[attrition] review: movie: Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" By Sapphire

[lyger]

http://attrition.org/movies/precious.html

Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" By Sapphire
2009
Review by: CJI

Last night I watched what was probably the most depressing movie I've seen 
since Requiem for a Dream (which was depressing because the Jennifer 
Connolley scenes weren't longer). "Precious" is about a sixteen-year-old 
African American girl, played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, growing up in 
Harlem in 1987. Every time you think "Wow, this girl has the worst life 
ever", the plot adds something else to show you how it could, in fact, be 
worse. First the obvious: she looks dangerously obese (supported by her 
eating habits of fried chicken and pigs feet). Then you meet her mother, 
who beats her until she's unconscious. And then you learn this 
sixteen-year-old is not only pregnant, but has another baby already - with 
Down Syndrome. Oh, and both times she got pregnant due to being raped. By 
her father. The downward spiral doesn't end there, but I'll keep from 
spoiling most of it.

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