The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Director: Gabriele Muccino
Screenwriter: Steve Conrad
Cast: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, Dan Castellaneta, Curt Fuller, Takayo Fisher / Kevin West/ George Chang/ David Michael Silverman/ Dominic Bove/ Jeff Cullen/ Joyve Lavine/ Scott Klass
Genre: Drama / Biography / Family / Inspirational
Region: United States
Language: English / Cantonese
Release: 2008-01-17 (Mainland China) / 2020-07-20 (Re-screening in Mainland China) / 2006-12-15 (United States)
Length: 117 minutes
Also known as: The Story of Finding Happiness (Hong Kong) / Pursuit of Happiness / Pursuit of Happiness / The Pursuit of Happiness
Rating: IMDB 8.0 / Rotten Tomatoes 67%

Movie Synopsis
Chris Garner (Will Smith) used up all his savings to buy a high-tech treatment device, and sold it to hospitals everywhere, but the price was high and not many people accepted it. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t provide a good living environment for his wife and children, and his wife (Thandie Newton Thandie Newton) finally chose to leave home. From then on, he took his son Christopher (played by Jaden Smith) to depend on him for life. Chris managed to get back an internship opportunity in a stock investment company. Even if there is no pay and the chance of success is only 5%, he still works hard, and his son is his strength. He rolled his eyes, hid with his son in the public toilet in the subway station, and lived in the shelter of the church… He firmly believed that happiness would come tomorrow.

“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a biographical drama film released in 2006, directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith. The film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son and overcomes numerous obstacles to eventually achieve success.

The film follows Chris Gardner (Will Smith) as he struggles to make ends meet, selling medical equipment and competing with other salesmen for clients. His relationship with his wife (Thandie Newton) becomes strained, and she eventually leaves him and their son (Jaden Smith) to pursue a job in New York City. Chris is left to care for their son alone and struggles to provide for him, often resorting to homeless shelters and public restrooms to survive.

Despite these challenges, Chris remains determined to succeed and lands an internship at a prestigious brokerage firm. He works tirelessly, often spending the night in a subway bathroom with his son, to prove himself to his bosses and eventually earns a permanent job and financial stability.

“The Pursuit of Happyness” received positive reviews for its performances, particularly from Will Smith, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, and Jaden Smith, who was praised for his naturalistic and heartwarming portrayal of Chris’s son. The film was also lauded for its uplifting message of perseverance in the face of adversity and the importance of family and fatherhood.

The film’s success also led to increased awareness of the issue of homelessness and poverty, with Chris Gardner becoming an advocate for homelessness prevention and education. He went on to write a book about his experiences, upon which the film is based, and has become a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

In summary, “The Pursuit of Happyness” is a powerful and inspiring film that highlights the struggles and triumphs of one man’s journey to overcome adversity and provide a better life for his family. It showcases the importance of determination, hard work, and the love and support of family, and continues to be a source of hope and inspiration for audiences worldwide.