A Visceral Exploration of Resilience: “Precious” (2009)
Some movies transcend entertainment, leaving an indelible mark through their raw and honest depiction of the human condition. “Precious,” released in 2009, is such a film. Adapted from Sapphire’s novel “Push,” it immerses viewers in the profoundly difficult life of Claireece “Precious” Jones, offering a cinematic experience that is both emotionally challenging and ultimately inspiring.
A World of Unimaginable Suffering
The film is set in Harlem in 1987 and introduces us to Precious, a 16-year-old African-American girl burdened by obesity, illiteracy, and deep-seated trauma. Her existence is a relentless cycle of abuse and neglect - the constant psychological torture inflicted by her mother, caring for her child with Down syndrome, and dealing with the trauma of being pregnant again from her father’s rape, who is also HIV-positive.
Amidst the darkness, Precious discovers a flicker of hope at an alternative school. Here, she finds supporting teachers and classmates who nurture her aspirations of learning how to read and write, and even becoming a performer. The brutal reality of her life often threatens to overshadow these nascent dreams, creating a heartbreaking conflict.
Beyond Exploitation: The Power of Empathy
“Precious” walks a tightrope and avoids slipping into a caricature of sensationalized misery, which runs the risk of being too similar to the narratives presented on daytime television trash talk shows. Instead, director Lee Daniels elevates the film beyond the realm of exploitation by choosing to concentrate on Precious’ seemingly apathetic defenses to the constant and unrelenting abuse.
The film’s emotional power stems from its ability to foster empathy for Precious, allowing viewers to decipher her stoicism and silence as a survival mechanism to deal with the overwhelming pain. The cast delivers exceptionally strong and genuine performances, refraining from exaggerations and capturing the subtle nuances of human behavior when pushed to the edge.
A Testament to the Resilience of the Human Spirit
“Precious” is set apart from the rest due to its unique ability to transform darkness into an inspiring story of hope and resilience. Despite the overwhelming difficulties, Precious manages to maintain her inner spark and desire for a better life. In doing so, the film celebrates the invincibility of the human spirit and the power of camaraderie, education, and self-discovery to conquer the most formidable challenges.
Lee Daniels effectively triggers empathy and respect for a girl who, on the surface, might appear unlikeable and unrelatable. He showcases a beacon of hope in an environment that seemingly offers no chances of reprieve. Ultimately, “Precious” acts as a reminder that even in the most hopeless situations, the human spirit has the ability to endure and prosper.
Just as Precious dreams of escaping her circumstances and finding her identity in the world, “Precious,” as an independent film, met with its own challenges. It endured difficult producer demands, but persevered and pushed its way to the Oscars, earning high recognition and praise.