Precious: Based On The Novel 'Push' By Sapphire

As is the case most years, I am running around trying to watch as many of the Oscar nominated films before the ceremony next week. Luckily I've not got too many more to see this year.

There have been a few films this year which are not exactly a cheery experience. This is another. While this film is very hard going and a tough thing to watch, it is still an amazing film. It is filmed in a very real way so you know you are watching something that while is fictional could really happen. That's probably what makes it even more harrowing. The things that Precious has to go through are simply amazing. I was really taken back by how much horror this poor girl has had to suffer. And it is all because of her horrible mother. But the film is not all doom and gloom. There is some bright spots as Precious tries to change her life for the better. The fantasy sequences give hints at the kind of life she would like to have and in many ways make you think that the poor girl is never going to have her dreams realised. They are so lofty compared to what her life is like that you wonder how she will ever do it. How Precious has survived as long as she has considering her situation is an amazing story in itself.

There is a lot of talk about Sandra Bullock getting the Oscar for 'The Blind Side'. As of writing this review I have not seen 'The Blind Side' so can't totally judge, but I cannot imagine her performance being any better than Gabourey Sidibe's in this film. I would think it a real mistake by the Academy to give it to Sandra. Gabourey is so brilliant in conveying the emotion and desperation of Precious. Let's hope we see her in a happier film next time. The real surprise though is Mo'Nique. I knew of Mo'Nique from a few stories about her comedy show in the USA. She is not as well known here in Australia and she may be should not have chosen this film as a way to introduce herself. Her performance is brilliant and one truly courageous thing to be playing such a truly repulsive and hideous character. How a woman like this can do the things she does is so evil. While an excuse is offered for her behaviour, I'm not sure you can justify it. The one disappointing thing though was Mariah Carey. While she is good in her role it is so small and of no great significance that I was not all the impressed. If it had been anyone else in the role not as big a fuss would have been made.

While I admit this is a sad and depressing film, it is still something you should go see. Mostly for the great story telling and brilliant performances of the two female leads.