Certainly not a feel-good movie
Patrick from Wicklow, 17 Jan 2011
This is a dark and quite depressing film. It succeeds in drawing our attention to the bleak reality of growing up on welfare in Harlem in the 1980s. The book on which the film is based was politically motivated and one worthy aim was to inspire children growing up in such conditions not to lose hope. The part of Precious is played very well, clearly conveying her total lack of self-esteem. But there is no resolution or happy ending and I can't see any reason why anyone would be inspired by t
Worth it!
Timmy from Cork, 08 Jul 2010
It's not amazing but it is very real! Despite everything it is a feel-good film! I did have to turn on subtitles once or twice just to understand what she said!
If you watch the special features after and hear Gabourey speak you see right there how different her character is! She did an amazing job. Also I've never seen Mo'Nique outside of comedy but in this she is amazing! The whole cast is. Mariah is far from her usual glamorous self but I wasn't a fan of her part. It's not a major part anywa
How good was Mariah Carey?!
Brock from Limerick, 26 Oct 2010
It's rare I think to have 3 standout performances in one film, but they all are in this. Daughter, mum and social worker are all superb. I'd read lots of comments saying this was a dark film - and be under no illusion, it is not a comedy - but this is a serious topic and well handled. Mariah Carey is AMAZING as the case worker, and the final 3 way dialogue scene that unveils the full extent of the misery is one of the best scenes I've seen in a very long time. The ending "feels" upbeat but is fa
Not for the faint hearted..
martha from Waterford, 02 Jul 2010
This is pretty difficult to watch, and even more difficult to think about.
I think a lot of people would say it was 'too extreme' or 'out there', but the bit that bothers me most is how real it seemed.
I feel uncomfortable with every single reaction I had to it. From disgust to pity, sadness, cynicism, privilege .. it really asks a lot of its audience.
I think it is a film of merit, because of the questions it raises.
You really don't know what goes on behind closed doors.
Precious
Frances from Clare, 07 Oct 2010
Set in Harlem in 1987 this is a powerful and emotionally charged movie. The main character, Precious, is a 16 year old girl abused sexually by her absent father and abused physically and emotionally by her out of control angry mother.
Hope comes in the form of a teacher and an alternative school project for disruptive and underperforming kids.
A superb movie but definitely no laughs.