Precious

2009

1h 50m

IMDb RATING

7.3/10

1.7K

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51 Images

Drama

In Harlem in 1987, Claireece "Precious" Jones is a 16-year-old African American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father, and at home she must wait hand and foot on her mother, an angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is chaotic and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and a secret – she can't read.

Directors

Lee Daniels

Writers

Geoffrey Fletcher(screenplay by)

Sapphire(novel by)

Stars

Gabourey Sidibe

Mo'Nique

Paula Patton

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Videos2

Trailer
Watch Official Trailer
Featurette
Watch Meet the Artists: Lee Daniels

Photos51

Top cast

Gabourey Sidibe

Claireece "Precious" Jones

Mary Lee Johnston

Blu Rain

Mrs. Weiss

John McFadden

Lisa Cornrows

Rita Romero

Rhonda Patrice Johnson

Jermaine

Joann

Consuelo

Tootsie

Mrs. Lichtenstien

Social Worker

Tom Cruise (as Barret Isaiah Mindell)

Kimberly Russell

Katherine

Bill Sage

Mr. Wicher

Susan Taylor

Fairy Godmother

Directors

Lee Daniels

Writers

Geoffrey Fletcher(screenplay by)

Sapphire(novel by)

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Review

Featured review

7/10

Towards the tail end of the 1980s, "Precious" (Gabourey Sidibe) is feeling anything but. Intimidated by her angry, petty criminal, mother "Mary" (Mo'Nique) whilst expecting her second child by her own father. She's 16, big, black and constantly bullied - with little chance of that cycle improving amidst a community that isn't looking for any new problems. Sometimes the only solace this girl can take is when she imagines herself living a more glamorous, escapist, lifestyle - but those are merely momentary escapes from her tough urban existence. There might be a blessing from her latest pregnancy, though, as the school principal sees it as an opportunity to transfer her to a school where she might actually get some attention, feel more included and make some new friends. It's that evolving characterisation that the young Sidibe delvers potently here as she gradually begins to feel a little more empowered, finds some inner strength and courage and maybe even starts to see a corner she can turn. There's also something to be said for the less frequent but still quote powerful contributions of Mo'Nique as a mother whom, as the narrative develops, might not be so drastically different from her daughter and who is quite possibly just as lost and out of her depth. It's a film about appreciating self-worth more than anything, and though this particular scenario also adds racial tensions and a great deal of frustration and hopelessness, it isn't without a degree of optimism if the spirit is there - and it gets a little timely help now and again. It's a solid indictment of one-size-fits-all educational politics and proves that teaching is most definitely a vocation that requires vision, patience and understanding. There's an all-star cast to spot if you want, but they aren't really needed, it's all about these two women at the top of their game.

Geronimo196729 Jan, 2025