Mar. 25 – Precious

PRECIOUS marks one of the rare occasions when I’ve seen a movie before we screen it at the film series. There are problems with the story: the mildly uplifting ending doesn’t gibe with the grim facts; the white social workers and education bureaucrats who come into contact with Precious are uniformly – and implausibly – helpful. But the flawed storyline is more than redeemed by acting performances that rank with the most powerful you have ever see on the big screen.

Check out the trailer:

Stand-up comedian Mo’Nique’s startling Oscar-winning turn as a the main character’s abusive mother will chill you to the bone. More surprisingly, because you won’t have heard as much about it, is newcomer Gabourey Sidibe’s utterly convincing portrait of Precious herself. And just for good measure, Mariah Carey is superb portraying a weary but sympathetic social worker.

Some of you are reluctant to see Precious because you have heard it’s too grim. You may have the wrong impression. The story is certainly grim – relentlessly so -  but except for harsh words, the gross abuse at the heart of the story is merely described and alluded to, never shown on screen.

These performances are piece of movie history you should not miss.