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Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire | Rotten Tomatoes

️Fri Nov 06 2009

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Critics Consensus

Precious is a grim yet ultimately triumphant film about abuse and inner-city life, largely bolstered by exceptional performances from its cast.

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Jenna Marotta indieWire When discussing comedians who became dramatic actors, Oscar winners Robin Williams and Jamie Foxx come to mind, as do Jim Carrey and Steve Carell. But none had a more extreme transformation than Mo'Nique for Precious. Mar 31, 2020 Full Review Deborah Ross The Spectator This is either a good film with quite a few flaws, or a flawed film which is also quite good, but that's all right. None of us is perfect, after all. Aug 30, 2018 Full Review Ed Koch The Atlantic The performances of Sidibe and Mo'Nique are extraordinary and spellbinding. Jan 17, 2018 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review The most amazing part of Precious is that, despite the unbelievable and unrecoverable despair shown onscreen, the film still manages to convey a sense of hope. Rated: 4/4 Aug 30, 2023 Full Review Michael Cuby them. Despite its dark subject matter, the film was elevated by knockout performances from a then-unknown Gabourey Sidibe and powerhouse Mo’nique... Oct 31, 2022 Full Review Nick Rogers Midwest Film Journal An unflinching film that musters striking inner-city iconography for communion and baptism, carries welcome respites of light humor and includes two divergently emotional performances from Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique. Rated: 4/5 Oct 3, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Chris T Absolute knife to the heart 🔪 ❤️ While it isn't perfect, with documentary style camera work and an uneven soundtrack, it's easily one of the best films I've ever seen set in 1980s NYC. The screenplay and acting are 11/10 unbelievably, unequivocally fantastic. Unless you are totally checked out, jaded beyond belief, or have some kind of empathy disability, you will be utterly destroyed by this film. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/25/25 Full Review john w Although very difficult to watch at times , the performances and message is more than worth it Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/08/24 Full Review Fer S Good movie, but not great. I was expecting something darker, I felt it was kind of light. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 10/17/24 Full Review alan g Hard hitting and grim. Uncomfortable to watch at times but ultimately redeeming. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 05/18/24 Full Review Christin H Very heartbreaking but hopeful at the same time. Knowing that thing like these happen in reality and not just on the screen shatters my heart. This was beautifully made and it's a recommended watch. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/27/24 Full Review Cesar Z Uncomfortable and intense. Noble film that seeks truth which makes it a winner. The best thing about this film is that it promotes the best out of Precious which gives the ending a message of hope. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/13/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire (2009) View more photos

Synopsis Pregnant by her own father for the second time, 16-year-old Claireece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) can neither read nor write and suffers constant abuse at the hands of her vicious mother (Mo'Nique). Precious instinctively sees a chance to turn her life around when she is offered the opportunity to transfer to an alternative school. Under the patient, firm guidance of her new teacher, Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins the journey from oppression to self-determination.

Director

Lee Daniels

Producer

Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness, Gary Magness

Screenwriter

Geoffrey Fletcher

Distributor

Lionsgate Films

Production Co

Smokewood Entertainment Group

Rating

R (Pervasive Language|Child Abuse|Sexual Assault)

Genre

Drama

Original Language

English

Release Date (Theaters)

Nov 6, 2009, Limited

Release Date (Streaming)

Dec 9, 2011

Box Office (Gross USA)

$47.5M

Runtime

1h 49m