Precious Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A teen mom in 1980s Harlem escapes her terrible home life by imagining herself in Mariah Carey music videos until Oprah and Tyler Perry show up to give her an Oscar.

🍿 Precious: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Precious’s Harsh Reality

Set in 1987 Harlem, we meet Claireece ‘Precious’ Jones, a 16-year-old facing unimaginable hardships. She is overweight, illiterate, and pregnant for the second time, a result of repeated abuse by her biological father. At home, she endures constant physical and emotional torment from her abusive mother, Mary, who is solely focused on welfare checks. To escape her bleak reality, Precious retreats into vivid daydreams, imagining herself as a glamorous celebrity. This stark contrast highlights her desperate longing for a better life and a future free from suffering.

A Glimmer of Hope: Alternative School

Precious is transferred to an alternative school, a turning point that offers a glimmer of hope. Here, she meets Ms. Rain, a compassionate teacher who recognizes her potential and encourages her to pursue education. The alternative school provides a supportive environment where Precious begins to learn to read and write, fostering a sense of self-worth. This newfound opportunity allows Precious to envision a future beyond her current circumstances. The alternative school becomes a sanctuary, a space where she can express herself and connect with other students facing similar challenges.

Confronting Devastating Truths

Despite her progress, Precious faces further trials. After giving birth to her son, Abdul, she learns a devastating truth about her health. This revelation forces her to confront the long-term consequences of her abuse and grapple with the uncertainty of her future. The weight of this knowledge tests her resilience, but Precious continues to strive for a better life for herself and her children. Her determination becomes a symbol of hope amidst the darkness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Precious (Gabourey Sidibe): A resilient but deeply traumatized teenager navigates abuse, poverty, and illiteracy while striving for a better future for herself and her children.
• Mary (Mo’Nique): Precious’s abusive and manipulative mother perpetuates a cycle of poverty and violence, driven by her own insecurities and mental instability.
• Ms. Rain (Paula Patton): A compassionate alternative school teacher provides Precious with a safe space and the encouragement needed to pursue her education and independence.
• Ms. Weiss (Mariah Carey): A social worker, Mrs. Weiss, attempts to help Precious navigate the social welfare system and escape her abusive home life.
• Nurse John (Lenny Kravitz): A kind and supportive nurse, John offers Precious a glimpse of male kindness and encouragement during her hospital stay.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Precious: “I was born a ugly black girl.” – Precious speaks this line during a moment of reflection, revealing her deep-seated insecurities and self-perception.
• Ms. Rain: “The world ain’t easy, child.” – Ms. Rain says this to Precious, offering a harsh but realistic assessment of the challenges she faces.
• Precious: “I’m gonna get out of here.” – Precious utters this quietly, expressing her desire for a better life and escape from her abusive environment.
• Ms. Weiss: “You can do anything. You can change the world.” – Ms. Weiss provides words of encouragement to Precious, offering a glimmer of hope for her future.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $47,566,524
• Worldwide Gross: $63,649,529

💥 Precious Reviews

Personal Review

This movie completely wrecked me. I went in expecting a depressing drama, but I wasn’t prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that followed. Gabourey Sidibe’s performance is heartbreakingly real. The scene where she confronts her mother in the social worker’s office is one of the most intense and powerful moments I’ve ever seen on film. I left the theater feeling deeply moved and grateful for the small blessings in my life.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in stories of resilience and overcoming adversity”
  • “Fans of independent cinema and character-driven dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate powerful performances and thought-provoking themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Deals with mature themes including child abuse, sexual assault, and poverty”
  • “Contains strong language and graphic content”
  • “May be disturbing for sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Precious is a punch to the gut, but a necessary one. Sidibe delivers a raw and unforgettable performance, while Mo’Nique is terrifying as the abusive mother. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
• The New York Times: “Lee Daniels navigates the film’s difficult subject matter with sensitivity and skill. The fantasy sequences offer a glimpse into Precious’s inner world, providing moments of levity amidst the darkness. A powerful statement on resilience and hope.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Mo’Nique’s performance is a force of nature. While the film occasionally veers into melodrama, the emotional impact is undeniable. Precious is a story that deserves to be told.

Audience Reactions

Mo’Nique’s performance as Mary, the mother, was incredibly intense and disturbing, yet undeniably captivating.: The raw emotion and powerful performances made the movie incredibly impactful and unforgettable.

Sidibe’s portrayal of Precious’s inner strength and resilience resonated deeply with viewers.: The film’s message of hope and the possibility of overcoming adversity was deeply moving.

Overall Consensus: Precious is a powerful and emotionally charged film that showcases stellar performances and a compelling story of resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. While difficult to watch at times, it’s ultimately a moving and unforgettable experience.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 2010
2. Independent Spirit Award (Best Supporting Female)- 2010

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Gabourey Sidibe’s role as Precious was her first acting job.”
• “The film is based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.”
• “Mariah Carey accepted the role of Ms. Weiss without compensation, as she was deeply moved by the story.”
• “Director Lee Daniels worked closely with Gabourey Sidibe to portray the character’s complex emotions authentically.”

🖥️ How to Watch Precious?

Precious is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check these services for rental and purchase options. Availability may vary based on your region. Look for special features like behind-the-scenes footage to enhance your viewing experience. Consider purchasing the film to support independent cinema and have it readily available for future viewing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Precious, you might like these similar films:

• The Color Purple (1985): Deals with themes of abuse, poverty, and the resilience of a young black woman in the face of adversity.
• Boyz n the Hood (1991): Presents a raw and unflinching portrayal of life in impoverished urban communities and the struggles of young people growing up in challenging circumstances.
• Monster’s Ball (2001): Explores themes of race, poverty, and redemption in the Deep South, depicting the characters’ attempts to overcome their difficult pasts and find connection.
• Room (2015): Shows the resilience of a young person overcoming a traumatic environment and building a new life.

🛒 Precious Related Products

• Push: A Novel by Sapphire: The original novel ‘Push’ that inspired the film Precious. It is an unflinching look at a life of abuse and resilience.
• Precious (Blu-ray): Experience the award-winning film in high definition with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Black History Month Collection: Empowering Films: A collection of films that celebrate black culture and history, including Precious as a prime example of compelling storytelling.
• Motivational Posters: ‘The Longest Journey Begins With A Single Step’: A framed poster with the movie’s inspiring tagline, a constant reminder of Precious’s journey and personal strength.

🎧 Soundtrack

Precious features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Humpin’ Around” – performed by Bobby Brown
• “Somethin’ Special (Precious)” – performed by Monaé

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mo’Nique Wins Best Supporting Actress | 82nd Oscars (2010)

Watch Mo’Nique’s heartfelt acceptance speech as she takes home the Oscar for her powerful performance in ‘Precious.’ It’s a testament to the film’s impact and her incredible acting.

‘Precious’: Mo’Nique Interview

Dive into Mo’Nique’s thoughts on her acclaimed performance in ‘Precious.’ Hear firsthand how she approached the role and connected with the film’s important message.

Analyzing Evil: Mary From Precious

Uncover the complexities of Mary, the troubled character from ‘Precious.’ This analysis provides a fresh perspective on the film’s examination of abuse and its far-reaching consequences.

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