|
| |
“Precious“ Finds Hope in Unlikely Place
6-Nov-2009
Written by: Blakely Slater
Audiences will find “Precious“ simultaneously heart-wrenching and beautiful.
Critics have ironically deemed “Precious,” the recently released film following the life of an obese teen living in poverty and suffering through sexual assault and verbal violence, to be a film that leaves the viewer with a sense of inspiration.
In the film, released Friday, November 6, Gabourey Sidibe plays Claireece Precious Jones, a 330 lb. black 16-year-old who lives in Harlem. Jones has a pile of troubles that many viewers may find hard to take in at first, including being illiterate, pregnant, and a victim of rape by her father.
Director Lee Daniels, known for his focus on controversial subjects that tend to create a feeling of unease, made intriguing casting choices for his film.
Mo’nique, the usually comedic and lovable star, took on the challenging role of playing Precious’s abusive and borderline evil mother. Mariah Carey ditched her glam girl persona to play a social worker sans makeup. Singer Lenny Kravitz played John, a nurse who attends to Precious.
Movie reviewers applauded both Daniels and the actresses’ willingness to dive headfirst into such troubling matters and their ability to convey a sense of hope despite the seemingly endless despair.
ABC describes “Precious” as a “heavy film, filled with glints of light” that is “able to portray an overwhelming sense of sorrow and bittersweet joy all at once.”
The actresses’ “remarkable performances drive home the film’s inspiring message,” according to the USA review.’’
“Precious” is rated R for child abuse including sexual assault, and pervasive language.
Talk to other readers about this story on our Facebook page.
|
|
|
|
|
