The Pursuit of Happyness
What it’s About: Life is a struggle for single father Chris Gardner (Will Smith). Evicted from their apartment, he and his young son (Jaden Smith) find themselves alone with no place to go. Even though Chris eventually lands a job as an intern at a prestigious brokerage firm, the position pays no money. The pair must live in shelters and endure many hardships, but Chris refuses to give in to despair as he struggles to create a better life for himself and his son.
Why I Like It: We get to see Will Smith with his son Jaden in an emotional drama. Their real life relationship translates seamlessly into their on-screen roles. I love that it’s a biographical film and gives us a positive representation of Black fatherhood.
Good For: Times of unemployment, rejection, learning new things, and when you feel like you have to make a way out of no way.