After his wife leaves him due to the mounting financial strain, Chris becomes a single father to his young son, Christopher (played by Jaden Smith).
Will Smith’s portrayal of Gardner is widely regarded as one of the finest performances of his career. The emotional weight of the film—specifically the iconic scene where father and son are forced to sleep in a subway station bathroom—resonates universally. It is a story about the protection of innocence and the sheer force of will required to break generational cycles of poverty. Because of its inspirational nature, it is a movie people return to time and again, seeking motivation during their own hard times. the pursuit of happyness movie in moviesda verified