What would have happened if he failed?

Rating: 2/10 (28 May 2007)

This film is inspired by a true story about a man going from economic nothingness to being rather wealthy and simultaneously trying to raise his little son. It's got some very heavy scenes, very well acting and good directing but for some reasons fails to deliver.
Imagine yourself being in this man shoes with the same problems. What would you do? Go out and try to find a job in the stock market? Let's assume that you would. The most important question then would be: What would happen if you failed? What then? Exactly how would you bring food to the table? I don't know how accurate is the movie compared to the real story but it is quite simply not easily accepted. If he really did that, he is one of them examples not to be followed. Although he succeeded and made a good life for him and his son, his reasoning is questionable. His story is one of personal luck - great great luck, mind you - but in similar cases the first thing a parent should do is to ensure the well-fare of his or her children, not chase some dream for better life. If you succeed at the first, then and only then go after the second.
The movie is not bad, it's actually quite good, but the aftertaste is the big problem. A movie of this kind must portray first of all responsibility towards your loved ones. This one is not. It's one thing to write a book, an autobiography specifically, but a movie is going to be heard and seen by a tremendously lot more people than the book. It seems nowadays that money are more important than your family in the minds of the film-makers.
Sorry, but i will pass....