Precious (2009)

160 out of 208 people found the following review helpful:

*** May contain spoilers ***

big fry up

A Customer from London, 16th December, 2009

If you want to see a film filled with pain, sorrow and hardship this is it, depressing calls to mind.
No feel good factor here. What a mess, I am so sorry I wasted my time watching it.
Oh; on the positive
Side, at least the main character Precious learns how to read. No repeat performance here.
suze23

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54 out of 54 people found the following review helpful:

Powerful, powerful and oh, so gripping

Benhuczek from , 3rd January, 2010

I started watching this film with only half an eye and ear as to be honest, I had difficulty understanding the mix of Harlem accents. However, slowly this film draws you in and finally demands you give it all your attention even though you are feeling decidedly uncomfortable. In old money, the closest I can offer you is the bleakness and brilliance of Cathy Come Home. Bang this right onto your rental list.

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54 out of 54 people found the following review helpful:

Fantastic

StephUK from , 29th October, 2009

Hi, Just had the chance to see Precious at the London Film Festival and it's, for me, THE best surprise of this year. A fantastic movie, well directed, perfectly played (even Mariah Carey...).

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41 out of 41 people found the following review helpful:

Sometimes, good films are sad

A Customer from London, 15th February, 2010

Yes, I agree with 'big fry up', it's not the happiest film in the world. But that's kind of the point - it's about a teenage girl growing up under the weight of difficult and shocking circumstances and about how she decides to stand up for herself and get the best that she can out of her life against impossible odds. Yes, it's stark and challenging, but if you didn't feel emotionally affected watching this film (which is what good films are about, isn't it?), and don't appreciate the greatness that went into making it, then I'd suggest that you stick to 27 Dresses or Meet the Spartans or something similar that'll help you avoid that pesky cerebral activity you seem to hate so much.

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Beautiful but tough...

pixie from bristol, 5th September, 2010

I strongly recommend NOT watching this if you're just looking for a Sunday afternoon movie...it's beautiful, moving, and wonderfully acted (Oh my God Mariah Carey can actually act!), but it's intense and disturbing. It's great people make movies like these, though. It's necessary.

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Tough watching but brilliant

drclaire from , 4th September, 2010

A totally wonderful gritty film that is hard to watch but brilliant. The fantastic story of a tough black kid and the struggles she faces each day.

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Terrific film - watch it!!

A Customer from Rothwell Northants UK, 2nd September, 2010

A truly amazing film! Completely raw - completely believable. Fantastic acting from a wonderful cast. Just shows what life is like for some people (maybe a lot of people!) so when you feel a bit low - watch this. You will count your blessings!! Get over the language, it's part of this way of life and count yourself lucky to be just ordinary!! Wonderful film - please watch it!!

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Fantastic film, but hard to watch in places.

Donna181 from , 2nd September, 2010

I've been waiting to see this film since I saw a clip of it at the Baftas on telly. I'm happy to say it did not disappoint. The story centres on Claireece 'Precious' Jones, an illiterate 16 year old girl, recently made pregnant for the second time by her #'*$ of a father. Kicked out of mainstream school she joins an alternative school, where she meets other excluded girls, and her new teacher, Blu Rain, who is able to motivate and encourage her students to strive for better. This is difficult for Claireece, whose mother has always told her that she is worthless, and will not amount to anything. It's a tough battle. I'm not going to ruin it by telling you what happens to Claireece but I would recommend the film most highly. Some parts of the film, the abuse scenes for example, make for extremely difficult viewing but they are important as they show how Claireece copes with the unimaginable horrors her parents put her through. The cast is excellent, especially Monique, who plays Claireece's mother. Small but important parts went to Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey - both difficult to recognise in character, and both impressive. This film is important, affecting, moving, and disturbing - make sure you watch it.

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