The Pursuit of Happyness

Director:  Gabriele Muccino

The Pursuit of Happyness is a film directed by Gabriele Muccino and was created in 2006. The film stars world-renowned actor Will Smith as he takes on the role of a struggling, single father, Chris Gardner. Inspired by the true story, the film depicts the life of a San Francisco salesmen who struggles to make a future for himself, as he is accompanied by his 5 year-old son whom he has to take care of. Chris’s determination pays off when he lands an unpaid internship in a brutally competitive stockbroker-training program, where only one in twenty interns will make the cut. But without a salary, Chris and his son are evicted from their apartment and are forced to sleep on the streets, in homeless shelters and even behind the locked doors of a metro station bathroom. This heartwarming yet saddening film shows the hardships that Chris must overcome in order to ensure his and his son’s survival. This eventually leads him to become a Wall Street legend.  

Having seen this movie on numerous occasions, it has become a personal favourite. Films such as this one, often leave the audience motivated and humbled when they witness individuals overcome everyday conflicts that many endure. In society, the reality of many being financially unstable and deprived is often sugar-coated, but this film will definitely pull on a few of our heart strings. Will Smith’s performance makes the film even better as he and his biological son, who is also in the film, depict the life of many broken families who are able to tackle issues together. Parents are able to relate to this as they will do anything to provide their children with a successful life. The Pursuit of Happyness should definitely be on everyone’s ‘To Watch’ lists as this one will not disappoint. –Iffat A.