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Hector and the Search for Happiness

  • 2014
  • R
  • 1h 54m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
51K
YOUR RATING
Simon Pegg in Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014)
Hector is a quirky psychiatrist who has become increasingly tired of his humdrum life. As he tells his girlfriend, Clara, he feels like a fraud: he hasnÂ’t really tasted life, and yet heÂ’s offering advice to patients who are just not getting any happier. So Hector decides to break out of his deluded and routine driven life. Armed with buckets of courage and child-like curiosity, he embarks on a global quest in hopes of uncovering the elusive secret formula for true happiness.
Play trailer2:33
46 Videos
75 Photos
SatireSlapstickAdventureComedyDrama

A psychiatrist searches the globe to find the secret of happiness.A psychiatrist searches the globe to find the secret of happiness.A psychiatrist searches the globe to find the secret of happiness.

  • Director
    • Peter Chelsom
  • Writers
    • Maria von Heland
    • Peter Chelsom
    • Tinker Lindsay
  • Stars
    • Simon Pegg
    • Rosamund Pike
    • Tracy-Ann Oberman
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    51K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Peter Chelsom
    • Writers
      • Maria von Heland
      • Peter Chelsom
      • Tinker Lindsay
    • Stars
      • Simon Pegg
      • Rosamund Pike
      • Tracy-Ann Oberman
    • 159User reviews
    • 125Critic reviews
    • 29Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 6 nominations total

    Videos46

    Trailer #1
    Trailer 2:33
    Trailer #1
    International Trailer
    Trailer 2:38
    International Trailer
    International Trailer
    Trailer 2:38
    International Trailer
    Clip
    Clip 1:12
    Clip
    Clip
    Clip 1:14
    Clip
    Clip
    Clip 1:39
    Clip
    Clip
    Clip 1:19
    Clip

    Photos75

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    + 69
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    Top cast57

    Edit
    Simon Pegg
    Simon Pegg
    • Hector
    Rosamund Pike
    Rosamund Pike
    • Clara
    Tracy-Ann Oberman
    Tracy-Ann Oberman
    • Pathetic Jane
    • (as Tracy Ann Oberman)
    Jean Reno
    Jean Reno
    • Diego Baresco
    Veronica Ferres
    Veronica Ferres
    • Anjali
    Barry Atsma
    Barry Atsma
    • Michael
    Ming Zhao
    Ming Zhao
    • Ying Li
    Togo Igawa
    Togo Igawa
    • Old Monk
    Christopher Plummer
    Christopher Plummer
    • Professor Coreman
    Bruce Fontaine
    Bruce Fontaine
    • Malcolm
    Chad Willett
    Chad Willett
    • Alan
    Bernard Cuffling
    Bernard Cuffling
    • Professor Niedorf
    Jakob Davies
    • Young Hector
    Chris Gauthier
    Chris Gauthier
    • Roger
    Dean Paul Gibson
    Dean Paul Gibson
    • Joyless Husband
    Michael Adamthwaite
    Michael Adamthwaite
    • Queen's Guard
    Vincent Gale
    Vincent Gale
    • Clara's Boss
    Gabrielle Rose
    Gabrielle Rose
    • French Proprietress
    • Director
      • Peter Chelsom
    • Writers
      • Maria von Heland
      • Peter Chelsom
      • Tinker Lindsay
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews159

    6.951.4K
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    Featured reviews

    9antciv

    Heartwarming and thought provoking

    I thoroughly enjoyed watching Hector, the acting and production all top class, Mr Pegg showed his acting maturity and Rosamund Pike played her role perfectly, the final scenes were quite poignant and not what I was expecting at all. Toni Collette at the end of the film giving a strong performance and Hector and the audience something to think about, I have used a couple of the things he discovers on his journey in my life already. Some are a bit obvious but there is some good advice in there. If you are looking for an alternative to some predictable movie with an over muscled pretty boy blowing stuff up, this could be for you. Go see it.
    10luisfveloz

    introspective; Simon Pegg ... Amazing

    After i watched this movie i just felt compelled to write about it, i don't like to use spoilers, i won't deprive anyone from discovering this whole experience, the movie is sublime, with a profound meaning, very human, than i can recommend to all, especially if you are searching for happiness... the story is rich, full of contrasts, the photography maximizes the experience, and the actors are just believable, to say the least, i did believe them all, and also you will believe them, the acting is effortless, they are just great, and one special mention to Simon Pegg, which we all know for the silly roles that he plays, now he will take you through the full range of emotions. my final thought... don't miss it, this is one of these movies that you won't forget. a regular masterpiece.
    7MplusA92

    Watch it if you want to know a simple meaning of Happiness.

    "Simon Pegg" in a very sophisticated role, is taking us in a journey to discover happiness and its meanings.

    The movie starts slowly giving us a brief idea about his life, the complications he faces, and the main motivation to start the search for happiness.

    A good thing that you will get an answer, not a direct one, but your inner voice will be satisfied with the definitions given for happiness.

    "Simon Pegg" acting is remarkable here, his soul is present in his actions and reactions, which made each scene runs smoothly. All other actors did great and the movie introduced them in a very brief way.

    The movie is a very light comedy, you will keep smiling the whole time, and may be laugh out loud in few scenes.

    The bad points mainly about the script and the plot, the events run from one point to another very quickly and some of the actions are not justified.

    Finally, it's a good light philosophical movie, not comparable to "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", but they can be categorized together. You may feel bored a little bit especially in the first half of it but then enjoyment is guaranteed.
    10sfgeoff-913-424177

    I loved this film.

    In the mood for a film, I stopped by the local art house cinema this afternoon. Of the films on offer, this looked like it might be good, though I didn't know too much about what it was about, and really didn't expect much.

    Turned out to be a great film. Funny, poignant, and inspiring all at once. Simon Pegg is terrific as a psychiatrist who experiences a sort of existential crisis, and decides to disrupt his tidy, organize, and predictable life to search for the makings of Happiness. His research produces a collection of Buddhist-like conclusions about what may or may not lead to happiness. Along the way, Pegg's character, Hector, begins to 'live', and we the viewer, if we're paying attention, gain some philosophical insights.

    The more I think about this film, the more layers of meaning and nuance I realize were lurking beneath the surface of this thoroughly delightful movie. I left the cinema feeling introspective, inspired, and ...Happy. I was moved to indulge in some of the little things that make me happy: a few bars of Amedei chocolate, a meander through the arboretum, a book of poetry; as well as moved to examine what things in my life lead to happiness, and what things lead to unhappiness.

    This is a film I would like to see again, and will likely purchase for my movie library.
    9siderite

    Happiness is watching this movie.

    Simon Pegg was a brilliant choice for this movie and the whole film is almost perfect as reflected in my rating. Based on a book, the script is pretty bloody good and, while I am usually not a fan of touchy-feely wisdom-on-a-cup kind of things, I really enjoyed the movie.

    OK, sometimes it was a little bit too heavy handed and I believe that choosing an actor for the lead that didn't have Pegg's silly happy funny face could have doomed this film. As such, I wonder how have I not heard of this movie? Why is everyone talking about superheroes and no one about this film? Is it just because it is not an American film?

    I thought that the script juggled very well with the viewers expectations. Then there are Jean Reno's role, Rosamund Pike's - especially after Gone Girl, I know that this movie comes first, but the result of watching it now is quite unexpected - and, of course, Christopher Plummer - may he live forever. Quite small, but perfect in their value to the story.

    Bottom line: watch the film. It can't hurt and it can really help. Give it a try. It's not a new age hum and meditate thing, it's ... real? It feels so.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      When Hector visits the Himalayas, the flags are Tibetan prayer flags, whose colors represent the five elements. Health and harmony can be produced with the balance of all the elements. It is the belief that the wind will carry the prayers and mantras to provide good will and compassion to the surrounding areas.
    • Goofs
      Hector ask the pilot to reduce altitude to help reduce cabin air pressure on a women who was having severe head pain. Commercial aircraft cabin pressure is held at a constant 6 to 8 thousand feet. Changing altitude of a commercial jet airplane will not effect cabin pressure unless there is a failure with the aircraft such as a hole in the aircraft pressure vessel.
    • Quotes

      Hector: 1. Making comparisons can spoil your happiness.

      Hector: 2. A lot of people think happiness means being richer or more important.

      Hector: 3. Many people only see happiness in their future.

      Hector: 4. Happiness could be the freedom to love more than one woman at the same time.

      Hector: 5. Sometimes happiness is not knowing the whole story.

      Hector: 6. Avoiding unhappiness is not the road to happiness.

      Hector: 7. Does this person bring you predominantly a. up b. down?

      Hector: 8. Happiness is answering your calling.

      Hector: 9. Happiness is being loved for who you are.

      Hector: 10. Sweet Potato Stew!

      Hector: 11. Fear is an impediment to happiness.

      Hector: 12. Happiness is feeling completely alive.

      Hector: 13. Happiness is knowing how to celebrate.

      Hector: 14. Listening is loving.

      Hector: 15. Nostalgia is not what it used to be.

    • Connections
      Featured in Projector: Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014)
    • Soundtracks
      About As Helpful As You Can Be Without Being Any Help At All
      Written by Dan Mangan & Kenton Loewen

      Performed by Dan Mangan

      Orchestral arrangements by Eyvind Kang

      Published by Dan Mangan Music (SOCAN)

      Courtesy of Arts & Crafts Productions

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    FAQ21

    • How long is Hector and the Search for Happiness?Powered by Alexa
    • Who provides the narration? It sounds like Ian McKellan.

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 14, 2014 (Germany)
    • Countries of origin
      • Germany
      • Canada
      • United Kingdom
      • South Africa
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official site (Japan)
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
      • German
    • Also known as
      • Hành Trình Đến Hạnh Phúc
    • Filming locations
      • Johannesburg, South Africa
    • Production companies
      • Egoli Tossell Pictures
      • Film Afrika Worldwide
      • Construction Film
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $1,124,445
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $40,847
      • Sep 21, 2014
    • Gross worldwide
      • $6,337,728
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 54 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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