The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
An emotionally charged true story of one father's extraordinary determination to build a better life for himself and his son against impossible odds.
The Pursuit of Happyness - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Pursuit of Happyness
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Gabriele Muccino
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 57m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Cantonese
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 14, 2006 (United States - PG-13), December 15, 2006 (Canada - PG), January 12, 2007 (United Kingdom - 12A), January 18, 2007 (Germany - 0), January 31, 2007 (France - TP), January 25, 2007 (New Zealand - M), January 11, 2007 (Australia - M), February 2, 2007 (Brazil - L), December 15, 2006 (Mexico - A), January 12, 2007 (Italy - T), February 2, 2007 (Spain - APTA), February 28, 2007 (South Korea - ALL), January 17, 2008 (China)
- Alternative Titles: The Pursuit of Happiness (US), В пошуках щастя (UA), À Procura da Felicidade (BR), به دنبال خوشبختی (IR), В поисках счастья (RU), 幸福追击 (CN), U potrazi za srećom (HR), A la recherche du bonheur (FR)
- Production Companies: Escape Artists, Relativity Media, Columbia Pictures, Overbrook Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Pursuit of Happyness - Plot
A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional career.
The Pursuit of Happyness - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the inspiring journey unfold:
For his son, one man will reach for the impossible.
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The Pursuit of Happyness - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gabriele Muccino
Main Cast
- Will Smith
- Jaden Smith
- Thandiwe Newton
- Brian Howe
- James Karen
- Dan Castellaneta
- Kurt Fuller
- Takayo Fischer
- Kevin West
- George Cheung
Writers
- Steven Conrad
Producers
- Steve Tisch
- Will Smith
The Pursuit of Happyness - FAQs
Is The Pursuit of Happyness based on a true story?
Yes, the film is based on the real-life story of Chris Gardner, a San Francisco salesman who overcame homelessness while raising his young son and eventually built a successful career as a stockbroker. Gardner later founded his own brokerage firm and published a memoir recounting his journey.
Where can you stream The Pursuit of Happyness?
The Pursuit of Happyness is available to stream on fuboTV and YouTube TV. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. Availability may vary by region.
Who plays Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness?
Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, the real-life entrepreneur at the heart of the story. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Notably, his real son Jaden Smith plays Christopher Jr., Gardner's young son, in the film.
What is The Pursuit of Happyness about?
The film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling medical-equipment salesman in 1980s San Francisco who loses his home and must raise his young son while competing for an unpaid stockbroker internship. It is a story of perseverance, fatherhood, and the relentless pursuit of a better life.
Did Will Smith win an Oscar for The Pursuit of Happyness?
Will Smith received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role as Chris Gardner but did not win. He was widely praised for his emotionally powerful performance. The film also earned strong critical acclaim, with many reviewers highlighting the authentic chemistry between Smith and his son Jaden.
What is the age rating for The Pursuit of Happyness?
The Pursuit of Happyness is rated PG-13 in the United States. The rating reflects some thematic intensity, brief language, and scenes depicting homelessness and financial hardship. It is generally considered appropriate for older children and teenagers when watched with parental guidance.
How long is The Pursuit of Happyness?
The Pursuit of Happyness has a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes (117 minutes). Directed by Gabriele Muccino, the film maintains a steady dramatic pace throughout, balancing intimate family moments with the mounting tension of Chris Gardner's professional and personal struggles.
Who directed The Pursuit of Happyness?
The Pursuit of Happyness was directed by Italian filmmaker Gabriele Muccino, best known for the acclaimed Italian drama The Last Kiss. This was his English-language Hollywood debut. Muccino brought a deeply personal and emotionally grounded style to the film, drawing out nuanced performances from the entire cast.
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