The Power of Perseverance in the Face of Hardship

The mark of a great film is the ability to emotionally transport the viewer into the lives of its characters. "Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire" has that ability. It takes us inside the life of Precious Jones, a sixteen year-old, morbidly obese teenager who has had two children after being twice raped by her father. Precious fails at school, barely mutters a word, and is the victim of constant verbal and physical abuse from her drug-addicted mother. Living in 1987 Harlem, Precious lives a life of impoverished misery, keeping her spirits afloat by fantasizing herself as a beloved supermodel. These dream sequences are among the most powerful moments in the film.

"Precious" is unyielding in its depiction of hardship, and watching the movie is an emotionally draining experience. It is a testament to director Lee Daniels and the stunning ensemble cast that this film has such a profound emotional impact. Daniels' direction is sharply focused, and he infuses the fantasy sequences with bright color and effervescence. Daniels made his directorial debut in 2005 with the wildly uneven "Shadowboxer". With "Precious", he fully realizes his potential as a gifted filmmaker. The most impressive aspect of "Precious", however, is the incredible acting. Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe makes one of the most astonishing first impressions of any actor in cinema history. The way in which Sidibe beautifully conveys the pain of Precious' life is heartbreaking. Sidibe deserves a golden statuette on Oscar night. Another actor who is likely to walk away with an Oscar is Mo'Nique. Known primarily in the United States for her work as a stand-up comedian, Mo'Nique delivers a fiercely powerful tour-de-force as an abusive mother who attacks Precious as a way to cope with some serious internal demons. The scenes between Sidibe and Mo'Nique crackle with scintillating energy. "Precious" also receives superb work from an unconventional supporting cast that includes Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, Paula Patton, and Sherri Shepherd.

Ultimately, "Precious" ends on a note of uplift. The conclusion does not feel the slightest bit forced or sentimental, but rather life-affirming and profoundly moving. Here is a film that has a keen awareness of the ups and downs of life, a trait not as prevalent in cinema as one might expect. This is precisely what makes "Precious" a must-see.