Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire

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Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire

R

Released Nov 6, 2009

1h 49m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

92%

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240 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

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.

Mar 31, 2020

Full Review

Deborah Ross

The Spectator

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.

Aug 30, 2018

Full Review

Ed Koch

The Atlantic

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

Jan 17, 2018

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

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.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 30, 2023

Full Review

Michael Cuby

them.

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

Oct 31, 2022

Full Review

Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

An unflinching film that musters striking inner-city iconography for communion and baptism, carries welcome respites of light humor and includes two divergently emotional performances from Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 3, 2022

Full Review

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Fer S

Good movie, but not great. I was expecting something darker, I felt it was kind of light.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/17/24

Full Review

alan g

Hard hitting and grim. Uncomfortable to watch at times but ultimately redeeming.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/18/24

Full Review

Christin H

Very heartbreaking but hopeful at the same time. Knowing that thing like these happen in reality and not just on the screen shatters my heart. This was beautifully made and it's a recommended watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/27/24

Full Review

Cesar Z

Uncomfortable and intense. Noble film that seeks truth which makes it a winner. The best thing about this film is that it promotes the best out of Precious which gives the ending a message of hope.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/13/24

Full Review

Steve D

Poor unconvincing melodrama.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

10/08/23

Full Review

Colin M

The life of an overweight teenage woman growing up in Harlem.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/03/23

Full Review

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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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Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire: Official Clip - Blu Rain's Class

4:23

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire: Official Clip - You Ain't Gonna See Me No More

2:09

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire: Official Clip - Mary's Confession

2:35

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire: Official Clip - Nothing To Write Today

2:15

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire: Official Clip - Straight-Up Lesbians

2:07

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire: Official Clip - Baby Abdul

1:49

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire: Official Clip - A Visit From a Social Worker

2:54

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire: Official Clip - I'm a Kill You!

1:50

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire: Official Clip - Southern Fried Chicken

1:35

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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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