The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

I really liked this film. It had a strong message about staying true to your dream, which I could relate to. The protagonist (played by Will Smith) never let go of what was sacred in his life, his son, and his pursuit of happiness.
When I originally heard about this film I thought it was going to be a syrupy story about overcoming all obstacles, and in a way it was, but I think the sincerity and the real hardships of the protagonist won me over. I think also knowing that this was a real story, of a man who was pretty much living on the streets when he got his break in life to work at a stock broker's firm. I think it's kind of funny that the corruption of finances is never brought up. I guess it's more of a rags to riches story, rather than an expose on the damning of corporate finance.
This film was all about the acting. With Will Smith and his real-life son, playing his son, I think this aspects really carried the film. Will Smith was phenomenal in his portrayal of the protagonist.
The direction of the film was alright, but I didn't see it as anything auteurish about it.
I say this is a film worth checking out if you're looking for motivation in following your dream.