We are all precious|Nov. 06, 2009|USA|110 Min.|R
Genre: Drama
Description: Precious is a 2009 drama film set in 1987, following the life of 16-year-old Claireece “Precious” Jones in Harlem, New York City. Precious lives with her abusive mother, Mary, who subjects her to constant physical and verbal mistreatment. She has also been raped by her absent father, Carl, resulting in two pregnancies. The family survives on welfare in a Section 8 tenement. Precious’s first child, a daughter named “Mongo” (short for Mongoloid), has Down syndrome and is cared for by her grandmother. However, Mary forces the family to pretend Mongo lives with them to claim extra government benefits.
The story unfolds as Precious’s second pregnancy leads her principal to enroll her in an alternative school, where she hopes to find a better path in life. Precious escapes her harsh reality through daydreams where she is loved and respected. At the new school, she is inspired by her teacher, Blu Rain, who helps her learn to read and write.
Precious meets a social worker, Ms. Weiss, who learns about the abuse and sexual assaults in her household. While giving birth to her second child, Abdul, Precious encounters a kind nursing assistant, John McFadden, who shows her compassion. Upon returning home, Mary’s abusive behavior escalates when she intentionally drops Abdul, causing him to cry.
Ms. Rain discovers the situation and urgently seeks a safe shelter for Precious and Abdul. Unable to find immediate help, they temporarily stay with Ms. Rain and her partner. Precious continues her education while raising Abdul in a halfway house. Later, Mary informs Precious of her father’s death from AIDS. Precious learns she is HIV-positive, though her son Abdul is not. Through her struggles, Precious finds strength and resilience to rebuild her life.
Cast director: Lee Daniels
Cast actor: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, Sherri Shepherd, Stephanie Andujar, Chyna Layne, Amina Robinson, Xosha Roquemore
Original name: Precious