Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire Review

Sometimes you find yourself leaving the cinema inspired, sometimes you leave in sheer disappointment and every now and then you get one that makes you think. It doesn’t take long to figure out that Precious is a thinker.

Precious is the story of Clarice Precious Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) and her struggle to enjoy her passion of learning. She lived a sad life, a life of abuse from her parents which led her into a dark monotonous life from which there seems no escape. But head mistress Mrs. Lichtenstein (Nealla Gordon) gives her a chance to escape and build a future for herself and her children. The ‘Reach one teach one’ scheme headed by the compassionate, yet stern Ms. Rain (Paula Patton) offers her that challenge. Can she rise to the challenge?

I must say director Lee Daniels has done an outstanding job and deserves his Oscar nomination. You just can’t take your eyes off it, with some stunning cinematography and an added coat of grit combined with a lack of that politically correct sugar coating makes it feel more wholesome and realistic. The acting is top notch with Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique in contention for Oscars and rightly so. The whole cast was on song and there was no body that looked out of place or broke the cinema magic, not even a certain pop diva, as Mariah Carey chips in well and puts in a good performance.

I must say Precious is like nothing I have seen before hitting you with the impact of a brick. It carries a very powerful message which I’m going to have to let you find out for yourself. All I have to say is If you enjoy a quality film taking you on an emotional ride, then get yourself down to the Odeon. Director Lee Dainels has made a one of a kind here, a one of a kind you should make sure you don’t miss. It’s certainly an experience you won’t forget.

By Rhien Shephard