58/365 Precious

Starring: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton

Genre: Drama

Discovery: It is a very talked about film.  (Just to let you know, I did not enjoy this movie and I am going to try to do a fair review since it was really well done & provocative)

Summary: Coming of age tale about a young girl who is growing up in Harlem.  She faces tons of adversity through her abusive mother, getting pregnant for a second time, and being kicked out of school.  However, her new school, an alternative program gives her a second chance to build a better life for herself.

First Glance: This movie is to the current generation what Boys in the Hood was to mine.  This is not to say they are the same movie.  They differ.  What it is saying is that it offers a complex look into urban life.  The not so pretty side.  Through handheld camera & fantasy sequences, we glimpse into Precious’ life.  There is a lot of turmoil, what captured me were the few moments we were allowed to see her happy.  To catch a peek at what her world could be with some love.  My favorite character was Nurse John (played by Lenny Kravitz, who blended perfectly & had no air of rockstar-ness), he felt like a guardian angel-delivering kindness for no reason.  Brilliant performances ALL around. Mo’ Nique delivers a knock out punch towards the end.  Such a well deserved Oscar.

Deeper Look: When I first watched this my immediate response was repulsion. Before you freak, let me explain.  Not because I didn’t appreciate Lee Daniels & crew, no way, I give them huge props.  More from the telling of the story was like being hit in the face with a frying pan.  I like my delivery a little more subtle.  I make no bones about how my drama has to be tempered with hope or I get lost.  I can not relax and end up being stressed out by a film (ala Burning Plain, also a well done movie but utterly bleak). I will not say a bad thing about this film because what I think it did was open a new world up to some of its audience.  It stripped away the glossy facade hollywood is so quick to put on everything.  For that, I applaud it.  I love that this film rests on an unknown actress to deliver such a performance.  She did, in spades. My favorite scene by far is the one with Precious & her baby in the pool.  That was my “hope” moment.

What I Took Away from this Movie: Tough movie to ‘enjoy’ but it is as real as it gets.

Final Glimpse: Let yourself feel just how intense life can be for some.  Don’t shy away because it is messy.  Not a fun flick but certainly worth a watch.