Review
Directed by Lee Daniels, “Precious” is a story of a teenage girl suffering from the consequences of abuse. In her troublesome life full of insults from the environment, the girl’s only rescue is daydreaming: “I wish I had a light-skinned boyfriend with real nice hair. And I wanna be on the cover of a magazine” (Daniels, Magness, Siegel-Magness, 2009). Precious is looking for love throughout the movie, and though it seems impossible after everything she has been through with her parents, she finally finds it – the love for herself and her two kids.
The main character’s health condition hugely impacts those around her because it detaches her visually from the society. Precious’s classmates and even strangers laugh at her because she is not like them thus making her hate herself: “Sometimes I wish I was dead”; “The other day, I cried” (Daniels et al., 2009). There are a few, who sympathize with her, but the majority prefers to stay away from the unattractive estranged girl – the society obviously does not accept Precious (Jarman, 2012).
The main psychological challenge for an individual who has been abused is to develop a strong personality and high self-esteem in spite of the pain that he/she experiences (Albers, 2009). Precious is treated and consulted exceptionally well by the healthcare professional played by Lenni Kravitz – the nurse is represented as an educated person who is very attentive to his patients. He accepts Precious as she is and treats her just like everyone else; such attitude brings comfort and self confidence to the girl (Albers, 2009).
The movie does not mention any medications and therapies except for those Precious gets from her life experience. The girl gets her psychological recovery thanks to her teacher at the new school and the social worker. Positive attitude, love and maternal care inspire Precious and heal the psychological consequences of her tough life experience: “I can only speak for me, and I like you. I do”; “Your baby loves you. *I* love you!” (Daniels et al., 2009).
The film “Precious” is a deep reflection on the background and consequences of the abuse. It demonstrates the ugly nature the human may have and the touching and fragile kindness hidden in the suffering soul.
Reflection
Through the lens of the film, I have learnt that abuse may lead to an individual’s restraint which often results in the illnesses of the psychosomatic nature (Jarman, 2012). Basing on what I have learned, I will do some things differently in my nursing practice. First of all, I now better understand how important it is to have an emotional contact with the patient. Very often does he/she has no one to rely on and confide in so it is necessary for the nurse to get this precious trust in order to make the patient get well as soon as possible (Albers, 2009). I will also try to be attentive in understanding what psychological problem stands behind the patient’s health disorder because in the majority of cases, they might be interconnected.
The film opened my eyes on such issue as sexual abuse because it seems like the case of Precious is an example of everything terrible that can happen to a person after being abused. So it is one of the primary duties as a nurse to create the perfect conditions for the patient to want to get well soon and struggle with his/her mental problem (Albers, 2012).
Conclusion
Abuse is a difficult experience for an individual but the stigma can be got rid of in case the patient gets the qualified help. So apart from educating the society on the issue, it is very important that the healthcare professionals are extremely attentive to the abused individuals and know exactly how to treat them (Albers, 2009).
References
Albers, Susan (2009). Precious, Eating Disorders and Sexual Abuse. Retrieved on 13 January 2016 from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/comfort-cravings/200912/precious-sexual-abuse-eating-disorders.
Daniels, L., Magness, G., Siegel-Magness, S. (Producers), & Daniels, L. (Director). (2009). Precious [Motion picture]. United States: Studio*****.
Jarman, Michelle (2012). Cultural Consumption and Rejection of Precious Jones: Pushing Disability into the Discussion of Sapphire’s “Push” and Lee Daniel’s “Precious”. University of Wyoming, vol. 24 (No. 2), pp. 163 – 185.
