Don't be fooled by the trailer, which is misleading in its overbearing sweetness, The Pursuit of Happyness is a grim exploration of the cycle of poverty.
Set in San Francisco, the film stars Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a down-and-out salesman desperate to provide for his family, but finding doing so difficult. After his fed-up wife Linda (Thandie Newton) leaves, he decides to shatter the status quo, pursue a high-profile position at financial firm he's, to say the least, an unconventional candidate for, and establish a better life for him and his son Christopher (Jaden Christopher Syre Smith, Will's son in his acting debut).
This film, the English-language debut of celebrated director Gabriele Muccino, rests on the shoulders of Will Smith, whose is at the top of his game, delivering an award-caliber performance of unforgettable emotional power. Also impressing is his son Jaden, who, in an auspicious debut, proves to be a precocious talent worth following.
Gabriele Muccino's direction is effective, though understated, while screenwriter Steven Conrad's script is brilliant, ending on a note of uplifting triumph because it doesn't shy away from the hard-hitting elements of the overall journey, including Chris and his son's periodic homelessness. After writing this and The Weather Man, last year's best film, Steven Conrad has established himself as one of the most talented scribes of his time.
Overall, I can't recommend The Pursuit of Happyness enough. Inspired by a true story worth knowing, the film covers important material with grace, intelligence, and tact and never even flirts with transforming into overdone Hollywood pap.
One of the year's best films!