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Push took top prizes at Sundance 2009 (Grand Jury for Drama, Audience Award and special acting prize for Mo’Nique), but–like a lot of prize winners in the past–it may prove to be too much for regular audiences. During the Q&A after the screening I attended, a girl stood up and said, “I’m from Harlem and I know people like that, but I’ve never seen it on a screen before.” She then thanked director Lee Daniels through her tears and sat down. It was the kind of moment Sundance programmers live for.
This small, risk-taking film does show something that hasn’t been on a screen before, and it eclipses the feel-good-and-give-me-your-money bigger pictures. Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire is a simple story about an uneducated, pregnant girl in Harlem circa 1987. It leaves you a sweaty wad of mixed emotions and defies you to figure you what you’re feeling and why you feel it.
Precious (Gabourey Sidibe) is a sixteen year old girl who lives in hell. She’s morbidly obese and hated wherever she goes, except in her fantasies. (Kind of like Pan’s Labyrinth, but the war torn country Precious escapes is the Harlem ghetto and her fantasy world comes from TV.) It’s a little absurd and supposed to be funny. She has an indomitable wit despite the fact that she carries her father’s second child and her mother (Mo’Nique) is one of the most tragic and despicable villains, maybe, in all of cinema. Precious’ entire life is just a vessel to absorb all the victimization possible from being poor and black and female. Through her hallucinogenic fantasies, her protective sarcasm, and a couple of women who refuse to let her disappear, she inches — and I mean inches — towards prevailing.
If you’re starting to think Stand and Deliver with incest, think again. Precious’ journey is like watching somebody held under water learning to breath through a straw. If Push did not completely absorb you into the world of Precious, it may appear that her victories (like reciting the alphabet from start to finish) are minute, maybe even pathetic, but their monumentality in Precious’ world is visceral. It also helps that every once in a while there’s a fall-down funny joke.
Daniels’ freestyle comedy is what prevents the audience from walking away with PTSD. Shortly after what’s probably the most difficult scene in the movie, Precious is staying with her teacher and her teacher’s lesbian partner and remarks to herself, “They talk like TV channels I don’t watch.” At the screening I attended, the theater fell into fits of laughter, the way a death row inmate might when granted a pardon. When Daniels introduced Push, he encouraged the audience to look at how Precious laughs at what’s thrown at her, and laugh with her. My immediate thought was that his last screening must have been completely morbid and he wanted to lighten this one up. But now I think he may have been prepping us for the real brilliance of the movie. In some way, Precious’ humor creates an even deeper connection for us to her suffering because it makes her suffering more authentic. Isn’t it human nature to find some weird whiff of humor in the darkest hour? Finding a way to make a joke, albeit a dark one, can be the only reason at the end of the day to think tomorrow could be any better.
I know Push has everything going against it. Incest, a cast of “real” characters (even Mariah Carey looks like she’s served time in prison) and a location people don’t want to visit unless they have to, but it has an undeniable authenticity. It definitely pushes what an audience is willing to take. Some will say the waves of tragedy hitting Precious’ life smack of melodrama. Does Push go over the top? I really haven’t decided yet, but there’s that girl in the audience who said it was a spot on depiction of people she knows. I think there are lives which are more broken and sad than anything we’ve seen in movies before. Wrestling with whether or not I’ll allow Preicous’ life be authentic to me is, I think, is exactly what Daniels wants because days after I attended the screening, I still haven’t forgotten her.
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We’ve had a bit of trouble getting this episode to go through the iTunes feed, so we hope this re-post will fix the problem. The original post, with episode description and embedded player, is here.
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Paul, I’ve a tenuous relationship with Daniels’ work, but you’ve just sold me on seeing this, when I get to see it. Thank you for how beautiful written and expressed this post is.
I agree. Im sold on this one.
I haven’t seen the movie but I just finished reading the book and there is no humour as is discussed in the movie review. Precious does not come up with anything to laugh at. Did the screen writers add this in order to get the audience to survive the movie?
I just finished this book. I am so mixed up over it. However, I agree, though Precious is sarcastic at time, I was never once laughing during the book. I wonder how they added bits of humor into the movie. I am dying to see it.
i was in the theater waiting for Tyler Perry”s Madea
Goes To Jail and the trailer for this movie played, the moment i saw it i knew i had to see this movie, Mo’nique blew me away! I can not stop thinking about what I saw. The image of her trying to hit Precious with a frying pan is burned in my memory….. I have not had the pleasure of reading this. book but I will be at Barnes and Nobles tomorrow purchasing it, if Monique doesnt get a Oscar for this role something is very wrong in Hollywood.
I am so happy that this book has been turned into a movie. Loved the book: i’m sure to see it on the big screen will be amazing.
I really want to see this movie now. It looks very inspiring,
Wow!!! You really explained that with care, Paul. Thank you! This movie because i too remember girls in my neighborhood that may have been going through such tragedies and abuse. I’m from south central Los Angeles and my sister grew up in Harlem but we share the same stories. When I saw this movie during the Tyler Perry preview, I ready to hear Precious’ story. That young actress was perfect, she looks just like a lot of girls who story never gets told or even acknowledged because of thier appearance. This is brillant. I can’t wait for it to open in Los Angeles. Thanks again Paul for your blog.
I cannot wait to see the movie.
I felt the book was great!
It was sad, humorus, eye opening, and
very real.
I’m afraid to read the book before seeing the film. I did this with ‘The Secret Lfe of Bees’ and was sorely disappointed. But from the previews and this critique I do anticipate the film greatly.
I remember reading Push several years ago. The gripped me and stayed with me long after I had finished the book. When I learned they were making a movie of this power story, first, I couldn’t wait to see it. Secondly, I wondered if a story as tragic ans Precious would appeal to a mass market. I really hope this film or even the book, is seen or read by as many people as possible.
[...] Spout | PUSH: Based On The Novel By Sapphire Review, Sundance 2009 By preciousfan “Push took top prizes at Sundance 2009 (Grand Jury for Drama, Audience Award and special acting prize for Mo’Nique), but–like a lot of prize winners in the past–it may prove…” Check out the review here! [...]
THE BOOK PUSH WAS WONDERFUL AND I SAW THE PREVIEW FOR THE MOVIE PRECIOUS AND I JUST KNOW ITZ GOING TO BE A MIND BLOWER. I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THE BOOK PUSH TO BECOME A MOVIE AND I’M ELATED THAT IT’S FINALLY HAPPENING.
I READ THIS BOOK ….IT IS AN AMAZING STORY I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE IT
I READ THIS BOOK ….IT IS AN AMAZING STORY I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THE MOVIE
Just saw the preview and dear god I don’t know if I can watch it. I was balling through the 3 minute preview. A few things touched a few nerves and I don’t know if I could make it through an hour and a half. The performances look awesome and I want to support something so raw. I hope to grow a backbone by the time it’s released.
More people then you might imagine in the U.S. have incredibly difficult lives like this (yes like this: including rape, incest, harassment, beatings); and human suffering occurs with the greatest frequency among the poor. Kudos to the producers for pushing this story out there. Films like this should be required watching for high school students. Casting a beautiful woman as the school teacher is a bit of a rub; I found Edward James Olmos’ portrayal of a hero more believable since he is rough around the edges. This is earth, and the beautiful and rich do not care about the rest of us. So, its up to the rest of us, even the worst off, to just treat the person closest to you a little better each day. I’m starting with my brother.
I CAUGHT THE PREVIEW OF THIS MOVIE WHEN I WENT TO SEE TYLER PERRY’S MADEA GOES TO JAIL. MY MOUTH FELL WIDE OPEN. I WAS LEFT SAYING I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS MOVIE TO HIT THE BIG SCREEN. THIS IS GOING TO BLOW. PERIOD. I THEN CAUGHT MO’NIQUE ON THE OPRAH SHOW AND THERE WERE MORE CLIPS OF THE MOVIE SHOWN, I GOT GOOSE BUMPS ANDCAME TO TEARS. THIS IS AS DEEP AS THE COLOR PURPLE SO YOUR RITE SOCEITY JUST MAY NOT B READY FOR THE REAL WORLD!
[...] 2009 I <3 dramatic movies. Here’s the trailer for Precious, a film based on the novel: Push by Sapphire about a teenage girl living in Harlem. The film took the 2009 Sundance Awards by storm [...]
I had the honor of hearing Sapphire read from her book in 1996. It was in a brownstone on Gramercy Park South, which was the home to a literary society or club of some kind. As I sat among the elite and privileged, mostly white, who were in the audience, I remember admiring the courage it took for her to read the words in her book to this audience. It certainly isn’t the language of Hemingway, but it is a story everyone needs to hear, in my opinion. I am thrilled that she stuck with it all these years and it’s now a film. It is devastating, no doubt. But the reality is devastating, whether we’re aware of it or not. And evoking emotion and/or compassion hopefully creates the seed of change.
I read this book years ago, and being a social worker in NYC for over 20 years, I have met these “characters”, both professionally and personally. I have shared PUSH with many girls who could relate to Precious. Reality is painful, and, just as in the early days of rap, the stories, the remnants of historically marginalization, past down through generations, needs to be told. Many of us are afraid to see, what is right in front of us everyday…the young boy sleeping on the park bench, the girl hemmed up in the corner of a subway car with someone 2-3 times her age. Our youth have trouble asking for help because the adults in their lives can not tolerate the pain of their reality. I plan to support this movie, and to take as many of our program youth to see it as possible. I commend the author Sapphire for telling the story, and for Mr. Daniels courage in bringing it to the screen.
monique look like she did the fool in this one! cant wait to see this one…
I just finished reading the book. There were things that made me laugh in it . I think it was a great read. I cant wait to watch the movie.
I’m a teenager and i’m about to go read the book as soon of i get off this computer i have been inspired by just a small portion of the movie it was sad to me because no child nor adult should have to be treated that way……Since my mom has a job that deals with these types of situations in every day life……….. its kinda hard seeing people having to fight every day battles even with there own family but hopefully one day people will just except teenagers have a respect in life too.
LIke many others below i read the book it was very sad but makes you take a look at your own life and everything that you think is bad in your life isnt half as bad as what precious went thru i cant wait to see the movie from the trailer it looks like a really good movie .Anyone know when it comes out i think the trailer said november 6th but that seems a little to far away…maybe its because i cant wait to see it
Yeah, I Really Didn’t Think Much On Your Review Of The Screening Or The Movie, (Not That I Have Anything Against It) But What You Said Had Some Truth And I Agree; If Mo’nique Does Not Win An Oscar For Her Malevolent Character, Hollywood Is Cracked Out! This Movie Is Gonna Hit People Hard, And I Wonder If They Will Be Able To Withstand All The Drama That Flies Around. ‘It Just Makes Me Wonder..’.
-Rudy
when does the movie come out?
Just saw the preview. I will bring a tissue box and sit in the corner and just absorb the story when I finally get to see this movie. I can’t stop thinking about it.
I want to see this film. Has it been released to the general public? Where can I buy the film.
After i saw the trailer i went out and read the book which i just finished. I can’t wait to see the movie and i hope they don’t change to much in the movie. Your review gave me great hope that the movie will due the book justice.
I can’t wait to see it thanks for your commentary.
I read this book years ago. Reading the book then had me flipping page after page. Seeing the movie is goin to have me glued to my seat. I seen the preview while watching Tyler Perry I Can Do Bad All By Myself. I instanly had a hanging jaw. I couldn’t believe it was finally turned into a movie. I’m so excited.I can’t wait. Anything with Oprah’s name on it it has to be good.
i read this book three year ago .love it ! I live in hampton va. where can i find the movie or see the movie precious.
The real hero (heroine?) here is Sapphire. It’s her story, her book. And considering how long ago she wrote it, it’s her patience and tenacity that finally got this film released. It sounds like the filmmakers were true to her vision. I sure hope so, because the book is astoundingly true to life and tells a story that needs telling.
I bought “Push” over the summer amazon, and pretty much was so engrossed with the story, that I read it all in one night. I am planning on seeing this movie, I think cinema needs more stories like this told, as I know myself, and many others are an extent of the Precious character and what she has gone through. I did not know it was a true story, it is definitely going to be interesting to hear the author Saaphire, once more press and publicity will be done for the movie this month, explains the basis for her story…I am planning on supporting the movie, I hope others do as well…Precious and her story are a true American tale…
OMG……i love the book, and the movie it brought ne to tears
I’ve read this book while I was in the 7th grade and as far as I can remember it was a really interesting book (very grahic though). I cannot wait to see the movie..if the book was that great than I cant image what the movie must look like..plus we’re seeing Mo’nique in a serious part..yeah i cant wait at all lol
2 years ago me and 10 more of my friends brought 2 copies of the book PUSH and we had too read it and pass it on too the next person and we we all got done with it we had a book descussion and we all decided that we was going to write Nikki Parker and ask her to make a movie AND IT WORKED
FYI…http://www.slaveryinamerica.org/history/hs_essays.htm
( good Historical documentation)
I have read this book, & will watch the movie as I am hoping it follows the book quite closely.
Toni Morrison’s “THE BLUEST EYE” touched on the underlying issues with a difference in time & location. Denzel Washington’s “Antwone Fisher”, undertook a modern preliminary examination of the unresolved & multi-generational psychological trauma that manifests as:
· lateral violence ( when an oppressed group turns on itself and begins to violate each other )
· suicide
· depression
· poverty
· alcoholism/drug abuse
· lack of parenting skills
· lack of capacity to build and sustain healthy families and communities
within the segment of society I was raised to identify as “Blue Corn People” & what you now call ” African Americans”.
Donna Meness
Algonquin Nation
Kitigan Zibi Anishnebeg Community
Turtle Island
http://www.idloa.org
i didn’t read push yet but from what i see on screen soon to be movie precious i know i will love reading it…. you would be amazed that people really go through this
im so happy they have came up with this movie , when i was younger i read this book and i felt it should be brought to people’s attention because it was real not something that would never happen but something that happens everyday somewhere in america.it was great to know that tyler perry can be apart of such another great big thing coming to all movie screens
I haven’t read the book, will buy it. I just watched the trailer. I was just in tears. My ladies church group is going on Saturday, November 7 in Georgia to see it. I can’t wait.
this book is reallllllly gooooooooooooddddddddd
I read the book and it was the hardest book ive ever read, although i read it in one day. Its all i could think about for a week after. No humor in the book!
i think this book is amazing the reviews make me want to read it. im really into those kinda of books and movies an dhopefully i will get the chance to read push i hope the movie is great just the previews alone made me want to cry. keep doing what your doing an di hope to read the push book thank you so much
I cannot wait to read this book…I saw the previews and thought to myself…this is so true…I know because I just graduated from Morgan State University in Baltimore Md with a Masters in Social Work and these are the sought of situations that urban society is up against every day…Thank the author for writing the book and the producers for making a movie and letting all America see that this is for real.
i can not wait to see this moviee because i just hadd a babyy nd i dieing to see it
I just watched this the other night, and I don’t think I could have said it better.
This book damaged me. I read it several weeks ago and Precious’ story is STILL haunting me when I go to sleep at night. There is imagery in the book that I simply can not get out of my head and I’m wondering if reading this story was a good idea.
I just came back from seeing this movie. If Moni’que or the lead actress doesn’t get Oscars for these roles, than an injustice will have been served.
A MUST SEE MOVIE! GROWN MEN IN THE AUDIENCE WERE STUNNED AND CRYING!!!
Just saw the movie, tonight & it was crazy!! The actors really gotten into their roles, very, very oscar worthy!! After seening it I think I will be getting the book.
This book is amazing. Im so glad it has been turn into a movie looking forward to seeing it
I finished this book the day before I saw this movie. I LOVED it. It was so real
i’ve seen the movie and it is amazing. I suggest everyone to watch it.
it makes everyone feel how grateful we all are
i think the book is really related to the movie
but the only thing i dont like is the way monique treated her and precious it was good wat she did and how she came over all the troubles she faceed
i really idmire u for all the things u went tthru cause u was 16 and all but u work damn good to take care of them kidss
love always a fann | cravee jayy
This movie woke me up early this morning… It’s still on my mind. I can’t get precious and her suffering outta of my head. The acting was real and deep. I pray God, others like Precious, are saved by His grace and mercy and delivered from that kind of torment. It’s unimaginable. This film could be more than some audiences can handle. My audience was stunned and did not know whether to clap or stay silent.
the movie was great but it was so sad i was crying and i cant believe her dad raped her i was cryin………………….her dad is a bastard
i have wached the movie and i think it is a funny and touching movie.
iI saw the movie however i have not read the novel yet. I was in tears almost from the beginning. I did laugh when she went to order the cicken and ran out the store with a bucket of chicken..I thought the actress G. Sidibe was excellent , not to mention Monique.. I will recommend this to adults or young folks over 17 yrs old.. Thanks
I READ THIS BOOK LIKE 2 OR 3 YEARS AGO AND COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN IT ONLY TOOK ME A DAY TO READ IT AND WHEN I SAW HEARD THAT THEY WERE GOING TO MAKE A MOVIE OUT OF IT I WAS LIKE OH MY GOD THIS IS GOING TO BE THE BEST MOVIE OF 2009 BECAUSE I KNOW ALOT OF PEOPLE CAN RELATE TO IT I HAVE NOT SEEN THE MOVIE YET BUT HOPEFULLY THEY DONT LEAVE OUT ANY DETAILS
this book was so gud -
I haven’t read the book yet but the movie is really an eye opener .I was in tears threw out this movie it was very touching
Having been a social worker , I have worked with welfare clients like Precious and her family. This movie is a must see. Its a reminder of a reality that many ignore or pretend does not exist ..or cant believe. Its also
a reminder that one can, in fact, help in small ways….and should pay attention to when one can offer some encouragement, support, or love.
Sometimes, you do not realize that you have thrown someone a life-preserver until years later, they contact you to tell you ….and you feel stunned (since it seems then, they had NO support anywhere else if what you did was THAT important..)
This movie is one of the exceptional films,very impressed with its acting and imagery.This is why its so important for us to support our independent films ,they tell the stories superficial Hollywood don’t have the guts to tell
I was kinda hoping this was gonna be the book for the movie Push…Oh welllll….
Yay, this one is my favorite!!! I love it!