I'm glad the movie was far better than the book, although it followed the storyline almost to the letter. I had accidently grabbed the book on sale several years ago, to carry in my purse for bus trips, and I didn't enjoy it at all. The writing was almost unbearably poor and the only reason I stuck with it to the end was because it's not that thick of a book and I have this tenacious principle of not tossing out a book before finishing it. At the time, it was one of the few books that I could fit comfortably in my purse, so I decided to grit my teeth and get through it.
I do not recommend you even consider getting the book. Just watch the movie instead, if you're intrigued.
The actors were the reason the movie was so incredibly good. I can't believe Mariah Carey played Ms. Weiss, she was practically unrecognizable, in a very good way. The last time I saw pictures of her were on tabloids and a couple of scenes from Glitter (unfortunately I have seen that film too and I wanna know how to get those 2 hours back!) and Mo'Nique. There's no words to describe my amazement when I found out afterwards that Precious' mother was played by Mo'Nique. One of those times when you see a performance this good and go "Whoa..." and then when you actually find out who the performer is and you go "Who? Wait... WHAT?"
Mo'Nique's portrayal of Precious' mother was chilling, there wasn't even a second I felt like she was acting, I thoroughly got immersed into the whole situation of her enabling the abuse of her child and felt extremely uncomfortable physically and emotionally every time there was a fight scene or a flashback. That's how real it felt. I even bought the theatrical ending scene, hook, line and sinker, and I'm not that sentimental when it comes to the movies, that's how good and realistic it was.
I know a lot of people won't feel as strongly as I did about the theme or the acting, but I felt it, the whole hopelessness of living in the ghetto, the struggles, money problems, having kids when you're underage, not being able to read or write, etc, and I'm a white chick from upper middle class home in Scandinavia.
the story of the movie is quite disturbing. the acting and shooting of the film is quite brilliant, i think.
* i couldnt recognize Mariah Carey as Ms Weiss, looked totally different to me.
All the performances in the film are fantastic, but the film is a bit too erratic in its directorial style. That said, the film is worth seeing just for the acting.
I watch this movie and I try to find some sense in life... there is none. But I must do something, that how I could exchange the Bourdieu's cultural capital I gathered for some life-saving-trip.
Acting and dialogue are shocking. The rape scene, with cuts to eggs and food, is one of the most gruesome things I've ever seen. I'm relieved I didn't watch it at Cinusp, I would not have been able to stop crying. Remember here the cuts to fantasies when she had to face real tough realities and the Italian movie sarcastic scene: "mangiare, putana".
It was executed well with brilliant actors and actresses but the movie altogether was hard to stomach. Really disturbing scenes and incidents that happened and it depressed me. I didn't like it.
I was so surprised and glad that It didn't turn into an all way through depressing film. It's elements of humour made it entertaining and emotional at the same time. Really is a great film :D
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Comments 1 - 15 of 19
Pristine
I'm glad the movie was far better than the book, although it followed the storyline almost to the letter. I had accidently grabbed the book on sale several years ago, to carry in my purse for bus trips, and I didn't enjoy it at all. The writing was almost unbearably poor and the only reason I stuck with it to the end was because it's not that thick of a book and I have this tenacious principle of not tossing out a book before finishing it. At the time, it was one of the few books that I could fit comfortably in my purse, so I decided to grit my teeth and get through it.I do not recommend you even consider getting the book. Just watch the movie instead, if you're intrigued.
The actors were the reason the movie was so incredibly good. I can't believe Mariah Carey played Ms. Weiss, she was practically unrecognizable, in a very good way. The last time I saw pictures of her were on tabloids and a couple of scenes from Glitter (unfortunately I have seen that film too and I wanna know how to get those 2 hours back!) and Mo'Nique. There's no words to describe my amazement when I found out afterwards that Precious' mother was played by Mo'Nique. One of those times when you see a performance this good and go "Whoa..." and then when you actually find out who the performer is and you go "Who? Wait... WHAT?"
I know a lot of people won't feel as strongly as I did about the theme or the acting, but I felt it, the whole hopelessness of living in the ghetto, the struggles, money problems, having kids when you're underage, not being able to read or write, etc, and I'm a white chick from upper middle class home in Scandinavia.
hyvaa
the story of the movie is quite disturbing. the acting and shooting of the film is quite brilliant, i think.* i couldnt recognize Mariah Carey as Ms Weiss, looked totally different to me.
mandapuspi
It really is precious! Mo'Nique and Sidibe deliver astonishing performances!Thebigernied
Strong all around performances...even by yes, Carey.Berrymcgregor
Yes, the movie is certainly erratic in the writing and the story itself. But to be honest, it is quite faithful to the original book.Amazing acting though.
RussellH88
All the performances in the film are fantastic, but the film is a bit too erratic in its directorial style. That said, the film is worth seeing just for the acting.coffeejazzlofi
Acting and dialogue are shocking. The rape scene, with cuts to eggs and food, is one of the most gruesome things I've ever seen. I'm relieved I didn't watch it at Cinusp, I would not have been able to stop crying. Remember here the cuts to fantasies when she had to face real tough realities and the Italian movie sarcastic scene: "mangiare, putana".
Sable
It was executed well with brilliant actors and actresses but the movie altogether was hard to stomach. Really disturbing scenes and incidents that happened and it depressed me. I didn't like it.mathiasa
What's the italian black'n'white movie they watch?george4mon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr1CfrgtkwUNuclearPlanet
I was so surprised and glad that It didn't turn into an all way through depressing film. It's elements of humour made it entertaining and emotional at the same time. Really is a great film :Dfrancyapple
Too sad.Wise Jake
very good film. unbelievable performances, especially by the new actress. What a debut!abraxas
so realistic, deserves all their oscars. made me cryvivienblue_06
I almost cried watching this film. Its really really amazing. everything is perfect in this one.Showing items 1 – 15 of 19