Movies

About this Movie: Precious Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

By Leroy Douresseaux
November 6, 2009 - 13:11

LIONSGATE presents
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)
DIRECTOR: Lee Daniels
WRITER: Geoffrey Fletcher (based on the novel by Sapphire)
PRODUCERS: Lee Daniels, Gary Magness, and Sarah Siegel-Magness
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Andrew Dunn
EDITOR:  Joe Klotz

Starring:  Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, and Lenny Kravitz

Opening date: Friday, November 06, 2009
Running time:  110 minutes
Rating:  MPAA – R for child abuse including sexual assault, and pervasive language

Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey Present Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.  The new film from director Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer), Precious focuses on an overweight, illiterate African-American teen and single mother who is accepted into an alternative school where a teacher helps her find a new path in her life.

Set in Harlem in 1987, Precious is the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want.  She is currently pregnant for the second time by her absent father.  At home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother (Mo’Nique), a poisonously angry woman, who abuses Precious emotionally and physically.  School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good grades and an awful secret – she can neither read nor write.

Beneath her impassive expression is a watchful, curious young woman with an unformed but unshakeable sense that other possibilities exist for her.  Threatened with expulsion, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One.  Although she doesn’t know the meaning of the word, “alternative,” Precious believes her instincts are telling her that this is the chance for which she has been waiting.  In the literacy workshop taught by the patient yet firm Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain, and powerlessness to light, love, and self-determination.

www.weareallprecious.com

 

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12