Inspiring story of a man in the 1980s whose luck goes from bad to worse but who just gets on with it and never gives up or sees anything as beneath his dignity. His natural ability and fierce determination to make things better for his son, coupled with a bit of good luck, finally pay off. A great antidote to selfishness and spoiled-bratism. After seeing it my 12-year-old son wanted to sleep on the floor that night because the bed felt too luxurious compared to the hardships he'd just seen a 5-year-old had to deal with every day.
We just like to look at Will Smith!
Inspiring story. Made me laugh and cry. Brilliant acting by Will Smith.
This film was interesting - based on a true story a man's brave struggle for survival in the concreete jungle. Found I was feeling his fears and anxiety all along the way and the end was so complete and happy. Great the analogy with man's 'life liberty and the pursuit of happiness' the story is all about the pursuit and it was exhausting but enthralling - loved this movie -also good to see a black man as the hero - reminded me of Poitier.
An excellent story which demonstrates how someone can work themselves up out of a poor start. Quite sad at times, Will Smith has to deal with his wife leaving him, a failed business venture, the tax office taking his last money whilst working as a trainee (unpaid) at a stock broking firm. When times are really hard Will and his son have to find lodgings in all sorts of places including the underground station toilet. Times of despair but at the end of it Will is successfull in getting the job at the stockbrokers.
I thought the Pursuit of Happyness was a very enjoyable movie. It was about a father and son who made sure they stayed together in good times and bad times and how one man can achieve a tremendous amount if he just puts his mind to it.
Wonderful film that will move you. Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is a character that you will admire and enjoy. A great movie on good parenthood.
Happiness is what it is all about. This movie shows us how to be a good father despite the challenges and how to stay focused on the goal.
This movie brings us back to the ground. What is really important in life. Happiness was not about money. Its about relationship with one another. Though this movie is about a guy pursuing "happiness" was he really happy in the process?? It may be a good ending but imagine the if it did not turn out as he would have wanted it to turn out??? ...What then......
This has to be the most boring movie I have ever seen. It's depressing and its soo slow.. I was going to turn it off halfway though the movie but convinced myself that it will get better, but never did.
Another good one, depressing in parts but that's the truth isn't it!
Absolutely beautiful. This has to be one of the best feel good movies I've seen in a very long time. Will Smith and his son are perfect and the man who the movie is based on is truly an inspiration. It really does make you feel grateful for everything you have. Watch this if you need to lift your spirits.
A particularly good movie, well acted, well scripted, well photographed, well directed. It has no specific highs or lows, The excitement mounts as Will Smith's character loses out, succeeds, loses out, succeeds, over and over. When he makes some money, he celebrates. When he has no money, he has to look hard to find a place for himself and his five year old son to spend the night; and to find a free meal somewhere. The ending is in one sense predictable, in another sense it is hard to anticipate. The overall feeling at the end is that of watching a very satisfactory film. And the child is one of the best actors since Margaret O'Brien in the 1940s-1950's.
beautiful love and commitment from the father. Wonderful movie.
absolutely a lovely movie , ver heart warming. Goes to show we can overcome any downfall as long as we remain focussed.
Pleasant, feel good. Cliched but OK.
One of the best movies I've seen this year. It's hard going at first but worth it.
Really good movie and good to see fathers and sons working together on the big screen. Good performances by both Will and Jaden with some credible performances by the rest of the cast.
Will Smith does it again! Wonderful acting. A heartfelt movie that draws you into the struggles, disappointments and hard won victories of a father and his son.
A beautiful movie. Makes you realise just how lucky you are.
Was an easy to watch movie - made particularly interesting that it was based on a true story
Based on a true story one can't help but be emotionally touched when after constant struggle this guy gets ........a job. Makes you realise how lucky you are and what determination will reward you with if you are prepared to keep focus.
Life sure can kick you square in the guts when your down. Will Smith struggles on relentlessly, following a dream, with the knowledge that every step takes him closer to the finish line.
Found this incredibly inspiring and moving. Jaden was just as incredible as his dad.
Loved it. Gives you some perspective on why we get up in the morning
Great movie, it really moved me. Will Smith did a brilliant job.
best movie i have seen in a while, bit slow to start but gets better after the first half or so
Very slow movie. Will Smith played this character well. Against all odds, his character believed in himself, and pulled through to succeed. Based on a true story.
This is a great, well done movie. Shows that one should never judge people on what they do or where they live.
It ends abruptly. You go along with Will and his son (both do a great job) through a very rough time and when he finally makes it- it ends. Rags to riches story but with 99% rags and 1% riches. But there are plenty of worse movies here!
Great movie of hardship and about working hard to achieve what you want out of life.
A nice feel good movie, well worth watching.
The most heartfelt true story you will come across. The amount of trials and tribulations this poor man has to go through for a chance at happines is unbelievable. This movie will have you reaching for the tissues. The best movie I've seen this year.
Brilliant movie, left me feeling very grateful with what i have, acting was superb, definently recommend!!
Good movie, good life message, found it a little long to get there though
Very disappointing - a long way short of what it could have been. The ending was shallow - not worth all they put us through to get there!
His poverty was self inflicted through obviously bad choices until finally he lands a job in wall street and his worries are over.
The trailer had me expecting an inspirational story about overcoming many struggles and winning in the end. It wasn't like that at all.
The charisma, charm and humour that Will Smith usually brings to a movie was lost here.
Very good movie. I have seen this a few times now, and every time I watch it, I become more touched by it. A very inspiring movie, recommended to anyone.
Great movie. Really worth seeing.
My wife thought it was a boring movie
This movie is amazing, the acting is superb, the script, sensational and the way it leaves you feeling, it's unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who worked on this film for your contribution to cinematic greats.
Very touching - enjoyable
Not what I expected from Will Smith. Quite a heavy item for the teenagers in our house, they didn't like it at all. Ends quite well, overall not a great one for me.
I thought it was fabulous very heart wrenching and definitely grounding - love is stronger then anything - very emotional and I cried (never cry in movies)
A very touching story about a mans struggle for success. Fantastic job on Will Smiths behalf. Brought a tear to my eye.
This film made us realise the terror of the poverty trap, and how easy it seemed to fall into it, even for intelligent good living folk. Hope it never happens to our families! The end disappointed me, however. It seemed that the point being made at the end of the film was that Chris Gardner got very rich. There was no reference to his son, and how he had weathered the rigors of his upbringing during and after the hard times, and if in fact they actually attained happiness
as well as wealth.
Excellent movie - makes you understand just how hard some people have it and makes you appreciate what you have a whole lot more.
Have been wanting to see this for some time. Finally saw it and thought it was thought provoking, funny and well delivered. Will Smith is fantastic. I agree with one of the other reviews that it evokes 'an emotional response' even from the men in the house! Just gorgeous.
OK movie, a little slow to start had me in at the end, but the ending was too obvious
If you want to find hope in the darkest of moments, you've gotta watch this movie... The story of a man who never gave up on his dream of giving a better future for his son.
A must see!
PS: Don't forget the tissues, and keep in mind this is a true story!
Suddenly all my problems seem so insignificant.... brilliant story & commendable performance by WIll Smith. As a typical female I cried but hubby was untouched.
I really enjoyed this movie - sometimes overstated but it make you sit back and think just how well off you are - great chick flick.
For a blockbluster hollywood flick, this movie is raw, real and confronting. A sad and desperate tone from Chris Gardner (Will Smith) throughout the movie which highlights the message of hope. Geat to see a father and son duo acting together, it really brings a genuine quality to their scenes together.
a nice Friday night flick, thought the son was great
Sad family stroy. When thing strarting to get better the film is finish. Rest you have make up on your own.
Usually I'm not one for perceived 'mushy' films but, Will Smith is one of my favourite actors so I thought I'd give this one a try.
And I'm so glad I did.
Yes, some parts were typically mushy but it was also gritty and confronting.
Will and his son Jayden, were perfect together. Young Jayden has an acting career ahead of him I think.
All in all, an excellent 90 or so minutes.
Smith is brilliant in his portrayal of Gardner. Interestingly Gardner didn't want Smith playing him but I think he executed superbly
Great movie, very inspiring. Will Smith's son is just gorgeous & did a great job, as did his dad.
Great movie, very humbling & shows that anyone can follow their dreams
Great movie. Smith's portrayal is second to none.
An Excellent Movie. Very sad. Not to be missed!!!!!!
Drawn out 'down & out'' style movie, with the upside coming very late in the movie. If it weren't based on a true story robably would go into the 'not worth watching'category.
This was an enjoyable movie, though at times I felt my finger moving for the fast forward button on the remote control. The middle of the movie was a little too slow paced for me but it was more than made up for by the stellar performances by Will Smith and his son.
Something to inspire everyone. No words can discribe how good this movie is, just watch it
Not a bad movie however I believe it dragged on a little too much in relation to how bad his life was.
will smith is amazing...great feel good movie
Worth Watching - Good acting from Will Smith and son.
Touching film. Some of the best acting from a child that I have seen. Will
Even though I thought this mainstream movie was brave in dealing with serious issues, broken families, poverty and homelesness, I felt it was sadly undermined by its dominent "In America anyone can make it" theme (the at times sentimental soundtrack didn't help either). Still the performances of all were execellent and I would encourage everyone to watch it.
Sad, funny and inspiring, often all at once. Gives you pause to think.
One of the best movies I have seen in a long time.Powerful and emotional.From laughter to tears.This gem has it all.An absolutely must see.
OK'ish modern fable...tends to drag a bit as misfortune piles upon misfortune. Could only happen in America!!!
The most unbelievably HEARTBREAKING movie i've ever seen. Cried for days
Not as enjoyable as I thought...bit slow, but excellent acting by will and his son...good morale story
Just goes to show what determination can do1
what a great story. great acting by all. makes you appreciate the little things in life and motivates you to just get up and do it.
Typical amaerican capitalist movie. mildly entertaining. short on the human element and big on the money motivation. disappointing.
What a lovely movie! I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and I would watch it again without a second thought! Comfortable, surprising, endearing and enlightening.
good story, a bit depressing, somtimes slow but liked it overall
Thought it was great, more of a female movie i think.
Very enjoyable. amazing what you can do when you are determined
Good movie, quite sad but very motivational
Would've liked to have seen more about the part when he was a success and a bit less of the hard times!
Fantastic feel-good movie. Will Smith is superb in this role. Worth the time spent watching it.
Beautiful movie about paying the price for a better life. Don't know why the child stayed with the father though.Would have been more believable if the mother was dead or had lost custody somehow!
Repetitive and slow which stuck it out though as one always wants to see someone win over adversity, especially as this was a true storey, additional clips etc. good to view. Star rating down mainly due to slowness.
I found myself wanting to turn this dvd off half way through, but stuck it out to the end to see if it got any better. It didn't happen for me and this movie. I believed the hype created when it was on the big screen, but don't believe it lived up to it. The acting was fantastic, I felt the story lacked a certain something for me.
Excellent movie. Well acted, shows a different side to Will Smith's acting career.
thought provoking . Enjoyed it very much
brilliant movie!!, highly recommend it.
Fabulous and lovely. Definitely worth watching.
Oh My God, this movie is so dark and depressing. Great story of how hard work can pay off but there was far too much of the harsh facts of poverty and far too little of the benefits of his hard work. I watch a movie for escapism from the real world not to be made depressed by all the dark and horrible things that the human race has to suffer. There is enough of that on the news.
Thought this was excellent. Will Smith was brilliant.
A feel good movie for sure but free of anything too sickly sweet. You certainly are taken along for the ride with Will Smith's character as he struggles with raising a child while trying to improve their living conditions. Many agonising moments as Smith just can't seem to take a trick and the movie successfully had us empathising so that we felt his every frustration, sometimes for what on the surface seem like the simplest hurdles. How hard can it be when your boss asks to borrow five bucks to pay the cab ?
awesome film... cried and smiled at the same time... well acted by will and his son... very touching
Fantastic movie. Will Smith is brilliant. DO NOT MISS this movie.
Great movie. Wills son plays a great part for a person his age
I enjoyed this movie very much although it's sad to see that the U.S., such a wealthy nation, does not look after their citizens in a welfare sense - starkly shown in this movie. The fact that the film is based on a true story makes it far more interesting.
Excellent movie for the whole family. It encourages the value of family love when hardship strikes. Things we want the most do not come easy, very true.
I really enjoyed the movie.
Excellent movie. Good plot with moments of comedy inamongst the dramatic
A good story with a "no surprise" ending. The Americal Dream lives on....
Fantastic movie, well worth the wait that it took me to finally see it. Such a moving and motivational story and the little boy in the movie is actually Will Smith's son in real life. It's a grounding movie about how we can be at wit's end one day and then through never giving up we can make it to the top no-matter what circumstances you are faced with in life. Powerful and uplifting, Will Smith and his Son are fabulous in this film, see it, you'll appreciate it also.
Really inspiring story...made me cry...
Touching movie that represents how with persistance you can achieve success.
Had heard some negative reports of this movie but decided to judge for myself. I'm very glad I did. I was engrossed from the first scenes. A moving tale of a man being prepared to put everything on the line to achieve his dream - really the pursuit of happ(y)ness. Will Smith excelled and his son was fantastic - a real find - it will be interesting to watch out for future performances. Highly recommended as you can tell from my rating. Don't overlook the extra comments after the movie where you'll meet the real Chris Gardner.
Great movie. Thought would be a real tear jerker, but alas no!!
A true inspiring movie that makes you appreciate the life you have. Extremely motivational.
A very inspirational and touching movie, worth 117 mins of watching...
Found this movie quite enjoyable & especially more so to find it based on a true story.
Superb movie. Five stars !
Enjoyable film, sad in places but showed courage and determination.
Very good. Well worth watching.
What a wonderful inspirational film, Will Smith was so convincing as the main character he really should have been nominated for an Oscar and won it! My estimation of him as an actor has risen immeasurably! His Real Life son was also just wonderfull, and perfect for the role.
An inspiring and moving true story.
Wow! What an amazing movie. Very inspiring!
The film appears slow in places, but only because it tries to enforce how bad things can get.
Overall it makes a great attempt to define what happiness is.
Very good. Beautiful father and son relationship.
it is not to be missed a great film
One of the best movies I've seen in ages. Excellent acting, writing and direction. It might be a bit TOO 'feel good'/ 'too good' if not based on the true story.
Loved every emotional up and down moment of it. The way they filmed it made you feel like you were there living it with him. The rubics cube thing in the cab truly captured the meaning of the movie and both characters personality. There is not much that Will Smith cant do it looks like. Especially liked the extra features as I always like seeing who they were portraying. Great movie.
Excellent movie. The title says it all.
A sad, sad movie with an uplifting ending. Don't watch it if you've had a bad day! I had a lump in my throat several times, it's truly heart wrenching. Being a true story makes it that much sadder. Can a guy really be that down on his luck and still face another day??? Perfectly performed by Will & son! A very inspiring movie!
For someone who reads suspense and murder books, I didn't think I would particularly like this movie. But I loved it. It had just the right amount of sentimentality, and Will Smith's son gave a brilliant performance for one so young. I found it an uplifting type of movie that left me feeling good.
The film left us disappointed, - there was something missing we felt. The negatives were piled on too high and for too long a period, though we enjoyed the acting by Will Smith and his little son.
A thoroughly enjoyable movie. Will Smith as never before seen.
Very enjoyable.
Sad, but uplifting how someone can overcome all the issues that life throws at them.
Well cast with Will Smith, sad and bordering on depressing but with a happy ending.
Will Smith shone in this true story. Thought provoking of the extent that a person would go to fulfill his dreams and better himself in society.
The movie explains why Hannibal murdered people and how tormented he was from a young child.
Sorry wrong movie
The movie explains why Hannibal murdered people and how tormented he was from a young child.
Have a tissue ready. You will need it for the bathroom scene. It is amazing that in the USA today, the biggest super power in the world, that there are still so many people who have to live like this. It does show the resolve in the human spirit to overcome adversity of any sort to get ahead in life. I bet that Chris Jr learnt to never take anything for granted. He would be the same age as myself now. Watching the bonus features and seeing the kind of man that Chris Snr is really makes you think of what you have done with your own life. I would recommend this movie to anyone.
LOVED this one!!! Will Smith was brilliant, as always, and it looks like his son will follow in his footsteps. A truely beautiful story of gut wrenching endurance to succeed - I was glued to the screen.
the true story of chris gardner and how he became a broker while living in the slums. heartbraking story, and true, which makes it even more heartshaking as i think. NOT TO BE MISSED!!
As a rags to riches tale, it was one of the best.
A wonderful story and amazing acting by Will and Jayden Smith. I loved it! I'm still thinking about it days after watching it!
Wonderful movie. Loved it.
A good feel movie - no swearing, no murder. Just a nice story and very well acted.
I thought this movie was excellent. My husband, children and I all sat down to watch it and our eyes were glued to it until the credits at the end.
Just a little sugary and predictable but still had a good night watching it
Great story of one mans struggle and achievement
An incredibly moving story with an outstanding performance by Will Smith. One you will enjoy no matter how many times you watch it. Definately highly recommended.
Good movie, but only of interest because it's based on true events. If it wasn't for the fact that the extra features had an interview with the actual person the film is based, I would have found the movie too far fetched.
Great performance by both Will Smith and his little son. Excellent.
How can one guy have so much bad luck? Enjoyed this film but it was quite depressing. Superb acting particularly the little fella.. Will Smiths son.
Really good movie, great storyline and acting. Well worth the watch.
I really enjoyed this movie and my husband even stayed awake to see it all, so I know it was good.
Could Have Been Better Though.
Just loved it from start to finish!
We all know what happens but still a fabulous movie.
Excellent movie. What a great story. It proves that if you really want to succeed and are prepared to do the hard work it is possible.
Excellent movie, Will Smith is a great actor and his son was a little expert. Not to be missed a real tear jerker, only thing was I wanted it to go on for longer.
Dragged on knew the ending before it reached it.
Really oppressive but brilliant.
The film was true for a start and it was an amazing story. It was sad and funny and Jayden Smith who played alongside his father, Will was fantastic. I would recommend it to anyone. I loved the fact that being a DVD I could listen to the Director, Producer, Will Smith and also the real Chris Gardner(?). His opinion that the film was so like his real life meant a great deal. The fact that he was in it at the end made me go back to have a peek. You can't do that at the movies!
Tries to be this film of guy overcomes adversity and conquers the world, but it is VERY slooooooooow.
Really liked this movie. Quite moving.
Worthwhile wading through the sadness and demise of the main character to discover what his pursuit finally brought him.
The fact that this was based on a person's real struggle to get to the top, really makes you thankful and realise that if a guy like this who is so down on his luck can just get up and keep going the way he does...what are we complaining about? I'd like some politicians to see this!
The problem is that after empathising with the hard start the main character has, you are left wondering what he did with his success 'cos the movie stops at the point he breaks through his bad situation. A great shame, what is left is just hard times in the richest most powerful country....
Brilliant movie - by far the best thing Will Smith has done.
The Pursuit of Happyness
I didn't know what to expect but Will Smith as usual did an excellent job, and I can emphasise with Chris Gardiner because I lived a very similar life, but without a child. I also want to be a stockbroker. Aside from that the movie was excellent, great script and cast. You could really feel Chris Gardiner's situations.
After watching this fine movie, I thought "Why aren't there more films around like this?" It's tough to find a good drama that doesn't rely on special effects these days.
Pursuit v Persistence = self realisation and dreams that can come true. Incredible true story portrayed beautifully by Will Smith
Didn't love this one as it went on a bit too long and was a little too sappy for me.
An amazing and inspirational story.
fantastic veiwing. it covered all aspects of life and showed the real pleasure and pain of normal living
A real life struggle that was a bit tough on the mind to watch but a great ending..not recommended for a light hearted Sunday but a Movie to watch if you are ready for concentration.
A wonderful story of trials, tribulations and triumph. Will Smith is brilliant in the role raising his little boy through the hardships. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
enjoyable, particularly liked it as it was based on a true story. the acting was good especially the son.
When a movie makes makes me react I know it's good. I was really moved by the realistic and revealing events that took place. America - land of the free - only if your wealthy. It just confirmed how unjust that society is that Americans feel so proud of. Will Smith showed what real Americans have to face, with low wages and high cost basic lifestyles. A pity that politicians are on the wrong side of the camera, they might see some home truths if they swapped sides.
Great movie. Will's best to date. Wonderful.
Enjoyable, interesting story but could have been gone deeper into the relationship between father and son.
Quite sad in places, what a struggle they had.
Excellent movie! very touching to the soul. And there is hope out there!you just have to take the bull by its horns.
amazing story, was reflective at some points but its more of a character story rather than upfront emotion.
An awesome feel good movie
Outstanding. Very sole searching.
Great movie, makes you gratefull for what you have in life.
An emotional response even from this hardened male!!
Amazing but very sad story. Even the "happy" ending isn't presented in a truly happy way. Will Smith does another excellent job, showing more of his versatility. 2.5 stars
I was a little disappointed with the movie, acting was good but plot a tad laborious. Will Smith as always extremely believable.