Click here to copy URL

Precious

6.7

32,134

Ratings

Add to lists

where to watch

Pro reviews

Links

Original title

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

Year

2009

Running time

105 min.

Country

United States

Director

Lee Daniels

Screenwriter

Geoffrey Fletcher. Novel: Sapphire

Cast

Music

Various

Cinematography

Andrew Dunn

Producer

Smokewood Entertainment Group. Producer: Lee Daniels

Genre

Drama | Based on a true story. Independent Film (US). Teen/coming-of-age. Education. Social Drama. Bullying

Synopsis

In Harlem, an overweight, illiterate teen who is pregnant with her second child is invited to enroll in an alternative school in hopes that her life can head in a new direction. Clareece 'Precious' Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) is a high-school girl with nothing working in her favor. She is pregnant with her father’s child—for the second time. She can’t read or write, and her schoolmates tease her for being fat. Her home life is a horror, ruled by a mother (Mo’Nique) who keeps her imprisoned both emotionally and physically. Precious’s instincts tell her one thing: if she’s ever going to break from the chains of ignorance, she will have to dig deeply into her own resources.

Awards: 2009: 2 Academy Awards: Best Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actress (Monique). 6 Nominations

2009: Golden Globes: Best Supporting Actress (Mo'Nique). 3 Nominations

2009: BAFTA Awards: Best Sup. Actress (Monique). 4 Nominations, including Best Film

2009: Sundance Film Festival: Grand Jury Prize, Audience Award

2009: Toronto Film Festival: Best Movie (Audience Award)

2009: 5 Independent Spirit Awards: including Best Film, Director and Actress (Sidibe)

Show all

Critics' reviews

"A great American film (...) an inspiring ending. (...) Rating: ★★★ (out of four)"

Roger Ebert: Chicago Sun-Times
"Genuinely and irresistibly inspirational."

Joe Morgenstern: The Wall Street Journal
"It's a potent and moving experience, because by the end you feel you've witnessed nothing less than the birth of a soul"

Owen Gleiberman: Entertainment Weekly
"Not even Douglas Sirk or Lars von Trier would heap so much abuse on a heroine. And yet, on its own melodramatic, tear-jerking terms, Precious works."

Noel Murray: AV Club
"Nothing quite prepares you for the rough-cut diamond that is Precious. A rare blend of pure entertainment and dark social commentary, this shockingly raw, surprisingly irreverent and absolutely unforgettable story"

Betsy Sharkey: Los Angeles Times
"A genuine work of art (...) Nimble and self-assured as Mr. Daniels’s direction may be, he could not make you believe in “Precious” unless you were able to believe in Precious herself. You will."

A. O. Scott: The New York Times
"Despite its melodramatic moments, remarkable performances drive home the film's inspiring message"

Claudia Puig: USA Today
Show 4 more reviews

Movie Soulmates' ratings: Register so you can access movie recommendations tailored to your movie taste.
Friends' ratings: Register so you can check out ratings by your friends, family members, and like-minded members of the FA community.

Ranking Lists Position

33 My Top 10 Movies from 2009 (141)
94 Movies with a Great Female Lead (37)

Is the synopsis/plot summary missing? Do you want to report a spoiler, error or omission? Please send us a message.
If you are not a registered user please send us an email to [email protected]

All copyrighted material (movie posters, DVD covers, stills, trailers) and trademarks belong to their respective producers and/or distributors.

For US ratings information please visit: www.mpaa.org www.filmratings.com www.parentalguide.org

Precious

User history