Hubby and I try to go on movie dates whenever we have some free time over the weekends. Naturally, most times, I get to pick the movies because he’s generally too caught up with work to really find out what these movies are all about. A couple weeks ago it was Music and Lyrics. Yes – it was a predictable romantic comedy but entertaining nonetheless. I picked that one because I like Hugh Grant, (eh, he may be old, but there’s a sexiness about him, ok ) – and I always enjoy Drew Barrymore’s goofy characters. Anyway, it was indeed a sweet and enjoyable flick and even hubby had to agree although he had his reservations in the beginning.
Then on Saturday we went to watch Pursuit of Happyness. And what can I say – I cried, or more like I sobbed. I was so totally overwhelmed with
emotions, and if I was feeling all melancholy and ‘hiba’, then hubby felt it even more. That is because I can liken Chris Gardner’s relationship with his little 5yo to hubby’s special bond with our precious. It was easy for him to see himself in the character that Will Smith played.
I can so relate to the essence of the story – not because it’s one of those rags to riches film but more because of being able to ralte to the financial woes that drove you to the edge, tough luck that seemed perpetual and just days when you have no idea if you can go on. That instinct of wanting to protect you child, but not knowing what to do. The overpowering sense of loss and helplessness and that burning desire to make things work.
Initially, I wanted to watch because I wanted to see Will Smith and his son in their debut film together. And recently I bought a picture book called “Just the Two of Us” written by none other than Will Smith himself. It tells the story of the love, fears and hopes a father has for his son. Undoubtedly, the book was meant for his son Jaden, who plays his son in the movie. That kid though, I gotta tell ya, he is really good..steals the thunder from his dad in some of the scenes I must say.
Personally, things are definitely a lot better now for us but just a few years ago, life was tough. And my precious did not get to enjoy a lot of the things his two elder brothers once did. Unlike his brothers who were used to holding birthday parties each year, annual holidays local and abroad, and constantly swamped with toys and going for nice dinners. But if I care to look deeper than material happiness, what my precious gets is by far more meaningful than all those birthday parties and holidays put together. He gets so much love and undivided attention and is growing up as a very emotionally secure child. I see the difference right before my eyes.
Then on Saturday we went to watch Pursuit of Happyness. And what can I say – I cried, or more like I sobbed. I was so totally overwhelmed with
emotions, and if I was feeling all melancholy and ‘hiba’, then hubby felt it even more. That is because I can liken Chris Gardner’s relationship with his little 5yo to hubby’s special bond with our precious. It was easy for him to see himself in the character that Will Smith played.I can so relate to the essence of the story – not because it’s one of those rags to riches film but more because of being able to ralte to the financial woes that drove you to the edge, tough luck that seemed perpetual and just days when you have no idea if you can go on. That instinct of wanting to protect you child, but not knowing what to do. The overpowering sense of loss and helplessness and that burning desire to make things work.
Initially, I wanted to watch because I wanted to see Will Smith and his son in their debut film together. And recently I bought a picture book called “Just the Two of Us” written by none other than Will Smith himself. It tells the story of the love, fears and hopes a father has for his son. Undoubtedly, the book was meant for his son Jaden, who plays his son in the movie. That kid though, I gotta tell ya, he is really good..steals the thunder from his dad in some of the scenes I must say.
Personally, things are definitely a lot better now for us but just a few years ago, life was tough. And my precious did not get to enjoy a lot of the things his two elder brothers once did. Unlike his brothers who were used to holding birthday parties each year, annual holidays local and abroad, and constantly swamped with toys and going for nice dinners. But if I care to look deeper than material happiness, what my precious gets is by far more meaningful than all those birthday parties and holidays put together. He gets so much love and undivided attention and is growing up as a very emotionally secure child. I see the difference right before my eyes.
Back to the movie, I feel it is a must watch for those who want to see great acting and powerful emotions. It speaks volumes of one man’s sheer grit and determination. Although I have seen many movies with similar storylines- a poor man making it in the big world, this is somehow different. Particularly because of the father-son relationship and certain issues hit close to home.At the same time, it also shows a side of America that often escapes our eyes, the poverty that in some ways is a lot worse that what we see here on home ground. The movie portrays what things are really like on their streets, specifically San Francisco as was portrayed. All I could ever remember of my visit there was just the orange bridge and their awesome sourdough bread!! Here you see the homeless vagrants who are forced to look for daily shelter in community halls, get in the soup lines and live day to day, if they’re lucky that is. Otherwise, you may be forced to seek refuge in a subway toilets like Chris Gardner. Will Smith actually went round with Chris Gardner, to see the various places where the real Mr Gardner had to sleep at nites with his young son.
Incidentally, I was curious about the man who inspired the movie so I googled the real man himself. Check him out on Oprah’s show - http://www.oprah.com
All in all, it was worth all the tears I shed! Next movie will probably be during the upcoming
school break and if we're talking about a family one and if my boys have their way I know it will be Mr Bean's Holiday...! oh God, i hate that man..
1 comment:
ur right...i was so totally moved by this movie. A definite must watch!
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