A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor.
Writer:
Steve ConradCast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Will Smith | ... | ||
| Jaden Smith | ... | Christopher (as Jaden Christopher Syre Smith) | |
| Thandie Newton | ... | ||
| Brian Howe | ... | ||
| James Karen | ... | ||
| Dan Castellaneta | ... | ||
| Kurt Fuller | ... | ||
| Takayo Fischer | ... | ||
| Kevin West | ... | World's Greatest Dad | |
| George Cheung | ... | Chinese Maintenance Worker (as George K. Cheung) | |
| David Michael Silverman | ... | Doctor at First Hospital | |
| Domenic Bove | ... | ||
| Geoff Callan | ... | Ferrari Owner | |
| Joyful Raven | ... | ||
| Scott Klace | ... | ||
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Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis
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 WigginsPlot Summary | Plot Synopsis
Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG-13 for some language. See all certifications »Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
7 February 2007 (Egypt) See more »Also Known As:
En busca de la felicidad See more »Box Office
Budget:
$55,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
$26,541,709 (USA) (17 December 2006) (2852 Screens)Gross:
$304,850,102 (Worldwide)Company Credits
Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
117 minColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Christopher: All right.
Christopher Gardner: You 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.
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(2006)
Written and Performed by Seal
Produced by Bill Bottrell
Seal appears courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Inc. See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Speedcubing champions Tyson Mao and Toby Mao and Lars Petrus were hired to coach Will Smith to solve a Rubik's Cube in under two minutes. See more »Goofs
Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): When Chris visits the doctor who buys his last machine, the abdominal x-ray hanging in the background is upside-down. The pelvis and bladder should be at the bottom, not the top. See more »Quotes
Christopher Gardner: Hey. Don't ever let somebody tell you... You can't do something. Not even me. All right?Christopher: All right.
Christopher Gardner: You 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.
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 »
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User Reviews
Meaningful and Uplifting
My husband and I had an opportunity to attend a screener of this movie last night. We had seen several commercials and a trailer for the film and we had high hopes, we were not disappointed. Many times "inspired by" films feel like hard sells or bids for Oscar glory. "Pursuit of Happiness" is none of that. This is an honest, meaningful film that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre. The viewer becomes fully invested in the struggles of Chris Gardner and his son. Will and Jadyn Smith deserve huge kudos. The real-life father and son dynamic enriched the film and don't know if other actors could have been as powerful. Be warned, there are several tissue inducing moments. This movie is well worth a ticket!
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