Precious

'Precious' is a contemporary drama about sixteen year old Clarice 'Precious' Jones from a working class area of under-privileged New York. Over weight, African-American and suffering an abusive mother, 'Precious' explores the brutality of teenage emotional and psychological trauma as especially bestowed upon certain socio-economic areas. Preganant with her second child (both of whom her father has fathered) we begin a journey towards hope with Precious by following her aptitude for 'math' into a newly prepared classroom. Partly produced by Oprah Winfrey and co-starring Mariah (who really can act!), Precious encompasses outstanding performaces by all actors. Its director is also a visionary who delves into almost surreal and avant-garde moments brilliantly in the midst of realism that is all too real.

Precious was billed to me as a knock-em out drama. I wasn't knocked out. While it is a drama there is plenty of comic relief to keep me away from the edge of my seat as well. With such an expectation I was disappointed by this film; but one cannot take away the fact that it is a great film. If this visionary director keeps away from the humour and concentrates on blowing me away in the next project I may just see him at the Oscars.