Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire

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Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire

R,

2009,

1h 49m,

Drama

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Watchlist

92%

239 Reviews

Tomatometer

76%

100,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

239 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

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

Mar 31, 2020

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.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

Aug 30, 2018

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.

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Ed Koch

The Atlantic

Jan 17, 2018

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

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Ema Sasic

Next Best Picture

Jul 17, 2025

7/10

While “Precious” will always be a tough sell for viewers based on its themes and topics, it’s a film that’s full of extraordinary accomplishments, just like its main character.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Aug 30, 2023

4/4

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.

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Michael Cuby

them.

Oct 31, 2022

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

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Anakin S

Feb 1, 2019

This movie is a must-see. I waited to see this when it was first released because it seemed like it was going to tackle some tough topics. It does! And it does so very well. Everyone in this film does a super excellent job!

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Han W

Apr 13, 2018

Movie making that inspires. Gabourey Sidibe, Monique, and Paula Patton impress. The story is one that stays with you for a long time.

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Hermione S

Feb 18, 2018

Precious is the heartbreaking story of a woman, a true woman, with a film to support her that is so uncategorically moving that even though her story is destined to end in tragedy, the film opts for a denouement that is heartwarmingly optimistic.

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Poe S

Jan 6, 2018

A very good film. Just don't watch it while depressed because won't make it any better.

Poe R

Dec 28, 2017

This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. How it got so much hype, or anywhere near the Oscars is beyond me. It's a profanity-laced bore. Had I known the Monster's Ball producer directed this one, I wouldn't have bothered - another over-hyped lousy movie..If stringing together profanities is Oscar-worthy, let's give Andrew Dice Clay a lifetime achievement award.

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Dec 28, 2017

Finally saw this after so much hype.It is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. I just don't get the hype, or how it got anywhere near the Oscars. Simply put: it's a profanity-laced, over-hyped bore.

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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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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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