Book of Job story retold in modern setting

Rating: 10/10 (17 January 2007)

The Pursuit of Happiness is a film loosely based on a Bible story, the one told in the Old Testament's Book of Job.
In the Book of Job, Lucifer (the Devil) claims that Job is faithful to God only because Job's faith had never been tested. God allows Lucifer to torment Job as a test of Job's faith. The rest of the Book of Job consists of a recounting of the many trials Lucifer makes Job endure, and how Job remains faithful to God throughout.
In the movie, Chris Gardner, the protagonist, is faithful to capitalism because his belief in it has not been tested. He, like Job, endures many tribulations. However, Gardner remains faithful to capitalism.
In the movie's "rags to riches" ending, Gardner gets a job as an apprentice stockbroker. He prospers, and we are told he goes on to found his own stock brokerage firm.
As Gardiner endures tribulation, attempts to achieve his goals, and eventually grabs the brass ring of success, he drags his young son along with him. Unfortunately, the movie never says what eventually becomes of Gardner's son.