The Pursuit of Happyness

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The Pursuit of Happyness

PG-13

2006

1h 56m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

67%

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174 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

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

Critics Consensus

Will Smith's heartfelt performance elevates The Pursuit of Happyness above mere melodrama.

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Brian Tallerico

UGO

03/24/2007

In an effort to make a crowd-pleasing film, the horrors that Gardner must have experienced on the streets feel glossed over by the Hollywood machine.

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Tim Robey

Daily Telegraph (UK)

01/17/2007

We may wonder if happiness can be bought this way, and whether the film being sold to us isn't a slightly suspect package, but Smith, sublime and moving, sells it regardless.

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Paul Arendt

BBC.com

01/14/2007

3/5

Deserves kudos for avoiding saccharine sentiment, but its relentless emphasis on money as the cure for all ills is depressing. They might as well have called it The Pursuit of Richyness.

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Nicholas Oon

Maximum Hype (YouTube)

09/04/2021

7.5/10

It is Will Smith's lead performance in this that really stole the show and won me over. It really elevated this movie.

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Joanne Laurier

World Socialist Web Site

09/02/2020

The Pursuit of Happyness reveals the soul-wasting nature of poverty and the lack of prospects for those condemned to economic oblivion.

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Mattie Lucas

The Dispatch (Lexington, NC)

06/06/2019

2.5/4

Will Smith can carry a film. And carry it he does, because without him, Happyness would founder in its own schmaltz.

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Oscar T

@ScarfaceRampage Jun 2

Will Smiths best movie

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Joan M

@RT15816235 May 27

The Pursuit of Happyness was deeply moving from beginning to end. It shows constant struggle, but also determination that never really fades, even when everything seems to be going wrong. I was really drawn into the father’s journey and felt every setback he went through with his son. It also makes you reflect on persistence and how far someone can go when they refuse to give up, no matter how hard life gets. A truly emotional and uplifting film that stays with you after it ends.

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Divine U

@Divine1234 May 27

Just finished watching The Pursuit of Happyness and honestly it deserves all the praise it gets. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This movie is emotional, inspiring, and a real reminder to never give up no matter how hard life gets. Will Smith gave an amazing performance and the father son connection made the story even more powerful. The movie perfectly balances struggle, hope, and determination. Some scenes really hit deep and leave me thinking about life and hard work. Definitely one of those movies everyone should watch at least once. 🍿❤️ Rotten Tomatoes Review: 9/10

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Loice N

@RT68370812 May 13

The Pursuit of Happyness is a deeply inspiring drama about a father struggling to care for his son while working toward a better future, and it really highlights themes of resilience, hope, and determination through hardship. I completed the video assignment and also posted my movie review,

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Judah S.

@Judah3963 Apr 26

The movie was solid, inspiring, and had some great moments but it wasn’t as put together as it could have been. A classic nonetheless.

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Garrett B

@gmoney637 Apr 26

Beautifully acted and deeply emotional, The Pursuit of Happyness is a visual treat that will touch your heart strings.

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Gabriele Muccino

Director

Will Smith

Chris Gardner

Jaden Smith

Christopher

Thandiwe Newton

Linda

Brian Howe

Jay Twistle

James Karen

Martin Frohm

The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Basketball and Dreams

1:46

The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Final Scene: Chris is Hired

2:11

The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - The Time Machine

2:13

The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Rubik's Cube

2:13

The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - First Impression

2:05

The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Cold Calling

1:57

The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - Running

1:59

The Pursuit of Happyness: Official Clip - No Y in Happiness

1:15

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Synopsis

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

Director: Gabriele Muccino
Producer: Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, James Lassiter, Will Smith
Screenwriter: Steve Conrad
Distributor: Sony Pictures
Production Co: Escape Artists, Columbia Pictures Corporation, Overbrook Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Some Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 15, 2006, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $162.6M
Runtime: 1h 56m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)