A 2006 Will Smith film, inspired by a heartfelt true story, has been praised for altering the way audiences perceive life.
For those who appreciate a good cry through a thoughtfully made film, this is one to consider for your viewing list.
In this movie, Smith takes on the role of Chris Gardner, a medical device salesman who finds himself homeless following a series of unfortunate events. Facing severe financial difficulties, his marriage is strained, leading his wife to leave him alone to raise their nearly five-year-old son, portrayed by an eight-year-old Jaden Smith.
Chris secures a highly-competitive, yet unpaid, internship at a brokerage firm, where he competes with others for a permanent job. During this time, he is forced to live in subway station restrooms with his son and even sells his own blood to survive.
Titled The Pursuit of Happyness, the movie is based on the best-selling memoir by the real Chris Gardner and Quincy Troupe.
Even though it was released 18 years ago, the film’s emotional impact remains powerful, and fans continue to praise it on social media.
Many viewers believe the movie becomes more meaningful as they age, so be prepared for an emotional journey!
One Twitter user shared an emotional fan edit video, saying: “This movie changed my perspective on life fr.” This post has been viewed about 6.9 million times, resonating with many film enthusiasts.
One person commented: “I watched this movie 4 times, it’s meaningful. ‘You’ve got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period’.”
Another called it ‘one of the greatest movies ever,’ while a third added: “This movie will always have me bawling my eyes out.”
Someone else confessed: “I need a good cry. I wanna rewatch this”
The way Chris shields his son from the harshness of poverty particularly resonates with audiences. A viewer noted: “The appalling scene with homeless Chris and his son forced to spend the night in a station toilet had me sobbing uncontrollably as it brutally shows the father’s despair.
“Yet, those heart-wrenching scenes that tug at the heartstrings are expertly balanced by the director’s depiction of Chris’s determination and love for his son, which truly inspires.”
The Pursuit of Happyness can be rented now on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.