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Smith is a gifted actor, and this film really showcases his emotional range. His natural rapport with his son is in no way one-sided; Jaden Smith is believable and very charming. Certainly, the audience can feel secure that Chris Gardner, the main character, will succeed in some fashion or else a film would never have been based on his autobiography, but the simple, sentimental score, well-written screenplay, subtle direction and, above all, Will Smith's acting make us strive with Gardner, cry with him, and hurt with him. Gardner's tale is like "Die Hard" for the masses; he has to endure being arrested, being evicted, fighting for a bed at the homeless shelter, trying to keep appointments and to study while holding down two full-time jobs with no car, sprinting all over San Francisco, attempting to keep himself and his son clean--it just does not stop. Watch Smith's face during the film--he shows us a man who only just manages to fend off despair. He bleeds and weeps because of the injustice in the world, with disappointment at how his potential has been wasted, with the weight of all his past failures, and with worry for his son. But he clings to the path he has chosen in the belief that it will lead him from this torment. One can actually see the dead look in Smith's eyes, the punch-drunk expression of one who is suffering, who is juggling so many burdens that his mind spills over with the effort, for whom a seemingly minor setback is a Big Deal. Smith gets it, and he makes us get it, too. Incidentally, he could probably have been a stuntman or a professional athlete. He has had running scenes in many of his films to date, and in this movie he looks ready to set a new record for the 400 meters. Smith is a little too fit and energetic for a homeless guy who hardly sleeps and eats in a soup kitchen for much of the movie, but his running and carrying feats illustrate Gardner's bulldog tenacity, and how his own physical power and endurance aided him in achieving his ends. All I have to say is this movie is one of the best this year. I couldn't believe how good Will Smith did in this film. I also couldn't imagine a bone density scanner salesman lived a part of his life this way. Sleeping in a bathroom at a Subway station! On top of toilet paper! It made me feel good that I sleep in a bed at night! I do hope with an inspiring story like this, that he claims any upcoming awards.Read full review
I had never known how low could people get when there is no money. This is such a good story for the true persons in life. I am very impressed of the pesevererence of the actor. The story is very sad in the beginning and rewarding toward the end. It help me to realize how how it is for a black American.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The fact that this movie is based on a true story is unreal. What this man did to save himself and his son, I think others would have given up and lived in poverty for the remainder of their lives. Barely scraping by and being thrown out of one place after another because he didn't have the money to pay the rent, my heart broke. Also, taking an internship for I forget how months without pay, was a step I don't think very many people would have done. While all the time having to make sure his son is fed and cared for. If you really watch this movie, you'll realize that this man goes without eathing several times just so he can feed his son. I honeslty think a lot of men may have given up and put their child into foster care until their life was straightened out. But his man knew he could do it and from sleeping in a restroom (the cave) to sleeping on a bus, he was determined to win at life. Look at where he is now. My emotions were all over the place at times with this movie, it's one of the best I have ever seen. This is a man who would never give up and stuck it out knowing that if he wasn't chosen, he had nothing left but he and his son. Now he's a multi-millionaire. It's a great one to watch and realize that people may have it bad, but it's what you decide to do from there that really counts. He won, he made it and I've never met the man but he is obviously an amazing person. I just wondered at the end, when he got the position and then ultimately opened his own brokerage firm, did he ever remarry? Have more kids? He is a person that I would love to have the time and opportunity to talk to, he seems so interesting. He was at the bottom and rose to the top with his own confidence and willingness to try.Read full review
This is amazing to watch a man really give out his heart with so much passion. His dread pushed him forward as also did his dream. I love it because it not only has great content but it is also a true story.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Getting this DVD is a simple decision for anyone that is in business, sales, down on their luck, or doing well in life. Doesn't that cover just about everyone? The DVD is well crafted, as is the movie. If you haven't seen the movie, Will Smith is at his finest in this and it deserves watching and rewatching as a source of inspiration and gratitude. Garner started out struggling to make his rent payments. As he said, he was homeless, but never hopeless. With just him and his son (played by Smith's very own child), Garner (Smith) embarks on a life changing journey. A chance encounter with a stock broker leads to a new idea of living. With his dreams in one hand, and reality on the other, Garner ventures out into the world of high paced stock brokerage while simultaneously facing the harsh reality of homelessness. Don't miss the ending, especially the surprise cameo of Garner himself (as an obviously placed special pedestrian). This movie is a reminder to all not to look so much at our circumstances, but to keep our eyes and our hearts on that which we truly desire. When you can focus on the life you wish to create, you will achieve a breakthrough. That moment is called Happyness.Read full review
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