IMDb >
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at Blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsPrecious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 96 | slideshow) | Videos (see all 14 NEW) |
Overview
User Rating:
Contact:
View company contact information for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire on IMDbPro.Release Date:
3 December 2009 (Netherlands) moreTagline:
Life is hard. Life is short. Life is painful. Life is rich. Life is....Precious.Plot:
In Harlem, an overweight, illiterate teen who is pregnant with her second child is invited to enroll in an alternative school in hopes that her life can head in a new direction. full summary | full synopsisAwards:
6 wins & 2 nominations moreNewsDesk:
(112 articles)
Mo'Nique: Living Her Dream (From PEOPLE.com. 7 November 2009, 1:25 PM, PST)
Friday B.O.: Soft Starts for 'Christmas Carol,' 'Goats'
(From The Wrap. 7 November 2009, 10:08 AM, PST)
User Comments:
Powerfully emotive story filled with hope and optimism more (18 total)US Showtimes:
| The Bridge: Cinema de lux | 11:45am | 2:20pm | 4:55 | 7:30 | 10:05 | (personalize) more |
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Gabourey 'Gabby' Sidibe | ... | Precious | |
| Mo'Nique | ... | Mary | |
| Paula Patton | ... | Ms. Rain | |
| Mariah Carey | ... | Mrs. Weiss | |
| Sherri Shepherd | ... | Cornrows | |
| Lenny Kravitz | ... | Nurse John | |
| Stephanie Andujar | ... | Rita | |
| Chyna Layne | ... | Rhonda | |
| Amina Robinson | ... | Jermaine | |
| Xosha Roquemore | ... | Joann | |
| Angelic Zambrana | ... | Consuelo | |
| Aunt Dot | ... | Tootsie | |
| Nealla Gordon | ... | Mrs. Lichtenstein | |
| Grace Hightower | ... | Social Worker | |
| Barret Helms | ... | Tom Cruise (as Barret Isaiah Mindell) |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire (USA) (working title) (USA) (working title)Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (USA) (new title)
more
MPAA:
Rated R for child abuse including sexual assault, and pervasive language.Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
110 min | Canada:109 min (Toronto International Film Festival)Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreFilming Locations:
New York City, New York, USAFun Stuff
Trivia:
Over 400 girls were interviewed from across the country for the part of Precious. Gabourey 'Gabby' Sidibe was cast a mere six weeks before the start of shooting after being forced to the audition by friends. moreQuotes:
Clareece 'Precious' Jones: [Crying hysterically] Nobody loves me!Ms. Rain: People do love you, Precious.
Clareece 'Precious' Jones: Don't lie to me! Love ain't done nothing for me! Love beat me down! Made me feel worthless!
Ms. Rain: [Tears begin falling from her eyes] But your baby loves you. *I* love you!
more
FAQ
What's with the extra long title?more
more (18 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Mouchette | Waterland | Loverboy | An American Haunting | Die Blechtrommel |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Drama section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |
















I'm not surprised that Push won both the Grand Jury and Audience Award at Sundance this year. Director Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer) has created a very powerful film that manages to entertain while evoking a broad spectrum of emotions, from anger and heartbreaking pity to optimism, joy and hope.
Clareece "Precious" Jones (Gabby Sidibe) is a fat 16-year-old illiterate black girl that lives in Harlem with her welfare-dependent, abusive mother (Mo'Nique). She has one autistic daughter (who lives with her grandmother) and is pregnant with another child, both from her mother's boyfriend, who is also Clareece's father. Her mother repeatedly tells her how stupid and worthless she is while other kids taunt her for her obesity. She has become hardened and heartless, lacking education and social skills. She spends her time cooking for her mother and fantasizing unrealistically about a glamorous life. She would be easy to dismiss. Based on a novel by Sapphire, this is some pretty bleak stuff.
But good things can happen in this world and Precious is blessed with an indomitable spirit that refuses to accept the negative reinforcement that bombards her. Through her efforts, and despite resistance from her mother, she finds an alternative school. It is staffed by Miss Rains, a caring teacher (Paula Patton) and classmates who, although anything but perfect, possess enough compassion to become supportive friends. It turn out that the world can be a pretty good place.
First-time actress Gabby Sidibe gives a powerful, emotive performance. Equally good is talented actresses Mo'Nique, who is almost frightening as Precious' mother, and Patton as the compassionate teacher. Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey also have minor roles, giving the film a little star power.
Daniels conveys a Harlem existence that is profane, hard-edged and brutal, but with rays of humanity and compassion that leave room for hope. It is at once both a message to the poor in spirit not to despair, and to the rest of us make the time and effort to reach out where we can. Push is an inspiring message that will fill you with optimism and joy.
Sundance Moment: When asked about her getting the role, Sidibe said that she had some acting experience--like a non-speaking role in a college production. Pretty funny! She said her friends encouraged her to audition because she "fit the profile." She also said she relied heavily on "Mr. Daniels" for direction. Daniels said there were parts of making the movie that were hard on him emotionally--like directing Precious to eat, or instructing her peers to bully her.