One of the Best from this Decade

Rating: 10/10 (5 July 2008)

Probably one of the better films of the 2000s, this picture of getting what you give is one of the best films I've ever seen. On the surface, one may take it as a formulaic rags to riches story, and truly that's one of the things it is, but there is certainly more to it than that. Since many other accolades have been given to this great film already, I'll mention some things from an angle that is often ignored or just plainly not seen at all.
In an era when fathers seem to want to be more directly involved in their children's lives than ever, there's a readymade contradiction that their role is somehow inferior to the mother's role. This film, with its poignant examination of a father's relationship with his child, helps put a few holes in that notion (and it helps that it was based on a true story). This is a rare, serious, film that offers the idea that the father may in fact be the better parent, a somewhat bold move. In the family law system, father's needs and rights are often neglected, dismissed as unimportant, or just plainly trampled over. In many ways, current family law discriminates against fathers, precipitating the need for a father's rights movement. The first film that might be viewed as a vouch for that movement was Kramer vs Kramer back in 1979, with Hoffman's character's often overlooked statement on how if women can be financially as capable as men, then men should be as emotionally capable (i.e. with their children) as women. Mr. Mom followed, with Micheal Keaton playing one of film history's first househusbands. Now, in this decade, there's a film that beats the latter and even rivals the former. And importantly, a black father is represented as a nurturing and involved dad; let's hope it provides one nail in the coffin of that ridiculous and played out macho, gangsta, black male image you strangely still see all the time in the media.
Beyond those more heavy considerations, the film's two leads play their roles so expertly that it almost seems like they really are father and sonoh, whoops, they are (I'm sure someone else made this stupid joke already, but really I did not just copy someone else who has already done it in a review). Oh well, they still make some memorable moments together. Among the more poignant scenes is one where Smith's character reaches rock bottom and is forced to sleep in subway bathroom with his son, but he musters up enough strength to keep the boy amused and excited, taking advantage of a child's active imagination to do so. Young Smith also has a knack for acting subtle emotions, such as in the scene where he wants his dad to buy him a chocolate bar but understands the his dad might not be able to afford it. Such subtle acting at such a young age is impressive. Seeing Will Smith in something other than an action film is also refreshing (the last time I saw him in a non-action film was Six Degrees of Separation back in the mid 90s. The movie also has many humorous and clever moments, adding to the overall enjoyment.
The only depressing thing about this film is that he is striving to attain a job as a stockbroker. To me, despite being financially rewarding, that would be one bleak and abysmaland highly highly stressful existence (despite the smiles Smith's character sees on their faces near the beginning of the film). But to remove my tongue from my cheek for a moment, it's better than living in poverty with a five year old boy. At least he's not striving to be an accountant, or trying to get an MBA (well, my tongue's natural place is in my cheek anyway).
More than just a rags to riches story (even though it is engaging on that count) it also reveals that a father can love just as much, and sometimes better, than a mother. It's a much needed wake up call for awareness of the father as an intelligent and capable good man. Looking at most movies and TV shows these days, depressingly you don't see a lot of that, a direct assault on the new reality of many fathers. Hopefully this film will be a harbinger for more good depictions of men and fathers on screen.