Precious

So it's about this time of year that the clever folk who write about films with big words prefix everything they say with some form of Oscar insight. Ooh, look, this film's a bit deep or dark or does not star Seth Rogen, LET'S GIVE IT AN OSCAR NOD! And that sort of excitement is exactly what's been happening with Precious. Do not let the clever folk with their lighty-up pens put you off though. Precious really is quite brilliant. Often disturbing, always thought provoking, in parts hilarious and without exception brilliantly acted (even Mariah), it really is a worthy Oscar contender. While it's not always easy viewing, it's worth the pain (and the 15 minute standing ovation it got when screened at the Cannes Film Festival) - a truly great film.