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The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

PG-13  |   |  Biography, Drama  |  15 December 2006 (USA)
7.9
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Ratings: 7.9/10 from 310,911 users   Metascore: 64/100
Reviews: 601 user | 198 critic | 36 from Metacritic.com

A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor.

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(as Steven Conrad)
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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 12 wins & 21 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Christopher (as Jaden Christopher Syre Smith)
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...
...
...
...
...
...
World's Greatest Dad
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Chinese Maintenance Worker (as George K. Cheung)
David Michael Silverman ...
Doctor at First Hospital
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Ferrari Owner
Joyful Raven ...
...
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Storyline

Based on a true story about a man named Christopher Gardner. Gardner has invested heavily in a device known as a "Bone Density scanner". He feels like he has made these devices. However, they do not sell as they are marginally better than the current technology at a much higher price. As Gardner tries to figure out how to sell them, his wife leaves him, he loses his house, his bank account, and credit cards. Forced to live out in the streets with his son, Gardner is now desperate to find a steady job; he takes on a job as a stockbroker, but before he can receive pay, he needs to go through 6 months of training, and to sell his devices. Written by John Wiggins

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Genres:

Biography | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

|

Release Date:

15 December 2006 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Untitled Chris Gardner Project  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$55,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$26,541,709 (USA) (15 December 2006)

Gross:

$162,586,036 (USA) (23 February 2007)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

| |

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Chris Gardner:  At the end, the real Chris Gardner walks past Chris and Christopher. See more »

Goofs

Chris's basketball is from "Classic Sport," which was founded 1993. His ball was introduced in 2000. See more »

Quotes

Christopher: Hey dad, you wanna hear something funny? There was a man who was drowning, and a boat came, and the man on the boat said "Do you need help?" and the man said "God will save me". Then another boat came and he tried to help him, but he said "God will save me", then he drowned and went to Heaven. Then the man told God, "God, why didn't you save me?" and God said "I sent you two boats, you dummy!"
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Saturday Night Live: Rainn Wilson/Arcade Fire (2007) See more »

Soundtracks

Young Man
(1969)
Written by Mose Allison, Richard Dorfmeister, and Peter Kruder
Performed by Peter Kruder (as Kruder) and Richard Dorfmeister (as Dorfmeister) featuring Mose Allison
Courtesy of G-Stone Recordings
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Amazing!
16 December 2006 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

I have been a fan of Will Smith for years and I have to say this may be his best film yet! "The Pursuit of Happiness" is just a wonderful (based on a true) story, full of adventure, hope, and pain. I saw the movie last night in a packed theater. Big Willie Weekend has returned, and for good reason! It's a great movie to see during the holidays and definitely a tear-jerker! Perfect for a date, a night out with friends, or even with family. If you ever thought Will Smith really couldn't act (and shame on you!), you'll think otherwise once you see this movie. You can really feel what he's going through just by looking in his eyes. And Jaden Smith is too adorable! Their on screen chemistry is almost unbearable to watch! Go see this movie! Great acting, great directing, great writing...you won't regret it!


172 of 214 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

Message Boards

Recent Posts
Was He A Bad Father? danmax67
Great film, illogical plot. Can somebody help me? zuhairi1994
On the test, why did Chris Gardener have an Essay Question? joshua_eash
Capitalist indoctrination? nandoflorestan
Hit by car high_society06
So he was like a telemarketer? zuckerkorn
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