Bogor, Indonesia 2004: A little girl resting in the islands with a sleepy, upside-down, newborn puppy. Precious! As for the film by the same name, if only its characters were able to enjoy even a moment’s peace or rest.

Trent Ling’s all-time “Top 40 Movie Chart” ranks his critically chosen winners from his personal, unique, inexplicable, logarithmic, and long-deliberated mosh process.  Out of order, charted films up through 2012 will be revealed on this website. Enjoy! Visit “Movies” for more.

TWL Score: 6.9 (2009; Rated R; 110 Minutes)

Story:

Precious, played remarkably perfectly by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, presents as an illiterate, overweight, Black teen in Harlem.  Abused, baffled, and in the throes of her second pregnancy, she cannot find solace anywhere—home, school, or on the streets.  Finally, enrolling in alternative school and fending off her dysfunctional past, Precious finds support and opportunity never before known or imagined.  This brutally painful film silently poses the question:  “Who will care about the Preciouses of the world?”

Top 40 Catapults:

1.    Mo’Nique won Oscar’s Best Supporting Actress statuette for her unforgettable turn as Precious’ mother, Mary.  By the bitter end, Mo’Nique had audiences feeling worse for her reprehensible Mary than they did for Precious.  Enduring a deeply scarred lifespan, Mary seems more vacant and more lost than Precious (something nobody would have ever thought possible).  Across this fascinating literary character, Mo’Nique’s gritty portrayal remains one of the very best ever.

2.    Upon first glance and first sound, Precious’ numerous troubles are obvious.  However, over time, as hidden aspects of Precious’ disastrous life come to light, a series of unrelenting and tragic truths roll in with every new reel.  The unceasing collapse is downright stunning.  This fine piece of filmmaking demonstrates how tips of icebergs, paid enough attention, are often found whispering and signaling desperate cries for help if by chance anyone cares, or sees, or listens.

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