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These episodes arent the usual inspirational claptrap; theyre about troubled girls striving, and often failing, to turn themselves around. EW

The film is a tribute to Sidibes ability to engage our empathy. Her work is still another demonstration of the mystery of some actors, who evoke feeli .. Rogerebert

So thank heavens for Sidibe, who, in her first feature film outing, doesnt so much dazzle as persuade. Common Sense Media

So, a better life is possible, but imagination just isnt enough: Precious is a film about real escape, not dreams. Time Out

One for the Stuff White People Like canon, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire is an impeccably acted piece of trash.

Surely qualifies as the most painful, poetic and improbably beautiful film of the year.

Second time director Lee Daniels creates a must see portrait of lifes underprivileged which is utterly compelling. Screen Daily

Both the character and the movie overcome their handicaps to become the kind of success stories that the American mythmaking machinery loves to love.

In practice, the film offers a visually textured view of a trite story that youve heard before. Paste Magazine

So overdone that at a certain point,it begins to resemble one of those demented and depraved melodramatic satires that John Waters used to specialize .. E Film Critic

Its enough to make you cry. Equally, it might make you laugh. Daniels is a director who would find it hard to imagine puddings can be over egged, or t .. Telegraph

With Mary, meanwhile, its not so much the words themselves that shock, though it sometimes seems her vocabulary doesnt extend beyond four letter words ..

But there are lyric flights of hope interspersed among that raw naturalism, and thats what makes this movie amazing. San Francisco Chronicle

Precious is the rare movie that earns your tears long after youve left the theater. Cinema Blend

Daniels is not a subtle director, and he encourages MoNiques powerful expansiveness. But its much harder to act quietly than loudly, as Sidibe must do .. Ny Daily News

An emotionally poignant film about a degraded and abused African American teenage girl whose life is turned around by the love and concern of an inspi .. Spirituality And Practice

A grim, uncompromising and revelatory film. Its an incredibly difficult picture to watch. But its toughness brings equally incredible rewards. One Guys Opinion

A former casting director, Daniels shows undeniable savoir faire with his actors, a mix of musicians and comedians effectively cast against type. Village Voice

Piles on the abuses to keep things real life real instead of Hollywood like real. Sover

This isnt a cookie cutter bad mother whose sole purpose is to provide a path to redemption and reconciliation at the end. ReelViews

The truth is that its an effective little movie, with many powerful gut punch moments and strong performances. Combust Ible Celluloid

The girls story is almost unbearably painful, and when Precious finally reclaims her dignity and self worth, her accomplishment seems genuinely heroic .. Chicago Reader

So honestly written, so vividly directed, and so brilliantly performed we are transported to a psychological nightmare of despair, insecurity, only th .. Mark Reviews Movies

Yet, for all the horror on display and all the resulting uplift, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (a horrible title if ever there was one ..

Sidibes downright jaw dropping performance undoubtedly goes a long way towards creating and maintaining an atmosphere of raw authenticity, and theres .. Reel Film Reviews

She doesnt have the reputation of being a good actor, shes a good singer, of course, but she does a fine acting job in this film. Lariat

Sidibes Susan Boyle moment of misdirected public pity notwithstanding, hers is a rare and welcome presence in American independent film. News Review

It offers no imaginative settings or not yet heard experiences, but as an intended romantic flick, which sadly, doesnt show off its heart. indiaglitz

Stylistically the film is a confusing, garish mishmash of gritty urban realism and hyper stylised fantasy sequences. However, these glimpses behind Pr .. Radio Times

Ms Rain, rather sleek and well dressed for a state funded teacher, doesnt become overbearing with piety, but shes still more a figment of the liberal .. Independent

Sorry, haters, Precious is an emotional powerhouse, a triumph of bruising humor and bracing hope that deserves its place among the years best films. Rolling Stone

Sidibe offers a remarkably textured performance, letting us see Precious inner turmoil and insecurities as well as the fierce intelligence and even co .. Shadows On The Wall

Most tragedies provide a final act of catharsis. All Precious has to offer is more and more malice. Pop Matters

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire is concerned with lasting effects of poverty on individuals and especially, on communities. Pop Matters

A superbly directed, powerfully emotional drama with a sharply written script and terrific performances. View London

The remarkable Sidibe is one of several daring casting choices by director Lee Daniels. News Day

Its a bizarrely bifurcated movie, alternately realistic and garishly hyperbolic. Cs Monitor

To its credit, this remarkable film does not contrive a happy ending. New York Post

Nothing in MoNiques previous film and television work could have prepared us for this performance. The actress (real name, Monique Imes) usually plays .. Deseret News (Salt Lake Ci ..

Realism, though, isnt quite right for the grotesquerie and comedy here. Boston

Indeed, quite the most remarkable thing about Precious is its almost complete lack of easy sentimentality. Mountain X

And its story ends up packing an emotional wallop as substantial as its title character. Npr

This isnt movie of the week stuff, with a plucky heroine and a happy ending.

They understand, as should we, that its wrong to look at Precious strictly in terms of race. Toronto Star

A highlight of Sundance Fest (winner of jury and audience awards), Precious is a vividly realized, emotionally powerful, inspirational chronicle of a .. Emanuellevy

You will never know shit, dont nobody want you, dont nobody need you! Guardian

Enter seeking holiday cheer, and youll leave muttering Bah humbug. ( Reel Talk Reviews

MoNique successfully sheds all vestiges of her comic persona and disappears into the bitter, self loathing (and ironically named) Mary, who at all tim .. Q Network

There is a thin line between compassion and voyeurism; soul searing drama and overwrought melodrama; opera and Oprah. Daily Mail

Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not that there isnt anything to like about Precious, which at its best resembles its heroine: observant, .. Slate

This is an actors movie through and through, with all of them pulling off the key emotional scenes magnificently. Eye For Film

The subject matter is confronting and shocking but the film has a heart that is literally as precious as you can get

Street smart and shocking, its memorable primaily for the brazen, devastating performances. Susang Ranger

Its a once in a blue moon experience that tests the boundaries of film, with an electrifying, positively Oscar worthy performance by salty stand up co .. Observer

Gabourey Sidibe plays the title character and if she wasnt an actor before this, she sure is now. Movies

In truth, there just isnt enough motion here to sustain a motion picture. New Yorker

A film that you will not easily forget. It is a cry from the heart told with an emotional charge that takes your breath away. Express

Its ironic that the most unwieldy title in recent memory is attached to a film whose considerable virtues and overwhelming power are so simple and dir .. Mr Brown Movies

While Precious certainly looks the part of the powerful award worthy drama, it does very little to convince the audience that it actually is. Bullz-Eye

A moving mix of melodrama and social tract graced by courage, heart, soul and a lumbering but resilient heroine. Total Film

The performances of Sidibe and MoNique are extraordinary and spellbinding. The Atlantic

If youre looking for a gritty socially conscious movie, this is it. Coles Mithey

Precious is very, very good and is superbly acted by its entire ensemble cast. It reeks of truth, hitting an emotional peak few other features this ye .. Movie Freak

As hard as the subject of incest and rape and abuse can be, its a truly inspirational tale of overcoming the odds and never losing sight of your dream ..

And thats not the worst of it: both children were conceived by paternal rape. Groucho Reviews

Lee Daniels has made a movie that offers up the absolute worst in an effort to illuminate the need for the absolute best... a film of genuine substanc .. Hit Fix

The movie doesnt shy away from showing abuse at its most insidious. Aisle Seat

And only the strong artistic efforts of three of its actresses make it watchable at all. Nj

The 180a Second Opinion: The movie hits an ebb in the later scenes that may tax the patience of an audience dragged through the emotional mud of a ver .. E Online

Features a fiercely intelligent performance by newcomer Sidibe and a compassionate eye for the circumstances surrounding the protagonists upbringing. Film School Rejects

Gabourey Sidibe and MoNique are utterly compelling, and hopefully their performances will be recognised come Oscar time. Film Ink

Its a triumphant effort that will certainly garner Oscar attention.

Precious wants to learn, and theres even a lively personality in all those folds of flesh. Varia Gate

Stylishly told and earnestly acted, Precious is a far from pleasant cinemagoing experience but a worthwhile one. Digital Spy

A powerful, deeply moving film that drives an arrow straight through your heart. Cleve Land

For a motion picture dealing in such bleak, punishing, grimly provocative material, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire is a rarefied beauty .. Dustin Put Man

And when Precious doesnt, or doesnt serve just so, Mary unleashes emotional and physical abuse with a filthy mouth and the nearest heavy object. Christianity Today

An undeniably authentic contrast to those ghetto fabulous adventures celebrating macho, misogynistic, malevolent and misanthropic behavior presumably .. News Blaze

Baby Mama Dearest minus the coat hangers and Hollywood mansion, this bad parenting horror movie boasts exceptional performances, but is social pornogr .. News Blaze

Precious is a powerful social drama telling a gripping personal story. It will put you through the wringer and take your breath away. Hollywood And Fine

Broad strokes in storytelling are balanced by subtle performances from the talented cast. The Sun

The film preserves its literary foundation by capturing Preciouss conflicted core, performed with stupendous clotted discomfort by Sidibe, whose fearl .. Brian Or Ndorf

Even when director Lee Daniels overplays his hand the worst, the film is always wholly worthy of discussion. Antagony & Ecstasy

But, in the shadow of Twilight Saga: New Moon there exists a wondrous, magical, heartbreaking yet inspiring film that deserves your attention.

The meandering screenplay by writer/director Brant Sersen aims for comedy, but, more often than not, falls flat with juvenile humor thats more awkward .. Nyc Movie Guru

A gut wrenching, heartbreaking and awe inspiring pull no punches tale with pitch perfect performances... Js Online

Sadly, the Precious production doesnt live up to the performance of its cast or the weight of its subject matter. Movie Crypt

The feel bad, feel good movie of the year, a well made film that is so dark that it can be hard to watch but that is designed to illustrate the fact t .. Hollywood Chicago

As a slice of life drama free of melodrama, sentimentality and clich, Precious is priceless. Sky

Precious is a big screen misery memoir that is so keen to trace the hellish pathology of familial abuse that it risks glorifying its own subject, or a .. Entertainment Times Online ..

is a unique character, not self pitying and sad, but rather stubborn and forward looking in angry, almost narrow fortitude ... easy to get behind her. Window To The Movies

Its refreshing to see a director tackle such a pertinent topic and among its popular counterparts Precious stands out for its refusal to shy away from .. The Skinny

For a movie steeped in grimy realism, it unfolds in an unusually impressionistic fashion, with artful cinematic transitions and a loose brand of story .. Scene Stealers

Indeed, some of the tonal shifts are a bit too wild to play, though Daniels experimentation is welcome and certainly doesnt derail the enterprise. Dvd Talk

While admiring the films strengths, I felt that Id been wrong footed by Precious. What So

Its a shame that Daniels is so unconvincing in his execution, because the performances mostly go for broke and there does seem to be a nugget of coura .. Or Lando Weekly

Impressive performances power a surprisingly lively account of an existence blighted by material and spiritual poverty. Film 4

When director Lee Daniels keeps his focus on that mother daughter relationship, the film really soars. Unfortunately, Daniels adds a lot of busy work .. Bowling Green Daily News

Precious ... moments of haunting, devastating power, yet too often into laughably ridiculous melodrama ... Precious is no easy ride. As far as harrowi .. Streaming Quickflix

One of the disadvantages of graphic horror movies is that they dull the impact of that other kind of horror, the sordid tale of social misery. East Bay Express

Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416 383 2300 Thanks for signing up! National Post

A shriller, more mannered actress may have tilted this into camp. Sidibe doesnt allow that to happen. Movie Metropolis

After the first fantasy pop up scene, each one that followed pulled me away from the emotional impact of the film. Review Express

Precious is one of those rare movies that comes winging in from nowhere and knocks you out. M Tv

Recommending Precious proves challenging, regardless of the films quality. ... But to skip it would mean missing some fantastic performances. Tiny Url

Propelled forward by tremendous performances, Precious is a pedestrian exploration of social themes and mental, physical and sexual abuse. Cinema Sight

You cant help but feel compassion for this dumb and innocent human being. Entertainment Spectrum

The film comes close to collapsing into exploitation or self parody. Thank Sidibes extraordinary performance that it doesnt. Boston Phoenix

Daniels and screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher pile tribulations onto their protagonist not to inform but merely to exploit. Nicks Chager

... Precious is a true story of survival and hope and not to be missed. Reel Talk Online

Its a sob story. Precious consumes you completely. Her narration is simple, sometimes broken, and gives you a glimpse of an absolutely awful life. Its .. The Scorecard Review

While this is a hard movie to watch, it is a movie worth watching. Vulture

If you ever have saintly goods to deliver, Id recommend FedEx rather than the regular mail.) Spectator

If you do watch and you certainly should you will see one of the most remarkable performances ever set to film, given by Gabourey Gabby Sidibe. Detroit News

Stunning performances from MoNique and newcomer Gabourey Sidibe can evoke expressions of horror and disbelief from the audience: but young people batt .. Compuserve

The triumph of Precious is something much more spiritual than tangible. The Dispatch (Lexington, N ..

Sanctimoniously hyped since its Sundance debut, the film offers itself as a raw, wounding portrait of spiritual growth in the face of pain. Cine Passion

Lee Danielss film adaptation is worthwhile mainly for Sapphires harrowing story and the uniformly fearless performances: from Gabourey Sidibes star ma .. Critics Notebook

Watching Precious, you have to wonder does it offer this years inconvenient truth Week In Rewind

Compelling and artistic, punctuated with warm humor and masterful performances, and ultimately triumphant and hopeful. Cinematical

This remarkable, first time actress makes Clareece truly precious, a full fledged member of the human tribe. MSN Movies

In a monologue, Mary opens herself up in a moment so raw, so naked, so vulnerable that it takes the entire film to a different level. Movie Mom

Nevertheless there is no denying the incredible power of Precious and while it doesnt reach the same heights of landmark films such as Spike Lees Do t .. Cinema Autopsy

Frequently plays as though Daniels conceived it as a mash up of Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye and Rob Marshalls Chicago... Finally and semi subversive .. Nicks Flick Picks

Sidibe deserves an Oscar nomination for her compelling performance, while even more impressive is MoNiques fearless embodiment of Mary. Liver Pool Echo

Screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher and director Lee Daniels manage to pile on the misfortunes without making Precious maudlin or dour. Kc Active

As uncompromising and genuine as movies that receive mainstream distribution get. 2 The Advocate

Sapphires story and the films performances are powerful enough to compensate for Daniels miscalculations and phony tricks. Gomemphis

Sophomore director Lee Daniels doesnt shy away from moments where our protagonists falter or our antagonists show a good side. Sidibe and MoNique are .. Cine Rina

Daniels employs a throw everything at the wall to see what sticks directorial style that makes Precious compelling viewing, but predictably, his shotg .. Reel Times: Reflections on ..

Precious is long and painful but it never feels draggy or exploitative two obvious dangers. Blog Oregonlive

Precious is one of the most harrowing films you will ever see, with one of the most monstrous villains in movie history. Yet it earns both a levity an .. Brandon Fibbs

The most intense, intimate and inspirational film since Slumdog Millionaire. News Of The World

MoNiques Oscar worthy performance had the same scene stealing effect and relentless evil aura as Heath Ledgers Joker.

Its not a movie youll enjoy, but one where youll definitely appreciate the experience. Its an honest, raw, worthy movie and probably my favourite of t .. Daily Record

Precious is a force of nature. You dont simply watch the movie, you experience it in all its fury, hope, bitterness, grace, horror and redemption. New York Metro Mix

Every once in a while, a movie is so heartbreaking even a tough guy like Chuck Norris or Simon Cowell will break out into tears. Dc5

If the director sometimes takes a sledgehammer to crack a nut, then all will be forgiven as you watch the story of Precious unfold. This Is London

While Precious isnt perfect, its a moving drama that gives veteran performer MoNique and first timer Gabourey Sidibe the opportunity to create indelib .. MSNBC

This isnt a feel good story of redemption and students made good, however. Washington Times

An incredibly powerful film whose two central performances more than make up for director Lee Daniels relentlessly gimmicky visual approach. Ultra Culture

Director Lee Daniels has been blessed with camera ready material, a talented cast and first class crew. James Wegg Review

Trying to wrap your head around the mindset of a mother who sees her abused child as a rival is much more horrifying and graphic than a dozen bloodlet .. Atlantic City Weekly

Somehow all the trauma never overwhelms the characters who feel real, particularly Precious herself whose silence conveys more inner sadness than a mi .. Daily Mirror (UK)

This is an exceptional film about nearly unendurable circumstances, endured. You will come out the other side of it a markedly enriched filmgoer. Maki At The Movies Blogspo ..

I felt ill at ease every time Precious arrived home and I can only imagine how those unfortunate souls really living this life must feel. Its heartbre .. Courier Mail (Australia)

Its flaws are more so of the executional than the conceptual kind, the whole more than the sum of its parts. Projection Booth Blog Spot ..

The fetid insanity of it all seems appropriate given the circumstances. Projection Booth Blog Spot ..

And here I thought 2012 was unrelenting and A Serious Man was about the trials of Job. Huh. Sea Coast Online

The 2009 release least likely to be mistaken for the feel good movie of the year.

All too often we rely on movies solely for entertainment, but Precious is one of those exceptions where you can really learn something about yourself .. Wd Times

Even if Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and Katherine Hepburn all came back from the dead they could not pull that Oscar out of MoNiques hands. BET.com

Like Shelley Winters in A Patch of Blue and A Taste of Honey, MoNique best known for comedic trifles tears up the screen. Virulent self centeredness h .. Culture Catch

A brutally believable story that could be happening to any girl right now, with an unknown actress who blows right off the screen and makes you feel e ..

f Precious has a crucial flaw, it is that it is at once too bleak and too hopeful in its closing scenes: too bleak in the history it unearths, and too .. Tnr

Though he frequently makes use of the kind of gritty aesthetic usually associated with social realism, hes not afraid of throwing more polished visual ..

Self conscious, uneven and confusing at times but Sidibes fine performance has to be seen, regardless. She is, quite simply, astonishing. Empire Online

You can feel Daniels struggling to trust his mighty goddesses to carry the film. (He wedges in shots of boiling pigs feet to make sure were queasy.) Amy Weekly

I abandoned the book early on. It was unreadable and written in ebonics. With every page my IQ dropped 10 points. The film, however, is astonishing an .. Films In Review

For its portrait of a complex young woman caught in horrific circumstances, Lee Daniels story embellished by some incredible performances is truly exc .. Charleston City Paper

MoNique isnt just a box office draw here, she is a snarling, disaffected she demon... What Culture

Making To Sir With Love or Dangerous Minds look like soapies, Precious doesnt sanitise or go easy when showing how abysmal some childrens lives can be .. Perth Now

If you find this enjoyable rather than horrifying, youre welcome to call Precious whatever you want. Movie Day At The Court

Sidibe fearlessly embodies a member of society that deserves recognition. Illiteracy, obesity and abuse are tragic and uncomfortable realities that Pr ..

Precious is an important film, a social document, driven by its gritty style. Video Review Master

Director Lee Daniels and screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher dont just want to show you the sad lot of Precious (played by terrific newcomer Gabourey Sibid .. Miami Herald Type Pad

More than anything though, Precious is a remarkable showcase for its all female ensemble cast. Giant Mag

Given the months long hype, whats most bewildering about Sundance sensation Precious is its overall shrug worthiness. (All (Parentheses))

Precious, is a gritty and disturbing drama, but becomes more and more an uplifting, educational and powerful tale that folks will discuss once the imp .. Bvon Movies

Do you love bad movies Thankfully theres lots of so bad its good appreciations on the internet. Towle Road

The performances are unbelievably natural ... a guaranteed Best Picture nominee. Chicago Now

Moment by moment, Precious walks a predictable path but keeps us off balance because Daniels consistently executes scenes slightly differently than wh ..

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