Difficult to watch in certain parts but overall we owe it to Precious herself (and others who still live under those conditions) to see this movie. Let's not forget this type of thing goes on everyday! I don't know why her parents were not arrested (perhaps the book goes into deeper detail) but one cannot help but admire the strength she showed when she needed to and the self-esteem she managed to muster under such horrendous conditions. She used her imagination to take her away and saw herself "better" and that worked for her. Great film, GREAT acting (Mo Nique was AMAZING) as was the girl who played Percious --- both deserve academy awards! Mariah Carey 's performance was so compassionate and "real" - the whole cast deserves awards!