‘Precious’ offers up tragedies of life with golden hopes for Oscars

Most films strive simply to generate Oscar buzz, but a select few define the year’s predictions. “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” is a film that accomplishes the latter.

The emotional journey of an impoverished and obese African-American girl in Harlem in the ’80s who reclaims her right to an education has thus far won acclaim from Sundance, Cannes, and other film festivals and shows no signs of slowing until it reaches the Academy’s doorstep. With publicity backed by Oprah, this gritty story of rape and incest—at 16, Precious has two children by her own father—has a mammoth reputation. But is “Precious” worth the hype?

The performances given by Gabourey Sidibe and Mo’Nique are truly outstanding. Sidibe, a newcomer to acting, is miraculously able to tap into the depths of despair necessary to play the role without any pretense or condescension. No action seems false, and the joy Sidibe instills in the character as well as Precious’s animated imagination and strong conviction to make her life better for her children and herself are inspiring.

In a daring career move, comedian Mo’Nique sheds all of her charisma, completely embodying Precious’s abusive mother in a fearless performance. The rest of the cast (including Paula Patton and Mariah Carey), in addition to these two standout roles, is responsible for keeping the film exciting.

In “Precious,” up-and-coming director Lee Daniels is equally fearless with his editing. By breaking up the narrative with Precious’s fantasies, Daniels seamlessly transitions from her unfortunate reality into a world of pop, celebrity, and fashion that Precious depends on. Sometimes these fantasies detract from the intensity and fluidity of the work, but they serve a purpose, as they give the audience—and Precious—a break from the constantly depressing series of events that she faces.

Daniels’s work intensifies the painful dynamic between Precious and her mother. Screening the movie from Precious’s perspective allows the audience to feel the brunt of the abuse firsthand, forcing the audience out of traditional passive spectatorship. Daniels’s creativity is a large part of the reason why the viewer feels so powerfully connected to Precious and the film as a whole.
Without a doubt, “Precious” is a film worth seeing. It is best, though, to watch it without any pretense or expectations, which is what the film demands.