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The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

7.8
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Ratings: 7.8/10 from 203,345 users   Metascore: 64/100
Reviews: 565 user | 195 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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Title: The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) on IMDb 7.8/10

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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 11 wins & 18 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Christopher (as Jaden Christopher Syre Smith)
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World's Greatest Dad
George Cheung ...
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:

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Release Date:

15 December 2006 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Untitled Chris Gardner Project  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$55,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£2,527,181 (UK) (12 January 2007)

Gross:

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

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

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Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Will Smith wanted Gabriele Muccino to direct this movie after seeing his films The Last Kiss and Remember Me, My Love. See more »

Goofs

When Chris is viewing Candlestick Park from the 'box seats', the camera pan shows glassed-in luxury boxes. Those were added in the 1980s. See more »

Quotes

[after he hits Chris]
Driver Who Hits Chris: Hey, asshole! Are you all right, asshole?
See more »

Connections

References The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990) See more »

Soundtracks

"A Father's Way"
(2006)
Written and Performed by Seal
Produced by Bill Bottrell
Seal appears courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Inc.
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Great performances, inspiring story
7 December 2006 | by (Seattle, WA) – See all my reviews

I was involved with one of the first test audiences almost a year ago, and came away quite impressed with the acting performances and heartfelt punch of Pursuit of Happiness. This is easily one of Smith's best films, as he pours his heart and soul into the main character. While the plot may remain a bit transparent, it leaves you asking the question of yourself - how long would you keep battling to get what you really want out of life? I plan on seeing the film again when it releases to the general public, and am very interested to see what changes were made after running it through the test screenings. As I saw it then, it needed very few, if any, changes.


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On the test, why did Chris Gardener have an Essay Question? joshua_eash
This shouldnt be titled Pursuit of Happiness!!! sky_leonheart
Capitalist indoctrination? nandoflorestan
This movie was utterly... xSammeh
Absolutely BORING !!! mloessel
My Problem With This Story Word_Jyah
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