Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire poster & wallpaper
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Gabourey Sidibe, Lenny Kravitz, Paula Patton, Mo'Nique, Mariah Carey ... see more see more... , Sherri Shepherd , Stephanie Andujar , Chyna Layne , Amina Robinson , Xosha Roquemore , Angelic Zambrana , Aunt Dot , Nealla Gordon , Grace Hightower , Barret Mindell , Kimberly Russell , Bill Sage , Susan L. Taylor , Kendall Toombs , Alexander Toombs , Cory Davis , Rochelle McNaughton , Roy Anthony Tarell Harvey , Abigail Savage , Rodney "Bear" Jackson , Sapphire Boyce , Linda Watson , Emani Reid , Dashawn Robinson , Ashley Livingston , Maurizio Arseni , Mugga , Deborah Lohse , Joye Davoren , Chazz Menendez , Roy T. Anderson , DeWanda Wise , Quishay Peanan , Vivien Eng , Silje Vallevik , Matt Bralow , Shayla Stewart , Erica Faye Watson , Ephraim Benton , Shortee Redd , Timothy Allen Smith , Kola Ogundrian , Christopher Joseph , Victor Woodley

Monster's Ball producer Lee Daniels follows up his 2005 directorial debut, Shadowboxer, with this adaptation of author Sapphire's best-selling novel about an overweight, illiterate African-American te... read more read more...en from Harlem who discovers an alternate path in life after she begins attending a new school. Clareece "Precious" Jones is only a teenager, yet she's about to give birth to her second child. Unable to read or write, Clareece shows little prospect for the future until discovering that she has been accepted into an alternative school. There, with a little help from a sympathetic teacher (Paula Patton) and a kindly nurse (Lenny Kravitiz), the young girl receives something that most teens never get -- a chance to start over. Mo'nique co-stars in an inspirational drama featuring the debut performance of screen newcomer Gabourey "Gabbie" Sidibe. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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80% liked it

135,991 ratings

Critics

91% liked it

218 critics

R, 1 hr. 50 min.

Directed by: Lee Daniels

Release Date: November 6, 2009

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DVD Release Date: March 9, 2010

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Stats: 10,125 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (10,125)

  • fb733768972
    March 8, 2013
    fb733768972
    Deriving from some controversial source material, "Precious" is a very well made picture with performances that will blow your mind. It is definitely a film for people with strong stomaches and someone who can cope well with watching or hearing about rape. It revolves around the ... read morelife of Clareece, an abused teenager who has never gone to school and is raped by her father to birth children into the family. Her transformation out of the family is really what the core of this movie is about, and it is shown with pure wonder, with some very cool stylistic techniques and questionable editing. This film feels a little too explicit at times, but I loved watching it, and it's very commendable. Definitely worth it's praise!
  • Redlats
    June 30, 2012
    Redlats
    'Precious' should probably be rated higher than 2 1/2 stars, but I found the movie so depressing. I prefer my entertainment less realistic than this I guess.
  • blkbomb
    June 6, 2012
    blkbomb
    Clareece 'Precious' Jones: Please don't lie to me, Ms. Rain! Love ain't done nothing for me... but beat me... rape me... call me an animal! Make me feel worthless! Make me sick! 

    "Life is hard. Life is short. Life is painful. Life is rich. Life is... Precious."

    Feel good entert... read moreainment Precious is not. This is a film of excruciating heartache and depression. The story of Precious Jones is not one that will make you happy. What it will do is make you feel compassion for a character that has gone through terrible things, yet tries to better her life and make changes, not just for herself, but for her kids also. The film is painful to watch, as it is relentless in telling the story of Precious. Lee Daniels directs it with incredible subtlety when you look at the material. It could have been handled in a more over the top way, but Daniels does a perfect job in balancing everything out. Where the film takes off is with the performances. There isn't a bad one in the film. Monique obviously won an Oscar for her superb performance, but there were a few others that were nearly as good. 

    Precious(the film) tells the story of Precious(the 16 year old girl). Precious lives in poverty with a mother that is physically and emotionally abusive. She also is pregnant with her second child. If it isn't bad enough that a 16 year old girl would have two kids; they both are the result of her father raping her. Precious is kicked out of her normal school for being pregnant and finds refuge in an alternative school and a teacher that pushes her to learn and to change her life. The synopsis tells it all. This is not the sort of story you watch for enjoyment. It should take an emotional toll on you. It sure did me. Going away from the subject material, there is a lot to like in the way the making of the film was handled. Lee Daniels direction is solid. I love the independent approach to the movie, with the camerawork, but especially with the casting decisions. All the cast members aren't what you'd expect to be watching in a movie this good. They are all bold choices, and that's what really set the movie apart. This cast ended up being nothing short of perfect.

    This is a film that I would recommend, but it is also one that I would caution some on watching. Is it a really good movie? Yeah. But the subject matter could be too much for some people. Even though the film isn't really about the incest or the abuse; it may be too depressing or heart wrenching for some to handle. If you can get over that though, you are in for a film of immense power.  
  • paulkoh110
    June 2, 2012
    paulkoh110
    The film feels like a knife in my chest. There are just some scenes that break down your inner soul and makes you want to go into the fetal position. Definitely worth watching.
  • LoughnerWasLucid
    February 13, 2012
    LoughnerWasLucid
    i honestly cant tell if this is a Tyler Perry movie or something serious... either way ill pass
  • jamers2011
    November 5, 2011
    jamers2011
    Good film! Powerful and touching at times. Mo'Nique received a lot of praise for her performance here and it's for a good reason; she gives a really great performance. I also loved Paula Patton and Mariah Carey's performances. Overall a solid film about the hardships in life. May... read morebe a little overrated, but still good. I loved the classroom scenes.
  • stormyweather980
    October 27, 2011
    stormyweather980
    Not as good as I'd expected based on what I'd heard, but it's stuck with me since I saw it. I envy Precious in that she was able to find out why her mom had hated and abused her for years, cause I know I'll never find out why mine did the same to me. The actress who plays Preciou... read mores's mom deserved the awards she got, cause she did an excellent job!
  • bottcorecords1
    October 7, 2011
    bottcorecords1
    Well made, watchable, even riveting at times, but sheesh. Precious is a 16 year old girl pregnant with her second child by her father. Her mother (Mo'Nique) is a violent, loud and ignorant woman who also sexually abuses the daughter. The first child Precious had was born with ... read moredown syndrome, so her mother named it "Mongo". Precious is also picked on at school and considers herself to be dirt. That is until her principal recommends a special school for her where she might get some individual treatment from her teacher (Paula Patton). The teacher has the students write in a journal every day as a means of communicating their feelings (I guess).

    Precious is like a blunt object used to batter you about the head and make you cry. It's unapologetically anti-male: they're either sexual objects (like male nurse Lenny Kravitz) or brutes who attack and rape. Even the awful mom is sort of portrayed as the pitiful victim of her man's abuse. And it stands to reason, her super awesome teacher who helps her the most is a lesbian, of course. At times, all the drama dips down into comedy, and no, I'm not laughing with, I'm laughing at. Still, of all the movies made about inner cities and disenfranchised people of color, this is probably the best one I've seen.
  • DreamExtractor
    September 30, 2011
    DreamExtractor
    Precious is a moving and heartfelt story that many people can relate too. The story doesn't change topic, it doesn't ever become dull or boring, and I almost immediately was interested with the plot and characters. The acting was great, all the actresses were incredible and thi... read mores is possibly one of the best casts in recent years, I truly think they deserved all their praise. The way the film flows and tells its story so great is just one way of telling you how much this movie is incredible, and I highly recommend you see it right away.
  • tolkienfan101
    September 27, 2011
    tolkienfan101
    This film is both innovative and downright gross. The story surrounding this girl is something that you wouldn't even expect in Shakespearean tragedy. The style of the film compliments the idea of imagination taking you away from the harshness of reality, but also utilizing those... read more fantasies for the purpose of further striving in your life. It is a powerful story delivered by the most unlikely cast of actors, and for once, something with Tyler Perry's name on it doesn't send me howling away in anger. The celebrity appearances I am sure was originally there to secure financing for the film, but they really do a superb job. I didn't even realize who Lenny Kravitz or Mariah Carey played until I looked at the credits. Gabourey Sidibe is absolutely amazing in the title role and Mo'Nique was equally powerful and believable. From the horrible things that happen to Precious mounting up as the film goes on, to the utter brutality and debauchery of her life's surroundings, this film is rather unpleasant to watch, but it is so gripping and real, that you find a way to muscle through it. And what truly made this film work was the decisive and jaw-dropping third act, where everything just falls into its place and you feel the most repugnant form of bittersweet feelings as the credits role. Unbelievable.

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Critic Reviews

Rafer Guzman
April 4, 2011
Rafer Guzman, Newsday

The remarkable Sidibe is one of several daring casting choices by director Lee Daniels. Full Review

Peter Travers
February 2, 2011
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Precious is an emotional powerhouse, a triumph of bruising humor and bracing hope that deserves its place among the year's best films. Full Review

Dave Calhoun
February 2, 2010
Dave Calhoun, Time Out

A film full of life and love, well-meaning and, judging by the reaction in the US, a genuine and important phenomenon that says act - don't dwell - on your dreams. Full Review

Wesley Morris
November 24, 2009
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

Avoiding the conventional tricks of lifting an audience up, the movie looks into this girl's wide, brown face and her bleak little life and sees, despite everything, a reason to live. Full Review

Tom Long
November 20, 2009
Tom Long, Detroit News

If you do watch -- and you certainly should -- you will see one of the most remarkable performances ever set to film, given by Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe. Full Review

Peter Rainer
November 20, 2009
Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor

It melodramatizes everything and yet its overall effect is something more than melodrama. Full Review

Lisa Kennedy
November 20, 2009
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

Mo'Nique plunges headfirst into a moral abyss that makes her frightening. Full Review

Peter Howell
November 20, 2009
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

The picture painted by director Lee Daniels is almost unbearably bleak, but it feels completely honest. It's indeed relentless, but also transfixing and ultimately transformative. Full Review

Colin Covert
November 19, 2009
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Despite the film's clear social conscience and sympathy for the community it portrays, Precious never panders for compassion. Full Review

Moira MacDonald
November 19, 2009
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times

No, Precious is not an easy sit, and isn't meant to be. But it's a film of remarkable strength and poignancy, filled with vivid performances that stay with you long after you've left the theater. Full Review

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Facts

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    • Pretty Blond Girl: Like, oh, teah...I'm the shit. This fat bitch wishes she was me.
    • Clareece "Precious" Jones: What? What?
    • Clareece "Precious" Jones: Some folks has a lot of things around them that shines for other peoples. I think that maybe some of them was in tunnels. And in that tunnel, the only light they had, was inside of them. And then long after they escape that tunnel, they sitll be shining for everybody else.
    • Consuelo: F for fat. [Precious smacks her in the face twice and everyone screams in excitement]
    • Ms. Rain: Hey! Hey! Quit!
    • Rhonda: Fuck her up!
    • Consuelo: What the fuck!?
    • Clareece "Precious" Jones: What? What?
    • Ms. Rain: Quit it!
    • Consuelo: [at Joann] Shut the fuck up! [at Ms. Rain] She just slapped me!
    • Ms. Rain: [at Consuelo] Get out! [at Precious] We don't fight in my class.
    • KFC Cashier: What you want, baby?
    • Clareece "Precious" Jones: Give me a basket, please.
    • KFC Cashier: Sides?
    • Clareece "Precious" Jones: I don know yet, still thinking about it. Gotta watch my figur.
    • KFC Cashier: Bouchell, you got a ten piece ready?
    • Clareece "Precious" Jones: [Precious looks around for a bit at the people and the time. Cashier comes back with basket of chicken] Potato Salad. Thank you. [Precious runs off without paying]
    • KFC Cashier: Oh hell no she didn't! Uh-uh! Get her ass! Get that big bitch!
    • Joann: Consuelo is a slut, Joann is not a slut.
    • Consuelo: You da one who's da hoe up in here! I don't know who you call---
    • Rhonda: Perfect, you get a gold star! [everyone laughs]
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