“Precious”, 2009
Director: Lee Daniels
Based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire, this film follows the life of Claireece “Precious” Jones, an African-American teenager facing immense struggles, including her struggle with obesity, in Harlem. The film dives deep into her harrowing journey of abuse, illiteracy, and eventual empowerment.
Starring: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz, Stephanie Andujar, Chyna Layne, Amina Robinson, Xosha Roquemore;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Precious” on the website imdb.com
“Fed Up”, 2014
Director: Stephanie Soechtig
This documentary, produced by Katie Couric and Laurie David, takes a hard look at the American obesity epidemic, pointing fingers at the sugar industry and government policies. It showcases the lives of several children who are part of a growing statistic of obesity and diet-related diseases in the U.S.
Starring: Katie Couric, Michael Pollan, Michael Bloomberg, Mark Hyman, Tom Harkin, Robert Lustig, Mark Bittman, Gary Taubes, David Kessler, Wesley Randall;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: documentary;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 92 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Fed Up” on the website imdb.com
“Dum Laga Ke Haisha”, 2015
Director: Sharat Kataria
This Indian Hindi film is a romantic comedy that tells the story of Prem, a young man who is forced into marrying an overweight woman, Sandhya. The film explores themes of body image, societal pressure, and the journey of finding love and acceptance.
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar, Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, Sheeba Chaddha, Devika Vatsa, Shrikant Verma, Kumar Sanu, Alka Amin, V.K. Sharma;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” on the website imdb.com
“My Mad Fat Diary”, 2013
Director: Alex Winckler, Benjamin Caron, Tim Kirkby, Anthony Philipson
Though technically a British television show rather than a film, “My Mad Fat Diary” deserves mention for its candid and sensitive portrayal of mental illness, body image, and teenage life from the perspective of Rae, an overweight teenager in the mid-'90s.
Starring: Sharon Rooney, Claire Rushbrook, Ian Hart, Jodie Comer, Nico Mirallegro, Keith Allen, Jordan Murphy, Ciara Baxendale, Sophie Wright, Darren Evans;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
Rating: IMDB: 8,4;
More information about the film “My Mad Fat Diary” on the website imdb.com
These films, whether through the lens of documentary or narrative cinema, offer different perspectives on obesity, shedding light on its complexities and the human stories behind the statistics.
In conclusion, films about obesity navigate a delicate and complex societal issue with a blend of sensitivity, insight, and occasionally humor. They offer audiences more than just a cinematic experience; they serve as cultural mirrors reflecting our perceptions, biases, and evolving understanding of obesity. Through narratives that range from the deeply personal to the broadly societal, these films challenge stereotypes and invite viewers to engage in a more compassionate and informed dialogue about body image, health, and acceptance. By portraying the multifaceted experiences of individuals dealing with obesity, cinema contributes significantly to breaking down stigmas and fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. As we move forward, it is crucial that filmmakers continue to approach this topic with the thoughtfulness and depth it deserves, ensuring representation is both fair and impactful, thereby enriching our collective empathy and awareness through the powerful medium of film.
