Precious

Precious Jones is a 16-year-old African American girl, struggling to make a life for herself in the unforgiving streets of Harlem in 1987. Born into poverty and abuse, Precious's early life has been marred by her absent father and her mother's anger. Mary Jones, Precious's mother, takes out her frustrations on her daughter, subjecting her to emotional and physical abuse. The environment is chaotic and dysfunctional, leaving Precious feeling isolated and without support. Precious, known as "Precious" to her mother, is forced to care for her mother, waiting hand and foot on her, and catering to her every whim. This situation leaves Precious feeling trapped and helpless. Her mother fails to provide a nurturing environment, and Precious's emotional scars run deep. Despite the chaotic atmosphere at home, Precious shows signs of resilience. A self-taught student who has somehow managed to reach the ninth grade, Precious is literate in the sense that she can write, but her literacy skills are severely limited. She cannot read. This secret is a source of shame and anxiety, but ultimately, it becomes a catalyst for change in her life. When Precious discovers she is pregnant for the second time – at 16 years old – her life becomes even more complicated. Her daughter, also named Precious, is a product of incest. The knowledge that her father, Mr. Jones, is responsible for her pregnancy leaves Precious feeling ashamed and humiliated. The fact that she is pregnant for the second time adds to the burden of responsibility that weighs heavily on her shoulders. The arrival of social worker Miss Moore marks a turning point in Precious's life. Moore recognizes Precious's intelligence and her desire for education, and attempts to empower her through literacy. At first, Precious struggles with the idea of learning to read, fearing that it will only serve to highlight her shame and failure. Miss Moore, however, is determined to help Precious, and she enrolls her in an alternative educational program at a local school, Upstate New York Alternative School for Pregnant Teens. This program provides a safe and supportive environment for pregnant teenagers like Precious to continue their education and to plan for their futures. At the school, Precious begins to uncover the harsh realities of her situation, as well as the ways in which her mother's abuse has shaped her into the person she is today. She also meets a cast of characters, each with their own struggles and secrets. There's Edna Morris, whose pregnancy resulted from a brutal rape; Xiomara, a rebellious 13-year-old who is determined to make a life for herself; and other students who are all struggling to come to terms with their own personal demons. Through her relationships with these characters, as well as her interactions with Miss Moore, Precious begins to confront the trauma that has haunted her for so long. She begins to see that she is not alone, and that there are others who have experienced similar struggles. This newfound sense of solidarity gives her the courage to face her demons head-on. As the narrative unfolds, Precious's story becomes a powerful testimony to the strength and resilience of women like her. Through her struggles, she learns to confront the pain that has been her constant companion. With her newfound sense of self-awareness and determination, she begins to envision a future that is free from the trauma of her past. In the end, Precious's story becomes a triumphant one, as she navigates the complexities of her life with a newfound sense of purpose. The film ends on a hopeful note, as Precious stands at a crossroads, ready to embark on a journey that is full of promise and possibility. Her literacy is a symbol of her newfound empowerment, and a key to unlocking a brighter future for herself and her daughter.