The Pursuit of Happyness Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dude sells fancy X-ray machines that nobody wants, becomes homeless with his kid, but gets a job in finance anyway because, America!

🍿 The Pursuit of Happyness: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Struggling Salesman

Chris Gardner, a bright and capable salesman, invests his family’s savings in bone density scanners, hoping for a better future. However, the devices prove difficult to sell, placing immense strain on his marriage and finances. His wife, Linda, works tirelessly to support the family, but their situation deteriorates rapidly.

An Unpaid Internship

Desperate for a change, Chris pursues an unpaid internship at Dean Witter, a prestigious stock brokerage firm. He faces fierce competition as only one intern will be offered a full-time position. Meanwhile, his financial situation worsens, leading to eviction and homelessness. Chris struggles to balance the demands of the internship with the need to care for his young son, Christopher.

Homelessness and Hope

Chris and Christopher endure periods of homelessness, sleeping in shelters and even a locked bathroom stall in a subway station. Despite these hardships, Chris remains determined to provide a better life for his son. He relentlessly pursues his goal, demonstrating resilience, intelligence, and unwavering dedication. He uses creative strategies to learn and excel at the internship, showing remarkable resourcefulness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Chris Gardner (Will Smith): A determined and intelligent salesman who faces homelessness while striving to become a stockbroker and provide a better life for his son.
• Christopher (Jaden Smith): Chris’s young son, who endures hardship alongside his father and provides unwavering support.
• Linda (Thandiwe Newton): Chris’s wife, who struggles with the family’s financial difficulties and ultimately leaves due to the mounting pressure.
• Jay Twistle (Brian Howe): A manager at Dean Witter, who gives Chris an opportunity for an internship.
• Martin Frohm (James Karen): Another manager at Dean Witter, who helps Chris with his career.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Christopher Gardner: “Don’t ever let somebody tell you… You can’t do something, not even me. All right?” – Chris tells his son not to let anyone discourage him from achieving his dreams.
• Christopher Gardner: “You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.” – Chris gives Christopher some invaluable advice during a difficult period.
• Christopher Gardner: “It was right then that I started thinking about Thomas Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence and the part about our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And I remember thinking how did he know to put the pursuit part in there? That maybe happiness is something that we can only pursue and maybe we can actually never have it. No matter what. How did he know that?” – Chris reflects on the meaning of the pursuit of happiness during his struggles.
• Christopher Gardner: “Hey. Don’t ever let somebody tell you… you can’t do something. Not even me. All right?” – Chris tries to instill confidence in his son after he gives up at basketball.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $55,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $163,566,459
• Worldwide Gross: $307,127,625

💥 The Pursuit of Happyness Reviews

Personal Review

This movie got to me. I’ve seen it a bunch of times, but every single time when Chris gets the job at Dean Witter, it chokes me up. There is so much joy and relief at once that I cannot help crying! Will Smith’s acting is on point, and knowing it’s a true story makes it all the more poignant. The subway bathroom scene is brutal, and little Jaden’s face just breaks my heart. It’s a must-watch, but grab your tissues.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of inspirational dramas”
  • “Those interested in stories of overcoming adversity”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances”
  • “Anyone looking for a heartwarming movie about family”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of homelessness”
  • “Financial struggles”
  • “Some language”
  • “Emotional distress”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “A heartfelt movie that transcends the usual cliches of the genre. Will Smith delivers a strong performance, showcasing both vulnerability and determination. The movie is not about a specific race, it’s about the everyday American, and the struggles of a single father. It is a must-see for its inspiring message of hope.
• Metacritic: “A powerful story based on real-life events. The chemistry between Will Smith and his son, Jaden Smith, adds a touching layer to the film, making it more relatable and heart-wrenching. It is the story of American dream, and all the hardship people endure in order to achieve it.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “An uplifting and emotional journey. Smith delivers a career-defining performance that resonates with audiences. It captures the essence of the human spirit and the pursuit of a better life. The characters are likeable and the story, while depressing at times, is always heartwarming and inspirational.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were deeply moved by the emotional connection between father and son, played by Will Smith and Jaden Smith.: The movie’s inspiring message of perseverance and hope resonated with many viewers, especially those who have faced similar challenges.

The accuracy of the portrayal of homelessness and economic hardship was widely praised.: Viewers applauded Will Smith’s acting performance, deeming it his best and worthy of awards.

Overall Consensus: A highly emotional and inspiring story, The Pursuit of Happyness is praised for its performances and its depiction of perseverance in the face of adversity. While some find it emotionally manipulative, most agree it’s a powerful and moving film.

Awards

1. MTV Movie Award (Best Breakthrough Performance)- 2007

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The real Chris Gardner makes a cameo appearance at the end of the film, walking past Will and Jaden Smith.”
• “Will Smith received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Chris Gardner.”
• “Jaden Smith was chosen for the role of Christopher after an extensive search, with director Gabriele Muccino noting his natural chemistry with his father, Will Smith.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Pursuit of Happyness?

The Pursuit of Happyness is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where it’s available for rent or purchase. Check your local listings as availability may vary. Keep an eye out for special bundles or promotions that may include the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Pursuit of Happyness, you might like these similar films:

• Chef (2014): A man leaves his job and starts a food truck to rediscover his passion and reconnect with his son.
• The Blind Side (2009): Based on a true story, it portrays overcoming adversity to achieve success, with a focus on family and support.
• October Sky (1999): A young man from a coal mining town pursues his dream of becoming a rocket scientist, despite the expectations of his family and community.
• Billy Elliot (2000): A young boy from a working-class family pursues his passion for ballet, defying societal expectations and family disapproval.

🛒 The Pursuit of Happyness Related Products

• The Pursuit of Happyness [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in high definition with bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Chris Gardner’s ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’: Read the inspiring autobiography by Chris Gardner that inspired the film, providing more details about his incredible journey.
• Motivational Poster – The Pursuit of Happyness Quote: Display this motivational poster with a quote from the movie and a depiction of Will Smith as Chris Gardner in your home or office to inspire you to persevere.
• Dean Witter Internship T-Shirt: Show your love for the movie and Chris Gardner with this fun tee.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Pursuit of Happyness features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “When the Saints Go Marching In” – performed by Traditional

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

CHRIS GARDNER ‘The REAL’ Pursuit of Happyness PART 1/2

Curious about the true story behind the Pursuit of Happyness? Check out this interview with Chris Gardner himself, whose incredible journey inspired the movie. His raw account of homelessness, determination, and resilience is both inspiring and eye-opening.

Christopher Gardner: Motivational Speaker, Inspiration for the Movie “The Pursuit of Happyness”

Want to hear from the man who inspired Will Smith’s character in Pursuit of Happyness? In this speech, Chris Gardner shares his personal story and offers invaluable lessons on overcoming adversity and achieving success. His words are both inspiring and empowering.

The End of Pursuit of Happyness, But for a Threesome

If you enjoyed the heartwarming drama of Pursuit of Happyness but crave a comedic twist, this parody has got you covered. It takes the movie’s ending to unexpected and hilarious heights, offering a fresh and entertaining take on the original.

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