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Celluloid
Drama Sundance 2009 · Grand Jury Prize

Precious

Directed by Lee Daniels · 2009 ·

Short answer

Is Precious worth watching?

Yes. Precious (2009) earns a 79% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics (91%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (82%). See the 4 inputs.

79%
Celluloid Score Recommended

4-input transparent breakdown

91% Editorial Rating
82% Audience snapshot · excluded
79 Metascore
★★★½☆ Letterboxd 3.6
7.3 IMDb /10
0
Watch Trailer
Released
Runtime
1h 50m
Age rating
R (US) · 15 (UK) · MA 15+ (Australia) · R (Canada) · 19 (South Korea)
Cast
Gabourey Sidibe , Mo'Nique , Paula Patton , Mariah Carey , Sherri Shepherd , Lenny Kravitz , Stephanie Andujar , Chyna Layne , Amina Robinson , Xosha Roquemore
Language
English

Also known as Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire Precious - Das Leben ist kostbar Preciosa: Uma História de Esperança プレシャス 프레셔스 珍爱 珍愛人生 Precious: Acı Bir Hayat Hikâyesi

Where to watch

Streaming availability varies by region — our catalogue lists Prime Video, ITVX in the United Kingdom. Check local listings for your region.

Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home

Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home

Why this score?

  • Celluloid's editorial rating is exceptional (91/100).
  • General viewers mostly liked it (82%).
  • Metascore is generally favorable (79/100).
  • Celluloid Score 79% combines 4 rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately. Consult the source notes for verification dates where recorded.

Best for

  • Viewers who want a well-regarded drama pick
  • Short runtime — easy weeknight watch
  • Critics' darlings — stronger with reviewers than general viewers

Not ideal for

    Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy

    Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.

    Is Precious worth watching?

    Yes — Precious earns a 79% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded drama pick.

    Celluloid verdict

    Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire — Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2009. A landmark festival winner on Celluloid.

    , Founder & Editor

    Critics (91%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (82%).

    What is Precious about?

    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.

    Watch the Trailer

    Precious stills

    Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.

    Precious production still 1
    Precious production still 2
    Precious production still 3
    Precious production still 4
    Precious production still 5
    Precious production still 6

    Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.

    Reader takes

    No reader takes published yet. Send yours and we may publish it after editing.

    Precious: frequently asked questions

    Is Precious worth watching?

    Yes. Precious (2009) has a Celluloid Score of 79%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.

    Where can I watch Precious?

    In the United States you can rent it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube. Elsewhere: Prime Video, ITVX in the United Kingdom. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.

    How long is Precious?

    Precious runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).

    What is Precious rated?

    Precious is rated R in the United States, 15 in the UK, MA 15+ in Australia, R in Canada and 19 in South Korea. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.

    Who stars in Precious?

    Precious is directed by Lee Daniels and stars Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd.

    What is the Metascore for Precious?

    Metacritic's Metascore for Precious is 79 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.

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