The Pursuit Of Happyness Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT SUMMARY
Chris Gardner has big dreams for him and his family but it doesn't seem to come together for him. Chris has an opportunity to be a stock broker but first he has to go through a grueling internship which means no pay. Chris decides to do it but when his wife leaves and he is evicted, he has to take care of his son on his own. So they find themselves sometimes living on the street and struggling to get by. But Chris is determined to make it.
| Will Smith | Chris Gardner |
| Jaden Smith | Christopher |
| Thandie Newton | Linda |
| Brian Howe | Jay Twistle |
| James Karen | Martin Frohm |
| Dan Castellaneta | Alan Frakesh |
| Kurt Fuller | Walter Ribbon |
| Takayo Fischer | Mrs. Chu |
| Kevin West | World's Greatest Dad |
| George Cheung | Chinese Maintenance Worker |
| David Michael Silverman | Doctor at First Hospital |
| Domenic Bove | Tim Ribbon |
| Geoff Callan | Ferrari Owner |
| Joyful Raven | Hippie Girl |
| Scott Klace | Tim Brophy |
| Gabriele Muccino |
7.70 out of 10 (33327 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Good Film
posted on 28 Aug 2009A very good film. Although, I have to admit that I felt more inspired and uplifted by Akeelah and the Bee. This story was from Chris Gardner's point of view. It was his triumph. Will Smith did an awesome job portraying a man struggling to find success for himself and his family. But, I think his son, Jaden Smith, stole the show. I'd love to see him in his own film. His acting talent is outstanding. There should be a film made from a young, African-American boy's perspective. He could definitely pull it off. Akeelah and the Bee definitely paved the way for that kind of film. Go see The Pursuit of Happiness. It's a feel good movie. Take the whole family and enjoy!
Will Smith sells "Happyness"
posted on 22 Aug 2009Italian director Gabriele Muccino's first English language film "The Pursuit of Happiness" weaves the tale of Chris Gardner, a man of strong ambition and drive, but little to show for it besides an unhappy marriage and a struggling door-to-door sales business. When his wife leaves him with their five-year-old things go from bad to worse, but with the love of his son and his eye on the proverbial prize his hope is high. The film has a classic depression era Hollywood feel that thankfully escapes most of the usual pretense often associated with mainstream Hollywood's attempts at social conscience film-making. Will Smith's lead performance is striking, quite endearing, and a reminder why he appears underutilized in such overblown Hollywood set pieces as "I Robot" and "Men in Black II". His performance, as well as his real life son's presence, helps to capture the viewer's heart with such a strong emotional line that we're so deeply involved in the story that the cloying melodrama feels genuine and the flawless reactionary main character feels human. This is bittersweet, uplifting, inspirational film-making at its current best.
Well made, great story
posted on 08 Aug 2009I didn't think Hollywood was capable of showing Capitalism in a positive light. This movie and story is inspiring, motivational, and actually believable. To me, the message was that a man with enough hope, a positive outlook, and determination can accomplish absolutely anything.What I have come to expect of the entertainment industry in America is the message that that everyone needs a helping hand, socialism is good, and nobody is capable of succeeding alone. It's true that we need each other in life, but the message in this movie is that YOU are responsible for yourself. You can succeed if you try hard enough. This is a capitalist's story. There is nothing wrong with making money. Happiness is not an entitlement, but everyone is free to pursue it.The chemistry between Will Smith and his child is completely obvious, and Will Smith really turns in his best performance IMO. The acting and on-screen chemistry is what upgrades this movie from a TV Family movie special into a true world class production.This movie is stressful to watch, but is very rewarding. Personally, I recommend it highly!
What is happiness ? Is it : somebody not living in misery ?
posted on 08 Aug 2009Everybody knows that Will Smith is a great actor.It is rather unfortunate that his greatness as an actor has not been revealed in escapist films like Men in Black and Wild Wild West.Pursuit of Happiness is a film which has showcased his real acting talents.As the film is about an American dream or what it takes to achieve an American dream,it would be nice to discuss something about Italian director Gabriele Muccino.He is not an American yet he has been able to create a beautiful,honest visual document about what it means to be happy in USA.This has happened as foreigners in America have a fairly good idea of what they are supposed to do in order to succeed in a great land of opportunity known as USA.There is no hidden political message in this film as it makes it clear that a hardworking individual can succeed/will succeed no matter how great the obstacles are.This is what happened to Chris Gardner in real life.This is a nice film which does not try to get neither sentimental nor maudlin as watching it we get joy as we laugh and cry at the same time.
a good opportunity
posted on 06 Aug 2009Thank God they didn't let Muccino write the script. In this case, as a director he could made but minimal mistakes. This shows how an excellent script and a wonderful performance can make a great movie even when the director has really no fantasy and just some technical skills. His 2 previous Italian movie were really boring, just focused on minimal target characters, definitely talking just to an audience of 30-ers with money, without an idea of where to go and do of their life. Just the first movie was of some freshness, about adolescents at school and their discovery of sex. Hope this movie opens a new path both for Muccino in order to change his mind and NEVER write stories any longer, and most of all for the wonderful Will Smith. Too often the movie industry cages actors in a genre, and this was exactly the risk for Smith: here he shows us how he can act in a different context - and successfully! How many other possibilities will he catch?
Will Smith and Will Smith Jr. propel this dismal tale of poverty full of gritty realism but an overload of drama
posted on 06 Aug 2009Watching the Pursuit of Happiness, we were looking for the main character's pursuit of happiness as well. In other words, this is a very harsh film, very brutal in terms of reality and the way life is without the luxury of money. Thanks to a stellar cast, good direction, and a nice script, The Pursuit of Happiness is a good film that is hard to look at just because it's so tough, its so hard to see. This trait serves as a double-edged sword, as the realities need to be displayed on movie screens more often, but it comes at you so often that it becomes harder and harder to watch, and it drags a bit in certain moments. Nonetheless, this is a must-see for anyone that needs a little inspiration, of for anyone that might be taking their life for granted.The Pursuit of Happiness follows the gloomy life of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman losing money, and losing the respect and the love of his wife, while at the same time worrying about the future of his son. He is forced to move constantly, at times doesn't even know if he'll have a home in the evening, all in the meantime he is trying to sell dated products and also attempt to become a stockbroker. With the odds against him, Chris fights for his pursuit of a good life for him and his son.The best part of the movie comes from the writing. The writing team crafts a script in which it showcases the true, true victim of the story; not the main character Chris, but his son. Chris' son, named Christopher, is shown as the one that suffers the most, as his future is seen in jeopardy, his mental and emotional status at the brink of destruction, and hope in his life fading away very quickly. Steve Conrad's script also displays that it wasn't just the world ganging up on Chris, but Chris making bad decisions as well. Last but not least, it's not a bitter social commentary with hidden propaganda; people are poor and starving for a reason, and the rich are enjoying the fruits of life for a reason. Chris soon realizes that pursuing happiness relies on constant determination and maintaining optimism.Will Smith delivers his best performance of his entire career as the under pressure father. Already proving himself in action, comedy, and romantic movies; Smith surprises with a heartbreaking and emotionally-moving portrayal of Chris Gardner. His excellent chemistry with his on-screen son can be traced to the fact that it's his real-life son, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith, who also gives a decent performance for a first-timer. Unfortunately though, acting isn't consistently great, as the wife, Thandie Newton, gives us a very mediocre presentation. One nice surprise is Homer Simpson acting; Dan Castellaneta has a role as Alan Frakesh, one of the big boys of the company Chris is trying to work for.This film's biggest strength also turns into its biggest weakness. While it is indeed incredibly realistic and can perfectly tear out your heart, the barrage of unfortunate events just continues piling up. Then, with a running time of almost two hours, it starts to drag and can hurl people towards immediate depression. Humans can only take so much bad news at one sitting before reaching for a sharp object. To top it all off after so much drama, sad, tear-jerking moments, and instances that force you to wipe the tears from your face; the movie is over. When the opening credits last longer than the conclusion, we have a major problem.Bottom Line: Excellent script and good acting is barred by poor editing, a long running time, and an ending that comes almost at the blink of an eye. Will Smith gives the performance of a lifetime, his son excels as well, but the story is far too sad to be inspirational, which is what Smith and his cast was not aiming for. Kudos for the tough, edgy look at the homeless life, but with a third act that was dragging, the appeal starts wearing off. Cutting the length, leaving out some of the bad events from the movie entirely would have improved the film, and made it a bit more motivating. Advertised as a dramedy, and comes off more as a gloomy drama than anything else; which is both a good and a bad thing. The Pursuit of Happiness: A story that isn't life-changing, but is a decent example as to what can happen to your life with a bit of effort and perseverance.
Oscar winning!!!
posted on 04 Aug 2009Will Smith did a great job as the father trying to protect his son from their circumstances of becoming homeless as much as he can, while at the same time trying to work in the competitive world of stocks as an unpaid intern. Jaden Smith was outstanding as the preschool-aged kid who knows things are going wrong and tries to have a stiff upper lip, but just can't do it all the time.I was very happy that this film never got political and blamed Reagan for the number of "down on their luck" people that were shown, nor was the race card ever pulled out. It was also refreshing that Smith's character never blamed anybody for his troubles.This movie deserves to be experienced and taken in by the masses.There is a great lesson that is learned in this movie and it truly shares the struggles of everyday life.This movie was heart felt and touching. It was truly an experience worth having. Thank you for making this movie and I look forward to seeing it again.
Brilliant
posted on 04 Aug 2009How could you not post a TEN (10)!To this awesome movie?? One of the best movies ever :) Will Smith, is really one of the best actors, and his son asswell. Great movie 10 / 10! Reminds me of my life, appreciate for what you have, and try to go beyond your capability, never ever give up and one day you will have everything for what you imagined. Your biggest Goal should be to follow your dream and give up for nothing else expect for your dream! The movie is really heartbraking, at some parts you can really cry, im not kidding. Wills Smiths kid is really funny he's a great actor just like his father, it was a brilliant idea to make a movie with two family members in it. I like the idea that it is based on a true storie, but my question is, 'is that true'? But i will say it again Brilliant movie to watch. I would recommend it to all people.!!
Despite featuring a few heartwarming moments and fine performances, the film was uninteresting and forgettable
posted on 02 Aug 2009Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is the type of guy everyone knows and most have been at one point in their life or another - the working poor. He's smart and diligent but unable to catch a break and falling further and further behind in his responsibilities to everything except his young son (Jaden Smith) whom he'd promised to always be around for, no matter the circumstances.The Pursuit of Happiness is heartwarming in parts but as a whole, the film wasn't very engaging or memorable. The whole thing just felt too manipulative and I think they tried way too hard to get the audience to feel sorry for the main character. For instance, the first half of the film was mostly depressing to watch because the "hero" of the movie was in a bad state so it was hard to watch him suffer. We had to see all of these unlucky scenes and moments where Chris just couldn't catch a break. It got really annoying after awhile to have the film show all of this and it just proved that it was clear pity draining.The direction proved to be quite lame and it was a big reason to why the movie wasn't very appealing to me. The pacing was on the slow side and it was unbearable at times. This had to do with the fact that the main character himself wasn't very likable so it got tiring to watch him for nearly two hours. We were supposed to root for him which was easy to do because of his situation but I never really viewed him as an interesting person and he was actually pretty selfish. He took on a six month internship which didn't pay any money and he was surprised that his wife wasn't happy with that decision. Even though everything worked out in the end, I don't believe he should have taken that job because his family was in a bad situation already. I admire his determination to get out of the unfortunate situation but not the way he chose to do so.The most positive thing about the film was the relationship between Will Smith and Jaden Smith. I know that they are related in real life so filming these scenes was probably an easy thing to do yet they did have an appealing relationship and watching them together made you root for Chris a little more because you want the best for the kid. However, I don't believe Will Smith deserved an Oscar nomination. He was really good but there were better performances from 2006. Thandie Newton deserved a razzie for her performance. She was ridiculously over the top and very fake. She had no control of her emotions and was just generally awful. Overall, The Pursuit of Happiness features a few heartwarming moments but for the most part, it didn't really appeal to me. Rating 5/10
The Pursuit of Happiness
posted on 31 Jul 2009The ultimate portrait of human suffering, the epitome of Murphy's Law, a human dartboard of life, and a human version of Balthtazar..that's what this character is in the film. This film is the type of crowd-pleasing Oscar-fodder that Hollywood has been churning out of the machine for ions. All Chris Gardner wants to do is find a job, have a decent place to live and raise his son. He's a nice, hard-working, nose-to-the-grindstone kind of moral hero who goes through every agonizing thing imaginable in a job-less world of the early 80's big city. Extremely well acted by Will Smith as Gardner, a salesman who desperately wants to make an internship happen for a brokerage firm. What he faces, possible poverty and the downs and more downs of making ends meet when there's no income lining Chris' pockets is shown in this film. Audiences have ate these kinds of films for years watching a man persevere against so many odds with a humongous stacked deck which seems to tower over Chris like a dark, looming thundercloud that doesn't like him.
Utterly touching
posted on 29 Jul 2009I went in to the cinema not really knowing what to expect of this film. I thought it might be another badly acted emotional film that bores you for 2 hours. But I was wrong. This film is superb. Will smith plays his part great and although it was very touching many parts of it were very funny.The story line was great and to think that the film was based on a true story it made me think about how lucky I was sitting watching a film on a 80 inch screen spending over £30 when this guys entire money was £20.When i got home that night and went to sleep i imagined what it must have been like for him and i felt as though i was a part of this mans life and thats what made the film so great.Throughout the film you wanted things to be good for this man. When things went bad you felt as though you wanted to help.I loved this film and i think many others will too.I hope you found this useful.
TOO much sadness and not enough "HAPPYNESS" to overcome it...
posted on 25 Jul 2009The movie had me crying NON-STOP-- i kid you not. Just as I was drying my (heavy) tears, next minute they're rolling down AGAIN. And I must add, I never, EVER, cry in movies. This film is super sad and very touching, but it was great because it made me feel fortunate.Will Smith was natural. Seeing his eyes tear was "wow" and was very believable. His son, Chris, does a great job-- and his cries are so real too.At times when the movie was "supposed" to be funny, it wasn't. It was funny to WATCH some people TRYING to be funny. In fact, I only laughed about twice-- with the exception of lil' Chris' "knock-knock" jokes at the end!..he was the funniest! I would say the movie is somewhat predictable. WHo DIDN'T know Chris was getting the job at the end? He had to, right? After all that sorrow, something had to give viewers a smile. And since the movie gave us many tears, they couldn't of made a better choice than to put lil' Chris' "knock-knock" jokes at the end! Overall, the film was inspiring and perhaps an eye-opener.
Deserves to be watched!
posted on 25 Jul 2009This movie really reflects the one side of human life in an excellent manner, that is handwork. Misiries are followed by happiness and that is what we pursue.Will's acting is awesome and so as of his son. I have watched the movie pretty later but this is really a class piece. Besides the movie has good plot ,Nothing as i observed to a plot-hole,bearable and good speed of plot and story, and nice expressions of the main cast like Will Smith. The movie's plot starts in 1981 but may be sometimes it seems not that old.The environment and locations are fit with the time mentioned in the plot are in which the movie starts but sometimes as i said it feels not 80's time. Besides i give it 10 because it deserve that.
I was left spellbound by the movie Awesome!! I just couldn't stop my tears
posted on 25 Jul 2009If anyone ask me to name some of the best movie you have seen in your life, this one surely will surely pop into my mind. The acting of Will Smith is really remarkable so is Jaden's my GOD breath taking for a child artist. The movie is just too apt, to inspire anyone, well it just depicts the spirit inside all of us, if we just pursue our dreams; surely success without a struggle would be really stale. My GOD the ending(climax) of the movie was too fantastic just like the "The Shawsank of Redemption", when Will Smith say's "this little part, this little part of my life is called Happiness", the sequence, the sound, the scene & everything was too superb. To Gabriele Muccino the Director of the movie, cast, crew, people who were part in making this evergreen movie and not the least the music & sound in the background, it was really a job well done!!! Three Cheers!!. I still wonder even how the movie din't even bag an Oscar, every time I just see it on my DVD I just can't help stop my tears, even after watching it for few number of times, I never felt bored even for a slightest bit!!!.
Best movie of the year! Will Smith is incredible!
posted on 23 Jul 2009I can't imagine anyone watching this movie and not feeling more grateful for what they have. If Will Smith doesn't get at least 1 major award for his performance, something is wrong. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Will's son did an awesome job. Everything was great about this movie! When the movie was over I couldn't believe it! This movie was so wonderful that I didn't even realize 2 whole hours had passed! My daughter and I cried and cried, and even cried more on the drive home while talking about the movie and what Chris Gardner and his son had to endure to find their "happyness". No one in this country should ever have to live the way Chris Gardner and his young son lived. It really made me angry seeing what really broke him financially, to the point he and his son had no place to sleep, was due to an overdue IRS bill of only $600. I am so glad they are successful and happy today!
The Pursuit Of Happiness Much Better Than Expected
posted on 19 Jul 2009The Pursuit Of Happiness was much better than expected mainly because of the great performance by Will Smith who continues to show his talent as an actor in this film. Director Gabriele Muccino has done an admirable job of making this movie based on an inspiring true story about a struggling salesman who tries to find a steady job so that he can support him and his son after losing nearly everything but finds a chance to get his life back on track with a stockbroker internship at Dean Witter. Will Smith is fantastic as Chris Gardner the struggling salesman giving one of his best performances in this film. Smith continues to show why he's one of Hollywoods best actors today in this one. Well done. Will's real life son Jaden steps into the role of his on screen son Chris Jr. and he is equally impressive. They both have great chemistry together and because they are rally father and son they didn't have to try hard to make that believable in the movie. The rest of the cast are good in their roles. Thandie Newton makes a brief extended appearance as Chris' wife who leaves him. Newton may lack screen time but she's still effective in the role. The pacing for the movie was a little slow at times but it does offer some humor, drama, and a touching story about the bond between a father and his son which makes up for it's one flaw. Overall The Pursuite Of Happiness was much better than I thought it would be. The movie has drama, some small doses of humor, characters we come to care about, and terrific performances by the cast especially Will Smith who makes this inspiring true story enjoyable to watch.
Deserve a BIG applause.
posted on 17 Jul 2009Gosh, I really love this movie. This is a wonderful 'based on true story' movie. A movie that is full of love, hope, struggle, pain and true happiness. It made me laugh, it made me want to cry and it made really grateful for the life I have. Sometimes I still complain about the work and the life I have, but after I watch this movie I'm thankful that I don't have to work without salary for 6 months and don't have to rely on a homeless shelter everyday. From the beginning to the end, I was so touched with the love and sacrifice that Chris Gardner show to his son. Will Smith really did an excellent job, and so does his son. I think this is his best movie so far. They deserve a BIG applause! Well done!
Great story - long winded
posted on 13 Jul 2009The story of one man's struggle and pursuit of happiness in the face of economic adversity is never more compelling than that of Chris Gardner. Unfortunately, when translated into film it delivers a depressing, drawn-out movie.Simply but, the actors were perfectly cast and their performances were extraordinary but the lack of dialogue and characters makes this the African-American equivalent of Cast Away, only it's a true story. The movie dwells too much on minute details of despair and overlooks the incredible achievements which are accomplished by Gardner. Will Smith and Jaden Smith were incredible though.
What is happiness?
posted on 13 Jul 2009What is happiness?The movie tells me that happiness is the feeling after overcoming difficulties,and get something in return.Chris,who is a poor man with a bad luck.What a bad luck! Sleeping in the toilet,in the "hotel". When he was studying,he should also take care of his child who is a lovely and considerate boy.Even in the toilet,the child was also happy.They just played the game and fell asleep.It impressed me very much. I was deeply moved.And to other people,they just looked down upon Chris,even he was in big trouble.He begged the man who owed him something just return the money.But the fact is cruelty.What is happiness, happiness is when you meet difficulties,you also have a person who can share it.Chris is happy,because he is not alone.He and his boy overcome the trouble together. At the end of the movie, he and his child just walk on the same road, with a different mood. Like most movies, a happy end.Though lacking something,but it has been best. In one word, the movie was so best that I was deeply moved.I recommender you,who is now in the low condition,should watch it. Trust me.
Beautiful emotional movie
posted on 30 Aug 2009Will Smith is at his best. He never played a role like this one before, and he certainly does it very well, in my opinion it would be worth his first Oscar this year.It is a motion picture that makes you cry, laugh and admire this little guy who is just struggling ten times more than the others and still trying to handle everything...the story is full of feeling, and the father-son combo Smith is just as genuine as they could be.The only weak point in my view (maybe as an European): while the story is very nice, it seems a bit too optimistic and focused on the typical American dream scheme: just believe in yourself and you'll be rewarded.But in the end, a very nice movie you'll have to see!