Precious: Based on the novel "Push" by Sapphire (2009)

The movie takes place in the 80's and Claireece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) is living in Harlem with her horribly abusive mother (Mo'Nique). She gets asked to leave school because she is pregnant. she has a daughter already that lives with her grandmother, the result of sexual abuse from her father. Her mother is more concerned that Precious might steal her man than the abuse that he has inflicted on her. When Precious is experiencing abuse, sexual, physical or mental, she often retreats into a fantasy world where she is the star and is walking down the red carpet and all of the attention is on her.

The principal from her school points her in the direction of an alternative school so that she can continue her education. Her teacher, Blu Rain (Paula Patton) teaches her to read. The girls in her class eventually become just like family, even spending time with her in the hospital after she has her baby. Along the way she meets some people who want to help her including a social worker (Mariah Carey) and a nurse (Lenny Kravitz).

After the birth of her son, her mother abuses the newborn and Precious finds the strength to leave the house. Her teacher helps her find shelter and she begins to look toward improving her life. She later finds out that her father died of AIDS. She sees her mother for the last time at the welfare office while her mother is trying to hold on to benefits. Through all of this, Precious continues to move forward with her life.

This was a very good movie albeit rather depressing. There was a lot of abuse portrayed here so it might be difficult for some to watch although the acting was excellent. Mo'Nique, who won both the Golden Globe and Oscar for her role here, deserved it. Even though she was an evil person, she still seemed to invoke some sympathy, especially at the end when she is at the welfare office. It is a powerful performance. Gabourey Sidibe was also nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Precious. I didn't see what all the hoopla was about Mariah Carey. Her performance was O.K., but nothing to get excited about. I guess any improvement is good, anyone remember "Glitter", oh yeah, no one saw that.

109 Minutes. Rated R. I give this movie FOUR STARS.