Heartbreaking, Yet, Hopeful

So I have two new movies to share, but since both were dramas to the max, I think I'll break up the posts. 

First, Precious, the 2009 Academy Award winning film about a 16-year-old girl - named Precious - growing up in Harlem with an abusive and hateful mother and not one, but two children - her children conceived after she was raped - by her own father. Yes, heavy stuff. However, as horribly sad and angering the narrative may be, the film contains a lot of humor and joy - mainly through the imaginative nature of Precious (played wonderfully by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe) and the characters she meets outside of her cold, dark apartment. The film follows Precious on her journey to self-discovery and education, meeting a social worker (Mariah Carey looking way rough) and a teacher who fill in the void left by her uninterested mother. There are also her classmates who add much laughter to her life and allow her to see just who she is and will become. 

Similar to Tarantino, director Lee Daniels' passion for film shines throughout Precious. My most favorite scene occurs when Precious and her mom - played brilliantly by Mo'Nique who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for the film - are watching Two Women - the Italian masterpiece directed by Vittorio De Sica and starring Sophia Loren - who won her Best Actress Oscar for that film. The Italian movie is about a mother and her 13-year-old daughter who are trying to survive in World War II Italy. The mother does everything to protect her daughter; yet, in a horrible turn of events, both are raped by soldiers in a church. The film is a true testament to the human spirit, as Precious strives to be. But what makes this scene in Precious so memorable is that while she watches the TV screen, Precious transplants herself and her mother into the movie, and we the audience watch Monique and Gabourey re-enact their own vision of the Italian scene - in black and white and with subtitles. It's so well done, and the fact that the American actresses speak in Italian truly enhances the power of Precious' imagination.

I have to say, I'm so glad I saw this movie. I had some trepidation after I heard the premise and thought to myself, "I just don't know if I can handle it." But honestly, the backstory is far  worse than what plays out on screen. I'll give you fair warning: There are a few tough moments, but I do not think they are enough to warrant staying away. I recommend this movie. Precious is a figure who has been through more than anyone, let alone a 16-year-old girl, should ever endure, yet, she manages to stay positive and hopeful. Also, I really hope to see more from Mo'Nique and Gabourey Sidibe. Honestly, I want to be friends with Gabby - if you had the chance to see any interviews with her this last year, I'm sure you feel the same. She's just too adorable!

The other movie I recently saw is a new documentary called Prodigal Sons - also, not a light, breezy film - and a post that will come later this week. Stay tuned!