Feeding the Mind
Reviews on Music, Books and Movies
BY JEFF FERRANNINI
MOV I E
Precious
2009 – Lions Gate Films – Director – Lee Daniels Actors - Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey Producers - Lee Daniels/Oprah/Tyler Perry – 109 Min.
Soul touching and heart wrenching, “Precious”
helps us see we are blessed and our troubles, small. This powerful, honest and deeply felt movie offers a gritty slice of inner city life experienced by an overweight African American girl whose existence feels so much like combat it is a miracle a spark of soul remains. Claireece “Precious” Jones lives in Harlem with a mother that is both emo- tionally and physically abusive. Although only 16 years old, “Precious” is pregnant, the second time…by her father! Before you go saying, “too much ‘sad’ for my heart,” hear this. The
acting is brilliant. The story exposes a hidden truth and shows how courage born of determination can overcome daunting obstacles. We watch breathlessly as talented actors stretch to breathe life into mean- ingful characters that demand powerful yet understated performances. Gabourey Sidibe as “Precious” breathes air into her part like a
rescued drowning victim. The film feels quite intimate. Her nuanced portrayal spills out in mumbled words, almost whispered, showing a complete lack of self esteem, along with minimal eye contact, is pain- fully honest. Here is a soul so beaten down, glimmers of hope don’t just appear impossible, they seem cruel. Actors disappear inside characters appearing no larger then ordi- nary people. Watch Mariah Carey without make up as she fades behind
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a brown head of hair as a New York social worker surrounded by gray filing cabinets and stacks of disheveled paperwork attempting to help “Precious.” Mo’Nique as “Mary,” the mother of “Precious,” brilliantly portrays a fiercely evil and soulless human being. Paula Patton, as “Ms Rain,” the Alternative School teacher, offers another light of hope in this smog filled landscape. Superstar rocker, Lenny Kravitz, as “Nurse John” kisses “Precious” on the forehead, knowing love, not medicine, heals souls. A new star shines in Hollywood’s firmament. Gabourey Sidibe,
“Gabby,” as “Precious,” commands the screen in this searing portrayal of a lost inner city youth who must dig soul deep to find the strength to go on. It may take a village to raise a child, but, love, faith, and community are what give “Precious” the light to dream by. This film is aptly named “Precious” because once seen it might be hard for your heart to let go.
BOOK S
One Again – A True Story of a Different Kind of Forgiveness
by Linda Jean McNabb – 209 pages – New World Library
One Again is a powerful testament of the human spirit to endure tremendous obstacles. Not just enduring, she heals with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, returning to wholeness and becomes “One Again”.
Linda Jean grew up in a dysfunctional family
with an emotionally abusive father. At the tender age of 14, Linda Jean was gang raped (never told
11:11—MARCH/APRIL 2010
www.1111MAG.com
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