7.1
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The Pursuit of Happiness
1999·Movie
The Pursuit of Happiness fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, a touch of humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension5
- Fast Pace5
- Spectacle5
Heart
Nostalgic and melancholic
- Nostalgia8
- Melancholy7
- Pathos6
Humor
Some satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody5
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor4
World
History, everyday modern life, and society
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Acting7
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Standout editing
- Editing8
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
The Pursuit of Happiness is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and melancholic
Emotionally, it's nostalgic and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
LowSome satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some satire.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
World
MediumHistory, everyday modern life, and society
Its world is built around history, everyday modern life, and society.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Showtime's "In the 20th Century" is a millennium-related strand of feature-length documentaries in which famous directors take on major subjects of their choosing. In the fourth of the six films, "The Pursuit of Happiness," filmmaker Robert Zemeckis delves into the history of America's relationship with mind-altering substances over the past 100 years, presenting interviews with historians and professionals in the drug treatment field, interspersed with a treasure trove of film and television clips depicting the highs and lows of smoking, drinking and drugging in the 20th century.
20th Century HistoryDrug CultureSocial CommentaryArchival FootageDocumentaryAmerican HistoryMind-Altering SubstancesExpert Interviews
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Questions about The Pursuit of Happiness
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Pursuit of Happiness worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7.1). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Pursuit of Happiness rated?
NRDrug use
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: drug use.
How long is The Pursuit of Happiness?
1 h 52 min
The Pursuit of Happiness runs 1 h 52 min.
What language is The Pursuit of Happiness in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.