Precious (2009)

"Some folks has a lot of things around them that shines for other peoples. I think that maybe some of them was in tunnels. And in that tunnel, the only light they had, was inside of them. And then long after they escape that tunnel, they still be shining for everybody else".

- Precious

When this film first came out based on the novel, I really had to prepare myself mentally before seeing the movie. That's why I waited awhile to see it. I knew it was going to be a very deep film with an important message. It was.

As I watched the movie, I was in utter shock and horror as to the realism and reality of the abuse portrayed. It was as my tweep, Clarabela, describes - "raw". It just seemed like the main character, Clareece 'Precious' Jones (portrayed by Gabourey Sidibe) lived in a much different world from the rest of us.

It was a world full of hate, jealousy, and cruelty. It was a world unimaginable from the rest of us - so different and so full of violence and hate. The level of abuse in the film, both physical and verbal, was very shocking (to say the least) to see and bone chilling. The part of Mary Jones, Clareece's mother, played by Mo'Nique, really was such a powerful depiction to show the level of abuse in the household.

It was just so hard to imagine seeing Clareece live in this world, and live day to day. She made a good point in the film - she doesen't have the kind of life everyone else has. She never had a chance to just be a kid, have a normal teenage life.

Though, the film questions - what is normal? For Mary Jones, she raised Clareece the only way she knew how. In a way, she thought she was doing the right thing. But, was she?

This then becomes an ethical issue. What is the difference between right and wrong? And, who is to say what is right, and what is wrong? Where is the line drawn?

In Clareece's heart, she knew the abuse from her mother was wrong. Though, she still took it because her mother was her family. She had no family. It wasn't until she had her second baby, and realized she did have a family of her own - one she created, that she knew she had to take care of them. Even if it meant getting away from her mother, who she still did love very much. Clareece had to do what was best for her and her children.

Overall, it was a very powerful and touching film. It really showed the affect abuse (both physical and verbal) can have on children. I would say, the performances of both Clareece and Mary Jones were very, very powerful. It really made me think about the other "Clareeces" and "Mary Jones" in the world. They do exist, though in a world very different than ours.

If your in the mood for a drama type film, I highly recommend this one.

p.s. For those who have seen the movie and may be interested, here are some additional quotes from the film. Thanks for reading!

(Note: For another perspective on the movie, check out the following review from my tweep:

Clarabela - Review Link

Happy movie watching!



Video Link