PRECIOUS (2009)

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D: Lee Daniels; Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey

R, C-110m, USA

Tagline: Life is hard. Life is short. Life is painful. Life is rich. Life is... Precious.

I saw this at the Vancouver Film Festival in October. Wow. Precious Jones is obese, illiterate, abused... a survivor. Some harrowing scenes, especially with her monstrous mother brilliantly played by Mo'nique, but it isn't all misery. Precious knows that the only way to escape her situation is to finish school, thanks to a caring teacher. Co-stars Lenny Kravitz and an unrecognizable Mariah Carey. We had the privilege of seeing director Lee Daniels in person for a very interesting Q & A. There wasn't a dry eye in the house, but not because it was depressing, but because it was HOPEFUL. People of all races shared the experience of rooting for a disenfranchised young woman and wanting her to succeed. And even more amazing... nobody talked or misbehaved at all in the theatre. It was a respectful silence for two hours, then wild applause and a standing ovation. We were all together in this. This is a contender for Best Picture for sure.