An all-star line up both in front and behind the camera didn’t cast a glory Oscar hunting shadow on this potential blockbuster. The cast include Mo’Nique, Lenny Kravitz, Paula Patton and a surprisingly well cast Mariah Carey. Behind the camera Oprah Winfrey’s influence on the film can be seen in some Hollywood-ised light at the end of the tunnel / thank you God moments.

Precious is portrayed passionately and wonderfully by new talent Gabourey Sidibe. Precious lives in Harlem and has been sexually abused by both her mother and her father. Her father, no longer on the scene, has left her pregnant with her second child by him. Her mother continues to emotionally, physically and sexually abuse her and blames her for the disappearance of her father. The movie tells the story of how this sixteen year old girl copes with pregnancy, motherhood and abuse and still manages to get through the day and most importantly to her she sticks with her education . Her social worker (an unrecognisable Mariah Carey), her nurse, nurse John (Kravitz) and her teacher all play a role in helping to turn Precious’ life around. But all is not rosey in the garden, despite the uplifting musical moments, which one can only presume are courtesy of Oprah, or is that a bit harsh?

There’s a uneasy contrast between the reality of Precious’ situation and these happy moments, they could have worked to show her beating the odds but instead they disturbed the flow. Despite this, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house and if there’s any justice in the world this film will swamp the various film festivals and awards ceremonies.

Here’s the trailer:

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