The shattering performance by Mo'Nique as an abusive and deeply troubled mother is the most artistically significant thing about 'Precious,' a film that frequently has the feel of a TV movie. I don't know how the comedienne Mo'Nique found within herself an Oscar-caliber performance, but she did. It is a wonder to behold. I fully expect her to be nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar, and I think it's a fairly sure bet that she'll win.

Given that this comedienne has never been taken seriously, her achievement here is the biggest surprise of the year in American cinema. It's especially exciting when great artistic achievements are found where you least expect them. Kudos to the film's producers for having the confidence to go against the grain with their casting decisions.

Actually, that is not the only acting surprise in 'Precious.' Mariah Carey does such a good job with her small role as a social worker that I see a serious acting career ahead of her. And Sherri Shepherd, who is a regular on the daytime talk show 'The View,' also exhibits a gift for genuine dramatic acting. Oddly enough, because of all these acting surprises, 'Precious' almost has a subtext about not pre-judging women because they work in the less serious corners of the entertainment industry. This dovetails nicely with the overall theme of the film, which is about overcoming severely lowered expectations.

But then again, Mo'Nique's struggle to be taken seriously is surely nothing as extreme as what Precious has to contend with. The main character, whose name is Precious, is a 300-pound teenager pregnant with her second child. Her home is a house of horrors. She endures physical, verbal and sexual abuse on almost a daily basis. But some intrepid schoolteachers, social workers, and nurses step in and try to help Precious, and she proves remarkably resilient. Challenge no.1 is getting away from Mom, one of the most evil characters you'll see on the big screen this year.

The unknown actress Gabourey Sidibe, playing the lead role, provides yet another acting surprise. I wouldn't say her work is as multi-layered and deep as Mo'Nique's, but Ms. Sidibe does an admirable job with this incredibly difficult role.

While the film does remain too simple and reminiscent of television melodrama, it also is uniquely powerful and comes highly recommended.