Precious

I was more than dubious about watching Precious as I was not at all sure that I wanted to face the story of an poor,illiterate black, pregnant teenager from Harlem and her efforts to escape a terrible abusive home life in the ghetto. After all, The Lovely Bones, depressed me far too much on Tuesday night!
I was surprised by Precious; for, as a film that chronicles the systematic abuse of a morbidly obese and emotionally stunted girl it is strangely uplifting and at times daringly hopeful. It also has flashes of laugh-out-loud humour amid the frightening set pieces of vile behaviour and violence which gives the audience some respite from the depressing subject matter.
Precious is played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe (top photo),, and her giant bulk hides her emotions wonderfully giving the character the flatness of effect which is perfect for the role. She looks like an inscrutable giant, so any sympathy the audience has for her ( and you can almost feel the sympathy roll from the audience in waves) is wonderfully deserved.
The acting honours however must go to Mo'nique (the actress and comic-above) who is simply stunning as Mary, Precious' contradicting, violent and mentally ill mother. Her performance is reigned in , just the right side of evil monster and is a revelation.

Mariah Carey (right) is also quite impressive as a social worker involved in the family's case. She gives an intelligent, wry and rather subtle performance which really,really surprised me.

Mind you, not everything in the movie works as well as the acting. Some of the school scenes do feel a little like something from " the Ghetto kids from fame" but director Lee Daniels , to be fair, keeps these to an absolute minimum, relying on the gritty, painfully ponderous and desperate need from Precious to find happiness to move the emotions.

With some great acting, Precious is one of the most upbeat "abuse" stories that I have ever seen.
9/10
Go and see it.