By Miho Matsuzaka

The Pursuit of Happyness is based on a true story in which a man (Chris Gardner) became a billionaire after being down to his last 21 dollars, and it was released nationwide in Japan on January 27. One attraction of this film is that Will Smith and his own son act together for the first time. Will Smith made his reputation in Bad Boys ('95) which was nuｍber 1 at the box office.

After that he starred in many popular movies such as Independence Day ('96) and Men In Black ('97). Smith was nominated for Best Actor for his role in this movie. Jaden Christopher Syre Smith plays the part of the son, and was selected from hundreds of candidates by an audition. His performance is cute, brave and heart wringing, and indicates that he is in no way inferior to his father.

Gabriele Muccino is a distinguished Italian director and has received awards in Europe and America. Steven Conrad wrote the screenplay for this movie. He also wrote the screenplay for Wrestling Ernest Hemingway and a new movie Chad Schmidt ('08) which stars Brad Pitt. Conrad gained the trust of the real-life Chris Gardner and dramatized his checkered life experiences.

The story begins in 1981. Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is a medical equipment salesman in San Francisco, Calif. However, the products don't sell at all and his income gradually decreases and it is hard for him to support his family. His wife decides she can't live like this anymore, so she leaves her 5-year-old son with his father and moves out of the house.

Chris looks for a high paying job and keeps job-hunting patiently because he is now a single father. One day, after a man got out of a limo and asked him what the key to success was, Chris decided to commute everyday to a brokerage firm that is offering a training program. However, he won't get any pay during the training period, which is 6 months, and the brokerage firm will employ only one person from program.

Chris and his son have to leave their apartment because he has no income and they sleep in a restroom at a station and at a homeless shelter. But he passes the employment test admirably. He never gives up on the American dream, gets through his difficulties and finally succeeds. This movie is about his success story. Chris Gardner now has his own company with branches in several cities. He is known as a winner.

There are a few impressive things about this movie. One is about the love of family. The real-life Chris Gardner met his real father when he was in his twenties, so he had a firm belief that his own son should not live in a fatherless family. His faith gives a strong impression of being strict but kind with his child, and he shows love and gives support.

Another point of the film is that it impresses upon the viewer not to give up on their hopes and dreams. Chris has a little child and no money and has to lead the life of a homeless person. Nevertheless, he passed an employment test because he believed in his own ability. Therefore, he could feel happiness and grow as a person.

Also, Chris' lines in the film are very good. For example, he says, "If you are happy, Iﾕm happy," and, "If you have a dream, you should protect it," and, "People who can do nothing interfere with other people. If you want something, you should take it yourself. "

Through this movie we can see that we shouldn't give up and that we should strive to achieve the dreams and goals that we have. Sometimes, we will fall down in the process, but a person who overcomes their problems will always shine, be happy, gain people's trust and grow on a personal level. This film encourages viewers to look at themselves in a new way.