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Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

2009·Movie
1h 50min·R
80
GreatGoodWatch score

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

High energy, big heart, no humor.

Energy

Tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension8
  • Violence6
  • Fast Pace3

Heart

Deeply moving and melancholic

Much of it is about family and growing up.

  • Pathos10
  • Family Dynamics10
  • Coming of Age9

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Situational Comedy0
  • Physical Comedy0

World

Family, everyday modern life, and growing up

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout performances, characters, and direction

  • Acting10
  • Character Depth10
  • Direction8

Style

Standout cinematography

  • Cinematography8
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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About

For precious girls everywhere.

In Harlem in 1987, Claireece "Precious" Jones is a 16-year-old African American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father, and at home she must wait hand and foot on her mother, an angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is chaotic and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and a secret – she can't read.
Gritty Social DramaComing-of-AgeAbuse & ResilienceRaw & UnflinchingPowerful PerformancesHarlem LifeSystemic PovertyEmotional JourneyLiteracy & EmpowermentTransformative Story

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire legally?

Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire is included with a subscription to fuboTV and Philo in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Tubi TV. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire worth watching?

80
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 92%, and Metacritic 78). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire rated?

RViolenceSexual contentStrong languageDisturbing imagery

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, sexual content, strong language, and disturbing imagery.

How long is Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire?

1 h 50 min

Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire runs 1 h 50 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire?

Critics85
Audiences76

Not quite. Critics rate Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire higher (85) than audiences (76). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

Was Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire a box office hit?

Budget$10 million
Box office$48 million

Yes. It cost about $10 million to make and earned $48 million worldwide, 4.8 times its budget.

What language is Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire in?

EnglishItalian

It was made in English, with some Italian. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire?

45ARAUBGBOBRBZCACHCLCOCRCZDKDO+31

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire in 45 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire use?

Short Title: Long, Elaborate SubtitleLiving PhotoAscended ExtraMiddle Name BasisLazy BumLower-Class LoutHate SinkIt's All About MeThe SociopathApathetic CitizensMasturbation Means Sexual FrustrationStealth Insultand 65 more

TV Tropes lists 77 storytelling tropes for Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire, including Short Title: Long, Elaborate Subtitle, Living Photo, Ascended Extra.