Mother and son find inspiration in Lee Daniels’ film, Precious

Written by Jonathan and Leann Schumann
Wednesday, 25 November 2009 11:06

Since 1999, this column has offered the latest on new films in theaters as well as recent releases and classics available on DVD. This week, the “Reel Son” and the “Reel Mom” review a new release now available in theaters, Precious.

by Jonathan Schumann

The Reel Son

When I first heard about Precious, director Lee Daniels’ harrowing drama, I thought it sounded too bleak for words. An obese, illiterate, HIV-positive African-American high school girl is pregnant with her second child, both from her father, and suffers severe emotional and physical abuse from her mother. Call in the locusts, because this is suffering of biblical proportions.

It’s a credit, then, to Daniels and his impressive roster of actors, that Precious is such a heartfelt and ultimately redemptive exploration of hope in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe stars as Precious in one of the most memorable debut performances in recent memory. She is able to convey the extraordinary weight of suffering and still create Precious as an engaging, entirely identifiable figure.

The performance of the film, though, belongs to Mo’nique as Precious’ vicious mother. Leagues away from her bubbly stand-up and talk show persona, she blasts through the film with tectonic force.

The rest of the cast — Paula Patton as Precious’ supportive teacher, Mariah Carey as her social worker, and Lenny Kravitz as her nurse — all do great work.

It’s rare for a film to carry a message without being cloying, simplistic, or overt. Precious manages to convey so much about the human condition and remain utterly authentic. 4-1/2 Popcorn Buckets

by Leann Schumann

The Reel Mom

Most of us are fortunate enough to have not lived Precious’ existence. Her plight is something that unfolds as a heart-wrenching yet inspiring story of triumph.

As a 16 year-old high school student, Precious (Gabourey Sidibe) finds herself pregnant for the second time, both the result of incest. Because her grades are good, she is offered an opportunity to study at an alternative school. This new classroom of six girls provides a spotlight and focus that she has never known. Her teacher, Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), is both competent and compassionate. Precious finds herself in an environment that is safe and encouraging. Her sense of accomplishment, worth and potential soar.

Precious gives birth to her second child in a hospital rather than on her own kitchen floor as with her first. She finds herself attended to by medical staff and visited by her teacher and new classmates who genuinely care for her. Precious proudly displays the handmade cards they have brought and carefully packs these treasures to carry home.

There is tension in the audience as we watch Precious introduce her baby to her mom. As anticipated, the visit goes badly and Precious flees for the only place she can think of, her school. Ms. Rain arranges for them to live in a halfway house. In the comfort of their room, Precious tells her newborn that it is called a halfway house because it’s between where you’ve been and where you are going.

At this moment, you know Precious and her children will be fine.

If you haven’t already heard about the film, Precious, you will know it well by the time Oscar nominations are announced. 4-1/2 Popcorn Buckets

Video Picks

Looking for something to rent? We suggest these films ...  inspired by seeing Precious.

Jonathan: Monster’s Ball. Daniels produced this raw, difficult film about an unlikely romance between a poor single mother (Halle Berry) and racist corrections officer (Billy Bob Thornton). Both actors are incredible — Berry famously became the first African American person to win the Best Actress Oscar.

Leann: Places in the Heart. Though the adversity faced by Sally Field is very different than seen in Precious, both heroines overcome challenges with the help of well-meaning strangers in their lives.

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