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Movie Discussion: The Persuit of Happyness
Thursday, July 10, 2008 | Free Descendant

Posted on 07/10/2008 7:29:32 AM PDT by Free Descendant

I recently watched a movie called "The Persuit of Happyness" starting Will Smith. It is appaently based on the true story of Chris Gardner who rose from homelessness to great success.

I find this movie of particular note for conservatives. I found it to be not typical hollywood fare.

It is a success story that did not villify capitalism or business success. Even though the protaganist was a black man struggling to make it in a white dominated field there was no racial aspect to the story. I found this stunning, I took it for granted that that would appear. It did not.

Instead we see a man who is determined to make his dreams come true. He wasn't looking for obstacles, for reasons why he couldn't succeed. He was looking for the path to success.

There were two hippies in the story - one was a theif and one as a complete loon pining for a return to the '60s. In short, this film possessed a certain conservative sensibility that has got to be exceedingly rare.

Additionally, I am not a fan of Will Smith, but I must say this is the best acting I've seen from him. He was great in this movie.

It's not perfect but it is an inspiring story presented in a rare perspective. I would highly recommend it.


TOPICS: TV/Movies
KEYWORDS:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pursuit_of_Happyness http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Gardner
1 posted on 07/10/2008 7:29:33 AM PDT by Free Descendant
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To: Free Descendant

Plus it also shows a father doing whatever it takes to support his child. In this story, its the mother who abandons the father and child and he’s the one struggling to feed and provide shelter for the child. Something extremely rare you see out of liberal hollywood who is always towing the feminist line that all men abondon their children so they can go hookup with other women or persue their selfish persuits. A woman doesn’t come to save the day in this movie.
Very rare such a story would be told out of la-la land. That a man is taking care of his children and a positive role model for them.


2 posted on 07/10/2008 7:44:21 AM PDT by Proud_USA_Republican (We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good. - Hillary Clinton)
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To: Free Descendant
The movie's good, but there's apparently alot glossed over in the film:

Did the real Christopher Gardner look after his son while he trained at Dean Witter?
No. For four months after he started the training program, Chris didn't know the whereabouts of his son Christopher. Chris (the father) spent his nights at friend's houses or even under his desk at work. His child's mother, Jackie, actually located Chris at his friend Latrell's house. Jackie would call and Chris would hear his son crying in the background. They would argue and Jackie would hang up, never revealing her whereabouts.

3 posted on 07/10/2008 7:44:34 AM PDT by arderkrag (Libertarian Nutcase (Political Compass Coordinates: 9.00, -2.62 - www.politicalcompass.org))
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To: Free Descendant

It was an amazing movie in so many ways. The only problem I had with it was my anxiety levels where going through the roof while watching it and all the problems he was facing. Smith has become a great actor.


4 posted on 07/10/2008 7:48:49 AM PDT by mnehring
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To: Free Descendant

I like some of Will Smiths’ movies. He’s one of the very few that does some pro-God films. I’d put “The Pursuit of Happiness” in that category as well as “I Am Legend” and maybe “I,Robot” too. I find them to be good family movies.


5 posted on 07/10/2008 7:54:58 AM PDT by Varda
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To: Varda
I have seen Chris Gardner speak at a business conference and he has a very compelling life story. Exemplary example for all men, especially black fathers and he does strongly communicate that message wherever he goes.

Great example of the greateness of our nation and what is possible if you stop thinking of yourself as a victim and pursue your dreams. The opportunities are limitless and much greater today than in the 1970’s when Chris Gardner did his thing. Awesome and highly recommended movie.

6 posted on 07/10/2008 8:08:50 AM PDT by Maneesh
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To: arderkrag; Free Descendant
More about the liberties taken with the truth here (mature language warning):

7 movies based on true stories that are BS

Actually, a fairly interesting article.
7 posted on 07/10/2008 8:21:20 AM PDT by day10 (Rules cannot substitute for character.)
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To: Free Descendant
This film is apparently unrelated to The Pursuit of Happiness, a film made in 1934 that is set during the War of the American Revolution.
8 posted on 07/10/2008 8:30:49 AM PDT by Fiji Hill
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To: mnehrling

Same here. I was so agitated watching it but it was worth it. It was one thing after another for him and it made me see how good I’ve had it.

It was a fantastic movie and his son is sooo adorable.


9 posted on 07/10/2008 12:27:25 PM PDT by CaliGirl-R
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