The Pursuit of Happyness

Was Desperite to see this movie since a week...

And then had sms from Amit on 07-Aug-10: The movie in AXN started at 8pm...and then followed more calls/sms...

It is a 2006 American biographical drama film directed by Gabriele Muccino and based on the true story of Chris Gardner. The film stars Will Smith as Gardner, an on-and-off-homeless salesman-turned stockbroker.

The screenplay by Steven Conrad is based on the best-selling memoir written by Gardner with Quincy Troupe.

5 lessons from the movie:

1. Never put all of your money in one basket

Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith) spent all of his money buying a bunch of portable bone scanners that he was convinced would make him rich.

2. Never give up and remain fixed on the goal

Chris Gardner never gave up. He decided what he wanted to do and went for it. Even though his motivations for being in the stock market weren’t the correct ones, it did end up working out for him.

Chris’ story proves that if you remain fixed on a goal, and attack it with passion, you can reach that goal.

3. Motivation and Attitude go a long way

Chris had motivation, he had to feed and care for his child. Having to feed your child is probably about the strongest motivation I can think of. Chris’ son (played by Will’s real-life son Jaden) reminded him daily of his need to succeed and get control of his life.

4. Sacrifice in the short term to gain in the long

As Dave Ramsey would say, we must “live like no one else so we can live like no one else”. Live on less than you earn, get out of debt, and begin saving. These are all short term sacrifices for the promise of being wealthy later. Chris knew this.

5. Never think you can’t do something

In one of the most powerful scenes of the movie, Chris tells his son that he can’t do something. After a few moments reflecting, he again looks at his son and says “Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, not even me.”

Well having heard a great hype about the movie, I was just ok with it, I like it, but still The Sound of Music is my favourate.