Precious (Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire)

A brilliant portrait of resilience and absolute belief in ones self, and in others, to overcome a teenager’s worst nightmare. At times, very hard to watch due to the mental and physical abuse. The film has a level of authenticity and rawness that is missing from most of today’s cinematic offerings. But what really sets this film on a different level are the performances. Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe as an uncanny ability to capture not only our hearts and sympathies, but the characters she interacts with as well. Mo’Nique’s portrayal of Precious’ mother is frighteningly real, a true monster. The rest of the cast is peppered with a few familiar faces playing real characters. This is a very strong film that tells one story very well.