SC-S28/W2-Movie Highlights Based on True Events: The Pursuit of Happyness

screenshot from YouTube

Hi Movies Lovers!

It's a pleasure to be part of this week's movie highlight. This week is all about films that are inspired by true life events, stories that reminds us that behind every great movies there is a real person who lived, struggled and conquered.

For this week's task, I chose to revisit one of the most emotional and inspiring movies ever produced: The pursuit of Happyness, it's a film based on Chris Gardner real life story. Chris was a man who battled with homelessness while raising his young son and chasing an almost impossible dream.

Did The Movie Make Me Curious About The Real life Story?

screenshot from YouTube

Of course! Will Smith was the one portraying Chris Gardner journey from a struggling salesman to a homeless Dad fighting to keep his son, I was wondering who this man is in real life because the movie powerfully captures his determination, that I had to look him up afterward. I discovered that Chris Gardner later became not just a successful stockbroker, but also a philanthropist, motivational speaker, and author. You know this extra layer made the story to be more interesting and meaningful.

Which Scene Felt The Most The Most Powerful Or Emotional?

Without thinking twice, it was the bathroom scene in the subway station. Chris and his little son, had no where to placed their heads, so he has to hide inside a public restroom for the night. He was holding the door shut with his foot while hugging his sleeping child. Goodness I couldn't hold back my tears, the reality just hit me so hard.

screenshot from YouTube

The moment just captured raw humanity; yeah the fear of failing, the shame of not being able to provide shelter for your child, but also a stubborn hope that tomorrow will be better. That scene alone speaks volumes even more than the entire movies.

Another scene that makes me emotional, and it's unforgettable to me was when Chris finally hear the word; "you're hired." Oh my! The silent tears, the relief, and the gratitude was all felt genuine. It was not a victory but a survival!

What Lessons Did I Learn From The True Story Portrayed?

I've learned so many lessons and these are:

1. Never To Give Up When Life Seems Painful And Unfair: Chris had every reason to quit, he was homeless, rejected, and in financial crisis, yet he kept on trying.

2. Dreams Require Sacrifice: I must first of all believe in myself and dreams even when no one else does, and I will show this by sacrificing so many things, my sleep, comfort and even my pride.

3. A Parent's Love can Carry Us Through The Darkest Times: Much of Chris's strength came from the need to give his son a better life. So love can give me a purpose.

4. My Background Does Not Define My Destination: Chris went from sleeping in shelters to becoming a millionaire. Hardship doesn't disqualify me from greatness.

How Did The Movie Make Me Feel About The Time Period And The People In It?

screenshot from YouTube

The movie was made in the early 1980s, a time when social mobility was difficult, a period of limited opportunities, and a time when discrimination was real. As a black man It was hard for Chris to navigate the corporate space but his resilience made me appreciate him even more. This made me reflect on how many people in that era and even in our own; are fighting silent battles that the world is unheard about.

Oh I couldn't forget the kindness of a few characters which stood out. It reminded me that just a little act of kindness like smiling at a stranger could brighten their day. Not to talk of offering them a place to stay or giving them a shot, it can change the person's entire life for good.

Conclusion:

The pursuit of happyness is more than a movie; it's a testimony, a masterpiece! It teaches me that happiness is not something we are handed, rather we create it for ourselves, it's something we sometimes painfully pursue step by step. And most times the journey shapes us into who we become.

I'm encouraged by this true life story to be determined, to believe in possibilities and to keep on pursuing my own version of happiness, even no one believes me, yes I should no matter how hard life gets.

I'm inviting my friends @okere-blessing @eliany and @dove11 to be part of this contest