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      The Pursuit of Happyness

      PG-13 Released Dec 15, 2006 1h 56m Drama List
      67% Tomatometer 176 Reviews 87% Audience Score 250,000+ Ratings Life is a struggle for single father Chris Gardner (Will Smith). Evicted from their apartment, he and his young son (Jaden Christopher Syre Smith) find themselves alone with no place to go. Even though Chris eventually lands a job as an intern at a prestigious brokerage firm, the position pays no money. The pair must live in shelters and endure many hardships, but Chris refuses to give in to despair as he struggles to create a better life for himself and his son. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered May 28 Buy Now

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      The Pursuit of Happyness

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      Critics Consensus

      Will Smith's heartfelt performance elevates The Pursuit of Happyness above mere melodrama.

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      Critics Reviews

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      Brian Tallerico UGO In an effort to make a crowd-pleasing film, the horrors that Gardner must have experienced on the streets feel glossed over by the Hollywood machine. Mar 24, 2007 Full Review Tim Robey Daily Telegraph (UK) We may wonder if happiness can be bought this way, and whether the film being sold to us isn't a slightly suspect package, but Smith, sublime and moving, sells it regardless. Jan 17, 2007 Full Review Paul Arendt BBC.com Deserves kudos for avoiding saccharine sentiment, but its relentless emphasis on money as the cure for all ills is depressing. They might as well have called it The Pursuit of Richyness. Rated: 3/5 Jan 14, 2007 Full Review Nicholas Oon Maximum Hype (YouTube) It is Will Smith's lead performance in this that really stole the show and won me over. It really elevated this movie. Rated: 7.5/10 Sep 4, 2021 Full Review Joanne Laurier World Socialist Web Site The Pursuit of Happyness reveals the soul-wasting nature of poverty and the lack of prospects for those condemned to economic oblivion. Sep 2, 2020 Full Review Mattie Lucas The Dispatch (Lexington, NC) Will Smith can carry a film. And carry it he does, because without him, Happyness would founder in its own schmaltz. Rated: 2.5/4 Jun 6, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

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      Ia G The Pursuit of Happyness left me emotionally drained. Will Smith's dazzling performance made me speechless. This insightful film film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities, giving a deep understanding of the struggles poor families face. The appalling scene with homeless Chris and his son forced to spend the night in a station toilet had me sobbing uncontrollably as it brutally shows father’s despair. However, those heartbreaking moments that tug at heartstrings are masterfully balanced by the director's portrayal of Chris's determination and devotion to his son, which is truly inspiring. This riveting film, filled with moments of despair and hope, kept me glued to the screen. So, it's a must-watch for everyone looking for a hurricane of emotions. For me it was also a thought-provoking story as it made me wonder if happiness can truly be bought this way. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/18/24 Full Review Hargie M a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul and the power of hope to light the way in even the darkest of times. It's a film that will leave you inspired, uplifted, and reminded of the boundless potential that lies within each and every one of us. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/22/24 Full Review Alejandro O Persevere Achieve Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/24 Full Review Paweł.Kaminskii A movie that will stay with you for a long time, the acting and the emotions you get with this movie are incredible. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/15/24 Full Review Zhou H Happiness, we are so want to enjoy it brings the moment of tenderness. When we are struggling to find happiness, or we have missed many of the original happy moments. When we work hard to get the happiness, you find that happiness is very simple, simple so that you do not feel its existence. What is happiness? It's like asking what the universe is. Everyone has his own standard of happiness in his heart, as long as you reach this standard, you are happy. Other people's happiness may not be what you want, and your own happiness may not be useful to others. Happiness is selfish, only oneself can realize the pleasure of that moment. If you have to decide on happiness. I think there are only two things: one is to be with the person you love; One is to do what you love most. The film belongs to the second kind.growing up as a single parent, he didn't meet his biological father until he was 28 years old, so he wanted his son to live under his own protection. His dream is to become an investment expert. However, facing the hardship of life, his wife left him. Then, no money, he began to live a nomadic life with his son. On the one hand, he had to work his way through six-month internship; On the one hand, he sells medical equipment to make a living; On the one hand, he has to protect his son's young mind. Then he finally became an official economist, which is closer to his dream. At that moment, standing in the crowd, he was so excited that he did not know how to express his inner feelings. He rushed to his son and hugged him, and the tears in his eyes were tears for happiness at that moment. Although it was only a beginning for him, it was a turning point in his life.The process of getting happiness is so difficult, and because it is difficult, we will cherish it. When he and his son are homeless at the bus station on Christmas Day, he uses his humor to make the son have the best day of the year, and then spends their longest night cuddling in the toilet. At that moment, he may not be able to hold on to his dream. His son is his biggest motivation, and dreams keep him from breaking down. In fact, what is happiness? Looking into Chris Gardner's eyes, I realized not the source of happiness, but the greatness of dreams.We all have our own dreams, and capable people make dreams come true. In this process, although there will be a lot of resistance, but I should believe in their own ability, I should believe in their own goals.When happiness knocks at the door, I should enjoy what I have given with full of gratitude. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/10/24 Full Review Michael R Great film about life problems ordinary people don't see. Critics were wrong about this one Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/07/24 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

      The Pursuit of Happyness

      The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Basketball and Dreams The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Basketball and Dreams 1:46 The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Final Scene: Chris is Hired The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Final Scene: Chris is Hired 2:11 The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - The Time Machine The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - The Time Machine 2:13 The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Rubik's Cube The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Rubik's Cube 2:13 The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - First Impression The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - First Impression 2:05 The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Cold Calling The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Cold Calling 1:57 The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Running The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Running 1:59 The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - No Y in Happiness The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - No Y in Happiness 1:15 View more videos
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      Movie Info

      Synopsis Life is a struggle for single father Chris Gardner (Will Smith). Evicted from their apartment, he and his young son (Jaden Christopher Syre Smith) find themselves alone with no place to go. Even though Chris eventually lands a job as an intern at a prestigious brokerage firm, the position pays no money. The pair must live in shelters and endure many hardships, but Chris refuses to give in to despair as he struggles to create a better life for himself and his son.
      Director
      Gabriele Muccino
      Producer
      Louis D'Esposito, Mark Clayman, David Alper, Teddy Zee
      Screenwriter
      Steve Conrad
      Distributor
      Sony Pictures
      Production Co
      Overbrook Entertainment, Columbia Pictures Corporation, Escape Artists
      Rating
      PG-13 (Some Language)
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Dec 15, 2006, Wide
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Apr 16, 2012
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $162.6M
      Runtime
      1h 56m
      Sound Mix
      Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
      Aspect Ratio
      Scope (2.35:1)
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