The Pursuit of Happyness
A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional career.
Critics Sentiment
Chris learns he won the full time stockbroker position
Chris and Christopher forced to sleep in BART station restroom
The dramatic rise from the devastating BART bathroom scene (4.0) to Chris's ultimate success in getting the job (9.8), spanning nearly the entire emotional range.
Reviews show the film follows a classic rags-to-riches arc that plunges viewers into genuine hardship before delivering an emotionally satisfying payoff. Critics consistently praised Will Smith's performance and the authentic father-son relationship, though some found the American Dream messaging heavy-handed. The sentiment curve reflects how reviewers were moved by the story's emotional authenticity despite its predictable structure.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 78
Will Smith
Chris Gardner
Jaden Smith
Christopher
Thandiwe 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
David Michael Silverman
Doctor at First Hospital
Domenic Bove
Tim Ribbon
Geoff Callan
Ferrari Owner
Joyful Raven
Hippie Girl
Scott Klace
Tim Brophy
Rashida Clendening
Bus Driver
Eric Schniewind
Doctor
Peter Fitzsimmons
Doctor
Maurice Sherbanee
Roy The Old Neighbor
Zuhair Haddad
Cab Driver
Crew
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