IMDb > The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
The Pursuit of Happyness
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The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 94 | slideshow) Videos (see all 18)
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) -- A struggling salesman (Will Smith) takes custody of his son (Jaden Smith) as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) -- Clip: You got a dream...you got to protect it
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) -- Interview: Will & Jaden Smith "On Will Always Being in Character"
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) -- A struggling salesman (Will Smith) takes custody of his son (Jaden Smith) as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) -- A struggling salesman (Will Smith) takes custody of his son (Jaden Smith) as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor.

Overview

User Rating:
7.8/10   67,859 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 5% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Gabriele Muccino
Writer (WGA):
Steve Conrad (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Pursuit of Happyness on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
15 December 2006 (USA) more
Genre:
Biography | Drama more
Plot:
A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar. Another 9 wins & 17 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(78 articles)
Summit Reinvigorates Weitz Into Making More Films
 (From FilmSchoolRejects. 22 November 2009, 10:05 PM, PST)
Chuck Returns to NBC on January 10th
 (From MovieWeb. 19 November 2009, 5:08 PM, PST)
User Comments:
A Good Dramedy more (505 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Will Smith ... Chris Gardner

Jaden Smith ... Christopher (as Jaden Christopher Syre Smith)

Thandie Newton ... Linda

Brian Howe ... Jay Twistle

James Karen ... Martin Frohm

Dan Castellaneta ... Alan Frakesh
Kurt Fuller ... Walter Ribbon

Takayo Fischer ... Mrs. Chu

Kevin West ... World's Greatest Dad

George Cheung ... Chinese Maintenance Worker (as George K. Cheung)
David Michael Silverman ... Doctor at First Hospital

Domenic Bove ... Tim Ribbon

Geoff Callan ... Ferrari Owner

Joyful Raven ... Hippie Girl

Scott Klace ... Tim Brophy
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
The Pursuit of Happiness (International: English title) (alternative spelling)
Untitled Chris Gardner Project (USA) (working title)
more
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for some language.
Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parents
Runtime:
117 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS
Certification:
UK:12A | Ireland:12A | Singapore:PG | Netherlands:6 | Sweden:7 | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario) | USA:PG-13 (certificate #42013) | Italy:T | Australia:M | Portugal:M/12 | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | France:U | Argentina:13 | Finland:S | Brazil:Livre | Hong Kong:IIA | South Korea:All | Malaysia:U
Filming Locations:
Alameda, California, USA more
Company:
Columbia Pictures Corporation more

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Throughout the film, period advertisements for Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) can be seen in numerous places (Taxis, Busses, BART stations). PSA was a very popular low-fare airline in California during the period that this film is set in. more
Goofs:
Continuity: Before Chris solves the Rubik's cube, he is talking to Jay Twistle on the sidewalk near the taxi. A man in a brown jacket and tie passes by, followed by a blonde in blue clothing. A few seconds later, they pass by again walking in the same direction. When Chris runs out of the building after saying he has learned to get his job done early to make it to the shelter in time, the same man and woman appear in the distance, walking together. Near the end of the movie, when Chris learns he got the job, he walks outside, into a crowd of people walking. One of the extras walking near Chris is the same blonde in the same blue clothing. more
Quotes:
Christopher: Hey dad, you wanna hear something funny? There was a man who was drowning, and a boat came, and the man on the boat said "Do you need help?" and the man said "God will save me". Then another boat came and he tried to help him, but he said "God will save me", then he drowned and went to Heaven. Then the man told God, "God, why didn't you save me?" and God said "I sent you two boats, you dummy!" more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Rainn Wilson/Arcade Fire (#32.14)" (2007) more
Soundtrack:
Morning, Morning more

FAQ

Are there any differences between the movie story and the real story?
Who is the "Rich" in his later firm Gardner Rich?
Does Rachel McAdams have a cameo in this?
more

User Comments

   (Comment on this title)
70 out of 108 people found the following comment useful.
A Good Dramedy, 17 December 2006
7/10
Author: moviewizguy from United States

Chris Gardner is struggling in life to live up his tax expenses and other things. His wife now leaves him with his son. Chris will do what ever it takes to pay his expenses and to get a new job.

Will Smith is a great actor, now taking serious roles. His acting, along with Thandie Newton and Jaden Smith, were great. This film is based on a true story by the life of Chris Garner who struggles with his life and is now a multi-millionaire.

Although this film is depressing in many points, Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, lifts up the screen. Thomas Jefferson says we need to pursue happiness. That's what Chris Gardner does. He never gives up. He could even inspire some people.

This is a good, uplifting film. Great acting and has a great message. This will be a good family film and has it's father-son moments.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (505 total)

Message Boards

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