One of the best of the year, truly

Rating: 9/10 (22 January 2007)

Having seen so much violence and drudgery and sadism in 2006, what a refreshing experience is THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. Will Smith and his son Jaden give tremendous performances, and the story is involving and gripping all the way through.
Based on real events, the journey from failure and poverty to possible success and redemption is a harried but rewarding one. You can really feel for the father who wants to do right by his son, and who also needs to prove his worth to himself.
Life can be hard - yet there is the hope that hard work and perseverance will pay off. Plus, the warm relationship between the father and son is one in which many can identify.
This is the type of film that should be given awards (but will probably be overlooked.)