Greek mythology brought to life - The Pursuit of Happyness Reviews

One of the oldest storytelling devices, is the story of the hero's journey, who must overcome many trials by fire before being able to grab glory. This is precisely what this film is, and for what it is, it is wonderful. There was one reviewer who said that this movie is a downer, since he wants to be entertained by a light-hearted movie during Christmas. That one cries a lot during this film, and feels the sting of shared frustration with the characters (enough to hear groans of anger throughout the theatre) is certainly no joke. Whilst not presuming to tell people what they should like during this festive season, I can tell you that there can be no better film at the moment (save The Nativity Story), which is most evocative of Christmas. The humble beginnings which seem to entrap, more than to liberate. The hardships one must undergo, when everything seems ranged against us. The people poised to take advantage of one, but also unexpected benefactors bearing the gift of opportunity. All of this, is in this film. Will Smith, whom I haven't seen this involved and mature as an actor in a film, since the exceptional Six Degrees of Separation, performs his role with a world-weary courage that surely makes him an Oscar buzz threat. This is a film of possibilities: Can it be possible for a man to make it on his own, after his life's partner deserts his little family? Can he be the father to his son, that his own father never was? Can he stay afloat, even a little bit, as tax collectors, the police, and a life ridden in poverty (but not despair), threaten to submerge him? For the answer, you must see the film. But the overwhelming response must surely be: anyone can do so, with talent, courage, and perserverance. The hero's journey is never easy. But they wouldn't call it the hero's journey, if you didn't have to be heroic throughout.