Precious

• Director Lee Daniels’ ‘Precious' is Blessed by Angels

  Published on: October 28, 2009

  By Shannon Nystedt
  MovieSet.com
  
  At a special screening of Precious hosted by The Wrap Tuesday night at the Arclight in Sherman Oaks, director Lee Daniels described his new movie as “blessed by angels.” But how else would you account for a film centered on an obese black girl living in the ghetto achieving such critical acclaim, financial backing and theatrical distribution? Based on the novel Push by Sapphire, Precious tells the story of a 16-year-old girl pregnant for the second time by her absent father and physically and emotionally abused by her mother who begins to turn her life around after she is transfers to an alternative school, where she benefits from the attention of a devoted teacher.
  
  "When I make movies, I anticipate they're going to go direct-to-DVD," Daniels told the crowd at a special screening. "I assume no studio will embrace the intelligence of the audience."
  
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• Can Oprah Lead ‘Precious’ All the Way to the Oscars?

  Published on: October 3, 2009

  By Shannon Nystedt
  movieset.com
  
  Precious has proved itself as award winning material by picking up the People’s Chocie Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, and wowing audiences at Sundance, but how does one go about marketing such a complex film to a wide audience?
  
  The film follows Clareece "Precious" Jones (played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe), an illiterate teen pregnant for the second time by her father and living in Harlem with her destructive mother (Mo'Nique). Precious may sometimes be down, but she is never out. Beneath her impassive expression is a watchful, curious young woman with an inchoate but unshakeable sense that other possibilities exist for her. Threatened with expulsion, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school. 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.
  
  Promotion for such a film may sound difficult, but with Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry on the case, Precious is bound to be a strong contender come Oscar season.
  
  Read the full article here.
  

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• The MovieSet Ultimate Review of ‘Precious’ at Cannes

  Published on: May 19, 2009

  ‘Precious’ Official Selection - Un Certain Regard - 62^nd Cannes Film Festival

  By Phillip Nakov

  Synopsis: When Precious, who is sixteen, learns to read and write at an Alternative School, she discovers a new world previously hidden to her. Told as a child growing up that she was dumb and stupid, she never even thought a world different than the abusive one she knew was possible. A world where she can at last express herself in a way she never could before. A world where each girl can become beautiful, strong and independent. Just like Precious. Featuring a powerful cast and based on the awe inspiring novel "Push" by Saphire.

  Stars: Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibew, Mo'nique, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Susan L. Taylor.

  Written by: Damien Paul

  Directed by: Lee Daniels

  Executive Produced by: Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry

  Opening: November 2009

  

  EXPECTATIONS

  What I'd Seen - A few photos from the production and the movie poster. Nothing prepared me for what I was about to see.

  What I'd Heard - That the movie was quite well received at previous festivals and that I would need a drink after the movie. With the names like Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry behind the picture, it had to have some credibility.

  What I Wanted - A good break from the usual stories about struggles in the inner-city and something interesting or different.

  EXPERIENCE

  What Turned Me On - The absolute realness of the way the story unfolded was shocking. At one point I forgot I was even watching a movie and actually thought I was witnessing a documentary depicting the lives of these unfortunate people. The fluidity and ease with which the actors moved though the scenes without making anything look or feel staged was inspired. At times the story becomes so violent and gritty, one sits in a state of shock as the scenes unfold rendering one unable to move or breathe.

  What Turned Me Off - There wasn't anything about the movie that turned me off save for the violence and abuse endured by Precious at the hand of her vile and poisonously angry mother made me resent the evil she displayed. There is nothing I could find that I disliked about this heroic effort of a movie.

  AFTERMATH

  I Left Thinking - How many girl's are living the life today that we saw depicted by Precious on screen and how many of them would be capable of being as strong as she to rise above it? I also question how flawed must our system of support for abused children be that so many of them end up damaged and perpetuating the cycle of violence and despair.

  I Left Saying - This movie tells one of the most inspirational and beautifully stories I have seen in a very long time. The level of disrespect and pure evil that was thrown at Precious and the manner with which she was able to rise above it is awe inspiring and brought tears to my eyes several times during the screening.

  Expiry Date - This movie transcends all time and will become a classic reference for stories of self-discovery and growth. It is a snap shot of the life of one very brave, strong and precious girl who becomes a woman before our eyes. I expect this movie will not only continue to do well at future festivals but will be a force to reckoned with come award season.

  Check out some super fresh Stills from the Premier at Cannes!

  This film will Open in November 2009

  Check out the rest of the details on our Precious Sitelet
  

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