We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

- Declaration of Independence

“I wonder how Jefferson knew to include the word ‘pursuit’?”

So ponders Chris Gardner (ably played by Will Smith) in the 2006 movie The Pursuit of Happyness.

Tracing the journey of a struggling salesman with a product few want and nobody needs, The Pursuit of Happyness is a tale of courage and determination. In the face of his difficult life, Chris has the desperate inspiration to try for a stockbroker internship where one in twenty has a chance of a lucrative full time career. Even when his wife Linda (Thandie Newton) leaves him because of this choice, Chris clings to this dream with his son – even when the odds become more daunting by the day.

For me, one of the most poignant scenes sees Chris and his son Christopher playing basketball.

Christopher: “Look at me, Dad, I’m going pro!”

Chris: “Well, actually, son, you have my genes, so it’s not terribly likely.”

Seeing the slump of his son’s shoulders on hearing that, however, Chris repents.

Chris: “Never let anyone tell you you can’t do something – not even me!”

It is this gritty determination that pervades the entire movie and ties it together. It is a true “pursuit of Happiness”.

All in all, The Pursuit of Happyness is an enjoyable film. Will Smith is a revelation as a dramatic actor, and his performance delivers on an excellent script. Whilst I can’t agree entirely with the content of the film (the pursuit of money is not the same as the pursuit of happiness in my book), nevertheless I heartily recommend it as a film of great humanity and emotion.