If you’ve already read Push, the debut novel by Sapphire you won’t soon forget it. (If not, you should read the book now!). It’s the haunting tale of Claireece Precious Jones, an overweight, undereducated, abused black girl trying to survive. And the author, a poet, has written it just the way she talks (which will take some time to decipher). The reason you should read the book now is to get ready for the movie which should make its way to a theater near you sometime later this year.
Lee Daniels, who produced, Monster’s Ball, is the director who has brought this gut-wrenching saga to the screen. And along with sweeping both the Audience and the Grand Jury awards, an unlikely actress is getting rave reviews for her performance. Any guesses? Wait for it… It’s Mo’Nique, star of The Parkers and Phat Girlz actual got a Special Jury Prize for her portrayal of Precious’ cruel mother.
But it is a newcomer named Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe, who tackles the tough role of Precious. Her performance had the audience in tears as well as her co-stars, Mo’Nique and Paula Patton (with Lenny Kravitz and Sherri Shepherd rounding out the cast).
Although some of us may not find the subject matter entertaining, this is a must-see for many reasons. Primarily, this is a reality for many young sisters. So instead of sticking your head in the sand, take a big girl pill and see this film. Better yet, take a group of young girls with you and discuss it afterward.
Now the audience who saw the film and awarded this film top honors was overwhelmingly white. And now there is all this buzz surrounding this movie. But we need to see it too. Or will this be another case where white audiences support a movie and we don’t? Thankfully, we all have some time to make sure that isn’t true.
Check out her audition tape below:
Lee Daniels Sundance Interview “Meet The Artists”:
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At last a movie about the black experience that does’nt mimic superficial cultural problems. I have a neice who looks and acts similar to Precious,although thankfully sans the abuse and rejection.But the attitude,the self esteem issues all exist and this movie should at least offer her(and everyone)some insight.And the actress, “You go girl”!
Wow. Moved me like no other. That audition tape sure brought back some sad memories for me, and was so powerful I am speechless. Thanks for posting.
The preview actually made me cry, it was that moving. Can’t wait to see the actual film, it looks like it will be amazing, inspiring and touching.
I actually read the book about 6yrs ago my daughters high school were reading the book and I read the introduction and could not put it down an incest survivor myself really hit home and just never imagined anyone ever speaking about the circumstance so boldly so kudos to sapphire and can’t wait for the movie to be released I’m definiatly going to buy the movie
I read this masterpiece aloud with my teenager daughters, one who received it from a friend. I always co-sign my childrens reading material, and when I started this one, I could not put it down. I myself suffered at the hands of family insest, however, I refused to be a victim. After being told how much of a sex symbol I was at a childs body, and stupid to boot. My main goal became to prove them wrong. Since being a mother of two girls, I pledged and asked god to never let this happend with my own. I thank him that it has not. I truly hope that the movie does not stray to far from the book version. The world (and I’m sure some young women suffering now) needs to know the truth