Precious

Precious, directed by Lee Daniels and released in 2009, is a raw and visceral exploration of life in the underbelly of New York City, bravely confronting bleak themes of poverty, illiteracy, and abuse. This film is a cinematic adaptation of Sapphire’s 1996 novel 'Push', its narrative presented through the lens of its main character, Precious Jones, played by Gabourey Sidibe.

Sidibe's debut performance as the eponymous Precious is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, a complex portrayal of a 16-year-old girl grappling with the harsh realities of her existence. Precious is not just battling the daily demands of her life in the Harlem projects, but also coping with her second unexpected pregnancy by her abusive father. On top of this, Precious contends with the relentless and manipulative cruelty of her mother, Mary Jones, brought to life by Mo'Nique in an Oscar-winning performance teeming with fury and despair.

The narrative does an important job of illuminating the systemic inequalities perpetrated by failed social services, biased educational systems, and the crippling cycle of poverty. Despite the inescapable tragedy of Precious's life, she never succumbs to the role of a passive victim, instead embodying resilience and stubborn hope.

As Precious battles her illiteracy, she receives the help of an empathetic educator, Ms. Rain, played by Paula Patton. Ms. Rain is the catalyst that propels Precious forward, providing a lifeline through education and attention, subverting the image of an uncaring system. Patton's performance is humane and compassionate, demonstrating the power a single person can have in turning around a life that appears destined towards destruction.

Behind the camera, Lee Daniels handles the movie with a deft touch, capturing both the brutal reality of Precious's environment and her flights into fantasy. These moments of escape into an unreal world allow audiences to peek into Precious's psyche, hinting at a life she desires, one that is bereft of the abuse and cruelty she's been subjected to. These juxtapositions emphasize the stark divergence between Precious's tumultuous reality and her ambitious dreams.

Daniels is also adept at showcasing the beauty in Precious's journey to self-discovery, despite the harsh terrain it spans. He deliberately chooses to highlight moments of bonding among the women in the literacy workshop, or the quiet resolutions taken by Precious, underlining the importance of collective strength and individual will.

Accurate social criticism shines through, too. Precious compels us to question the systemic failures and societal prejudices that allow for the inhumane living conditions and disheartening personal tragedies to persist. The narrative focuses heavily on the medley of social workers, trying teachers, and distant management figures that fleetingly pause, then continue, within Precious's life. This paints a damning picture of institutions that are failing those most in need.

The narrative of Precious is underscored by a compelling soundtrack. The music helps illustrate the internal and external battles Precious faces, instilling a sense of hope and determination even amidst an overall tone of despair.

Despite the bleak circumstances presented in the film, Precious carries a relentless message of resilience and redemption. Among moments of desperate sadness, there are glimmers of hope and empowerment where we watch as Precious begins to value herself, grow in confidence, and ultimately assert some control over her life.

In essence, Precious is a thought-provoking drama that sheds light on the bitter realities of life experienced by some in the marginalized sections of society. It is a chronicle of a journey, at once harrowing and inspiring, pulling at the heart-strings even as it prompts sober reflection. Above all, it is a testament to the indomitable resilience of the human spirit, embodied by a down-trodden girl who refuses to succumb to her circumstances, emblematic of the countless Precious Joneses battling their odds in life's harsh theatres.