcomer. In fact, this is her first movie: looking to earn money for her college education, she auditioned and won the role of Precious in just a few days. For me, this lack of experience was evident. I had difficulty accessing an emotional connection with the character she played as mostly blank and shut down. This portrayal is to be expected, considering the circumstances of Precious’ life. But maybe it was too one-note for me, or perhaps the abuse was so unimaginable that, as a viewer, I myself shut down too.

Mo’Nique, as her mother, finally earned her Oscar and other awards in her last scene. It was powerful, believable, and lent some meaning to all the hurt and destruction that had come before.

Inserted in various parts of the film are dream sequences where Precious fantasizes herself with a much better, and even glamorous life. I enjoyed these scenes, but some of the critics found them distracting or wrong for the movie.

Precious is only the second movie that Lee Daniels has directed. His other movie was Shadowboxer, a unique pairing of Cuba Gooding, Jr. with Helen Mirren. I liked this one a lot, if only for the bizarre casting.

Ultimately, Precious not only thrusts upon the viewer the unspeakable abuse of a young girl, but also offers the hope that develops as some doors finally open. Too bad all the other stories of this kind don’t have as hopeful of an ending. - [DVD] [Blu-Ray]

Drama

Rated R

DVD Release Date: 3/9/10