Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire

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Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire

R

2009

1h 49m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

92%

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239 Reviews

77%

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100,000+ Ratings

Pregnant by her own father for the second time, 16-year-old Claireece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) can neither read nor write and suffers constant abuse at the hands of her vicious mother (Mo'Nique). Precious instinctively sees a chance to turn her life around when she is offered the opportunity to transfer to an alternative school. Under the patient, firm guidance of her new teacher, Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins the journey from oppression to self-determination.

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Critics Consensus

Precious is a grim yet ultimately triumphant film about abuse and inner-city life, largely bolstered by exceptional performances from its cast.

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Jenna Marotta

IndieWire

03/31/2020

When discussing comedians who became dramatic actors, Oscar winners Robin Williams and Jamie Foxx come to mind, as do Jim Carrey and Steve Carell. But none had a more extreme transformation than Mo'Nique for Precious.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

08/30/2018

This is either a good film with quite a few flaws, or a flawed film which is also quite good, but that's all right. None of us is perfect, after all.

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Ed Koch

The Atlantic

01/17/2018

The performances of Sidibe and Mo'Nique are extraordinary and spellbinding.

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Ema Sasic

Next Best Picture

07/17/2025

7/10

While “Precious” will always be a tough sell for viewers based on its themes and topics, it’s a film that’s full of extraordinary accomplishments, just like its main character.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

08/30/2023

4/4

The most amazing part of Precious is that, despite the unbelievable and unrecoverable despair shown onscreen, the film still manages to convey a sense of hope.

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Michael Cuby

them.

10/31/2022

Despite its dark subject matter, the film was elevated by knockout performances from a then-unknown Gabourey Sidibe and powerhouse Mo’nique...

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Skai T.

@RT46035822 Apr 6

So sad but also a well deserved ending for Precious and her kids

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Mar 1

Academy Award winner in 2010 for Best Supporting Actress (Mo'Nique). 82nd Annual Academy Awards ceremony.

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Steven F.

@SteveGotScored Mar 1

Such a powerhouse drama!

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Mickey B.

@Mickerdoo Dec 30

Not an easy watch but some top tier performances and creative daydream sequences. Mo’Nique crushes a tough role. Love Patton and Carey.

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Jose N

@soyjosenieves Dec 28

Es una película con identidad propia. Narra una historia triste, deprimente y angustiante, pero a la vez conmovedora y emotiva. La duración está bien aprovechada, los personajes son sólidos y dejan huella. Sin duda, es una película memorable.

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Calvin O

@Caltus Aug 29

I gave up on this movie. It just makes you angry! Such a complicated story, just like normal life which is very boring to watch as entertainment. I understand the meaning of the movie, of course, and it is a serious subject that many people go through, unfortunately. However, for me at least, seeing a film with such a disastrous actress (Gabourey) is just not in my taste. I mean, she might be good at what she does on screen, but the kind of person she is privately (and knowing this) makes it difficult to enjoy her movies.

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Lee Daniels

Director

Gabourey Sidibe

Claireece "Precious" Jones

Mo'Nique

Mary

Paula Patton

Ms. Rain

Lenny Kravitz

Nurse John

Mariah Carey

Ms. Weiss

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Synopsis

Pregnant by her own father for the second time, 16-year-old Claireece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) can neither read nor write and suffers constant abuse at the hands of her vicious mother (Mo'Nique). Precious instinctively sees a chance to turn her life around when she is offered the opportunity to transfer to an alternative school. Under the patient, firm guidance of her new teacher, Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins the journey from oppression to self-determination.

Director: Lee Daniels
Producer: Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness, Gary Magness
Screenwriter: Geoffrey Fletcher
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Smokewood Entertainment Group
Rating: R (Pervasive Language|Child Abuse|Sexual Assault)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 6, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 9, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $47.5M
Runtime: 1h 49m

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