This spellbinding story tells like a precious gem. Pure. Flawless. Multi-Faceted. The character of Precious is real, sincere and I wanted to reach out, put my arms around the screen and give Precious a hug full of love. Part of the reason this story moved me rests on Precious, the person, but also on how she handled the adversity she faced.
For one thing, I thought it was a giant hurdle for her to even get to the place in her heart and mind, where she understood that there was something she could do change her life.
In today's society, how does a disadvantaged young woman make life better for herself? This is especially troubling for a woman who is but a girl and has no example, no means and no education. Her story is undeniably inspiring.
It is, and can be, an inspiration for young women. All women. Any race. The story of a young African-American woman who is abused in ways no one wants to even think about, may seem to target race. But the truth is that these types of horrors affect many young women. [Yes] This incredible story reveals that abuse and challenges are real, but certainly not limited to any one particular race. This is another facet of the movie that makes this incredible story so riveting.
Another facet that opened my eyes comes from the horrendous abuse by her parents. Yes, she got a roof over her head, food and some clothes, but the price she paid for what was her right to expect from her parents was overwhelming and cruel. How on earth can a young woman grow up and live a happy, productive life when the example she has makes her feel worthless? But Precious found a way and that makes for good storytelling.
This is a movie that every child who is able to understand must see. It's more than a story of hope for those who are abused; it's a truth that represents a large chunk of society still today. Young people need to see the story of Precious, so they might gain a snapshot of this truth. Maybe this will let a child know that no matter what happens in their life, large or small, there is a solution. They must speak up. Find a way. Do not give up.
It's even more than that. Painting a picture, such as this movie does, helps everyone understand what's going on around them in cities and neighborhoods and even in the home or apartment or room on the other side of the wall. Take action. It's not a time to close your eyes, put cotton in your ears or zip your lip. Speak up America. Help your neighbor. One person helping just one person will change our world for the better.
Okay, I may be on the soapbox a bit too much. But this movie brings that out in me. I can't help feeling outraged at the same time that I feel empathy.
Don't get me wrong, blog, I was very fortunate growing up. When I woke up in my cradle and all the days living at home with my parents, I dare to admit that I was endowed. You could even say that I had everything a girl could want. As I think about my childhood, the growing years and my adult life, I am blessed. Sure, I've had plenty of problems, but not even remotely a whisper of what other people endure, especially Precious.
My childhood was pretty spectacular. I had excellent parents and an awesome sister. My aunts, uncles and cousins rounded out my early years with panache. I was content chica.
But later in life, if I was mistreated, beat-up and abused, I would have said little to nothing about it, because who would believe me. This sums up the problem, and the titan story of Precious offers promise. [Just think about it.] In less than 2 hours, watching this film, a young woman can, maybe, start to believe that there is hope for her.
This is a movie that rips at your heart and fills it with a head-shaking, YES! It redefines the meaning of hope and spells out how educating yourself can turn hap into happy.
A good job by Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Mariah Carey and director, Lee Daniels.