*The Pursuit of Happyness* (2025) is a biographical drama film starring Will Smith, who also serves as a producer. It’s based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who faced homelessness while raising his young son.
Set in San Francisco in the early 1980s, the movie follows Chris as he tries to make a better life for himself and his son, Christopher (played by Jaden Smith, Will’s real-life son). Chris invests in expensive medical equipment that he believes will be profitable, but things don’t go as planned. He ends up facing financial ruin, and his wife (played by Thandie Newton) leaves him, forcing him to raise his son alone.
Despite his dire circumstances, Chris is determined to provide for his son. He secures an unpaid internship at a prestigious brokerage firm, hoping it will lead to a full-time job. Throughout the film, we see Chris face enormous challenges, including living in shelters, struggling to make ends meet, and dealing with the stress of a harsh, competitive job market.
The film’s central themes are perseverance, hope, and the bond between father and son. Chris’s dedication to his son and his relentless pursuit of a better life is incredibly inspiring, and the film conveys the message that happiness can be achieved even in the toughest of circumstances.
The movie is famous for the emotional moment when Chris, after enduring all of his hardships, finally achieves his goal. It’s a powerful tale of resilience, making it a deeply emotional and uplifting film.
Will Smith’s performance was widely praised, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
