The Pursuit of Happiness is a 2006 American biographical drama film inspired by a true story, that of Chris Gardner, who was among working homeless in th early 1980s and managed to pull himself up by the bootstraps. William Smith features in the film as Chris Gardner and Will's son Jadon Smith co-stars as Gardner's son Christopher Jr.
Chris Gardner is a bright and talented, but marginally employed salesman. Struggling to makeends meet, Gardener finds himself and his five-year-old son evicted from their San Franciscoapartment with nowhere to go. Nevertheless, he keeps in pursuit of his dream of a better lifefor the two of them. Finally, his effort has paid off and he gets the position. Upon hearing thenews, Chris rushes to his son's daycare, hugging him tightly.
The film has received numerous good views upon its release. The tough beauty of the pictureis that it lets each viewer weigh the costs and benefits to Gardner. It's a genuinely transportinginspirational movie because it's also a cautionary tale. It does not downplay the hero'soccasional clumsiness or pigheadedness. For his performance, Will Smith was nominated foran Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Actor.