Starring Will Smith, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith, and Thandie Newton. Rated PG.

The young boy, half asleep, reaches up to touch the man’s drawn, lightly stubbled cheek. “You’re a good papa,” he says.

This small moment is, for me, the centre of The Pursuit of Happyness, an accomplished, unadorned movie that dramatizes the true-life struggle of a homeless father and son. The sentiment isn’t moving because of cinematic qualities or inherent pathos but because it is true. Chris Gardner had no financial resources, spouse, or safety net, but, as the movie portrays him, he was usually calm, inventive, self-disciplined, and loving—a great parent.

Gardner is played by Will Smith, which does not seem like particularly ingenious casting, on paper at least. Smith has, of course, played many heroes before, but with the sparkle and confidence known only to boisterous-rappers-turned-sitcom-stars who become action leads. Gardner’s heroism is much quieter and more practical. He takes his few assets—intelligence and social skills—parlays them into an unpaid stockbroking internship, and doggedly persists in his career goal, all the while taking care of his young son. It’s almost annoying that Big Willie (abetted by a cool-eliminating grey ’fro) slides effortlessly into this gentle character. He’s convincing as a man whose ill fortune is only slightly outweighed by his determination. Smith plays opposite his actual son, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith. This move could easily have been ?gimmicky but instead yields authentic affection and interplay between the beleaguered Gardners.

Do they triumph in the end? Well, the movie was adapted from a bestselling memoir that noted the author’s eventual founding of a stock-trading company. A man who helps himself and is loyal to his child is an everyday hero, and of the best kind.