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Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire 2009

In 1987 Harlem, Claireece "Precious" Jones is a resilient sixteen-year-old facing immense hardship and neglect. Pregnant with her second child and trapped in an abusive home controlled by her volatile mother, Precious struggles to survive. Despite demonstrating academic potential, she grapples with the painful reality of illiteracy and a deeply personal secret. Determined to find a better future, Precious clings to a quiet hope for a life beyond her current circumstances.

In 1987 Harlem, Claireece "Precious" Jones is a resilient sixteen-year-old facing immense hardship and neglect. Pregnant with her second child and trapped in an abusive home controlled by her volatile mother, Precious struggles to survive. Despite demonstrating academic potential, she grapples with the painful reality of illiteracy and a deeply personal secret. Determined to find a better future, Precious clings to a quiet hope for a life beyond her current circumstances.

Does Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire have end credit scenes?

No!

Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

Explore the complete cast of Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

See how Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

78

Metascore

7.7

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

92%

TOMATOMETER

review

77%

User Score

IMDb

7.3 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

73

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' Quiz: Test your knowledge on the powerful story and characters of 'Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire.

In which year is the film set?

Awards & Nominations for Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


82nd Academy Awards 2010

Gabourey Sidibe
Nomination

Actress in a Leading Role

Gabourey Sidibe
Mo'Nique
Win

Actress in a Supporting Role

Mo'Nique
Lee Daniels
Nomination

Directing

Lee Daniels
Nomination

Best Picture

Win

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

63rd British Academy Film Awards 2010

Nomination

Best Film

Gabourey Sidibe
Nomination

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Gabourey Sidibe
Mo'Nique
Win

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Mo'Nique
Nomination

Best Adapted Screenplay

15th Critics' Choice Awards 2010

Nomination

Best Picture

Lee Daniels
Nomination

Best Director

Lee Daniels
Gabourey Sidibe
Nomination

Best Actress

Gabourey Sidibe
Mo'Nique
Win

Best Supporting Actress

Mo'Nique
Nomination

Best Acting Ensemble

Nomination

Best Adapted Screenplay

16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards 2010

Gabourey Sidibe
Nomination

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

Gabourey Sidibe
Mo'Nique
Win

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

Mo'Nique
Nomination

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

62nd Directors Guild of America Awards 2010

Lee Daniels
Nomination

Feature Film

Lee Daniels

67th Golden Globe Awards 2010

Nomination

Best Motion Picture – Drama

Gabourey Sidibe
Nomination

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama

Gabourey Sidibe
Mo'Nique
Win

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, Musical or Comedy

Mo'Nique

25th Independent Spirit Awards 2010

Win

Best Feature

Lee Daniels
Win

Best Director

Lee Daniels
Gabourey Sidibe
Win

Best Female Lead

Gabourey Sidibe
Mo'Nique
Win

Best Supporting Female

Mo'Nique
Win

Best First Screenplay

2009 Toronto International Film Festival Awards 2009

Lee Daniels
Win

People's Choice Award

Lee Daniels

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

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Read the complete plot summary of Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


The film opens with the image of an orange scarf gracefully dancing through the air, setting the scene in Harlem, 1987. We are introduced to Clarice Precious Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a daydreaming student in a math class, shyly adorned with that very scarf. The narrative unfolds through her own voice, which expresses her dreams: “My name is Clarice Precious Jones. I want to be on the cover of a magazine. I wish I had a light-skinned boyfriend with good hair.” Among her fantasies, Precious envisions herself thriving in a BET music video alongside a charming boyfriend. She aspires for a life that’s “normal,” longing to be part of the classroom dynamic.

In her daydreams, she reveals a liking for her math teacher, Mr. Wicher (played by Bill Sage), and defends him in class, proclaiming, “I got your back.” However, her challenging reality quickly catches up with her: summoned to the principal’s office, Mrs. Lichtenstein questions Precious about her repeated pregnancies, contemplating a transfer to an alternative school for her betterment while expressing concern for her future. This stressful meeting leaves Precious with no one to rely on but herself.

At home, Precious faces the brunt of her mother’s anger, Mary (Mo’Nique), whose life revolves around television and who violently lashes out when Precious fails to fulfill her demands. A cruel sequence reveals Mary’s abusive nature, emphasizing the harrowing cycle of neglect and violence. Memories of past traumas bubble to the surface as Precious retreats into her vivid imagination, finding solace in moments that feel glitchy and surreal.

After confronting her deteriorating home life, Precious decides to enroll in an alternative school named “Each One, Teach One”, where she hopes to garner support. There, she meets Ms. Blue Rain (Paula Patton), who encourages Precious to confront her feelings and share her experiences, but not without difficulty. Though initially overwhelmed by her peers, Precious slowly opens up to them, struggling to break through her own insecurities.

As Precious grapples with her literacy and education, she faces both the motivational support of her new friends and the suffocating criticism from her mother. A heartbreaking scene illustrates Mary’s resentment and emotional abuse, as well as the joy Precious derives from writing, reading, and channeling her thoughts into journals—growing toward independence.

The film weaves a delicate balance between Precious’s nightmarish reality and the warmth of newfound relationships. Eventually, Precious learns she is pregnant again, leading to a hospital visit where the harshness of her situation contrasts with empowering moments shared with her supportive classmates, leading her to a psychological breakthrough.

In a pivotal moment, Precious confronts her past traumas: during class readings, her feelings culminate in a revelation about her experiences with sexual abuse at the hands of her father. “Nobody loves me,” she cries, but Ms. Rain counters with her belief in Precious’s worth, asserting “The babies love you, I love you.”

Precious diligently works toward healing and self-acceptance, yet her journey is clouded by complications with her mother and the weight of her circumstances. She navigates a myriad of challenges, from advocating for herself and her babies to ultimately deciding against her mother’s wishes, illustrating the fierce maternal instinct she’s honed.

In the climax of the film, Precious finds the strength to break free from her toxic environment. She confidently embraces her future, walking away towards the unknown with her newborn son, Abdul, and her older child, Mongo, hand in hand—symbolizing resilience, love, and the hope for a better life ahead despite her struggles. This heartfelt tale serves as a poignant reminder of the possibilities that arise from hardship, determination, and a support system that believes in second chances.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

Cars Featured in Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

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Explore all cars featured in Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Chevrolet

1977

Monte Carlo

Chevrolet

1981

Monte Carlo

Harley-Davidson

FXR

Honda

1988

Accord

Lincoln

1979

Continental

Mercury

1987

Grand Marquis

MG

1976

B

Oldsmobile

1979

Delta 88

Volvo

1987

780 Bertone

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


lesbian couplelesbianf ratedself narrationmother daughter conflictteenage motherfat girlcoming of agephysical abusesexual abusechild abusepregnant from rapepregnant by incestincestbad motherteacher student relationshipfemale protagonistmother daughter relationshipblack americanrapeafrican americanbased on novelafrican american lesbianfairy godmother charactertom cruise characterf wordends with dedicationends with textmorbid obesitypavementstreetdifficulty in schoolabusive adultsimpregnateimpregnationwomanhooddifficulty communicatingrealmdelusiondelusionalcocoonsheltercompassionhurtful commentfinancial difficultymaking outrapistabusermonsterhurtful person

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