Sometimes to find yourself you need to get a little lost.|Aug. 14, 2014|Germany | Canada | United Kingdom | South Africa | United States|114 Min.|R
Genre: Adventure;Comedy;Drama
Description: Hector and the Search for Happiness is a 2014 film that follows the story of Hector, a quirky psychiatrist who feels disillusioned with his monotonous life. He confides in his girlfriend, Clara, about his desire to embark on a journey to explore the concept of happiness. During his travels, Hector’s path crosses with various individuals who shape his understanding of joy and fulfillment.
On a flight to China, he meets Edward, a grumpy businessman, who takes him to an exclusive nightclub in Shanghai. There, Hector encounters Ying Li, a young woman he quickly becomes enamored with. However, their connection is disrupted when her pimp forcibly takes her away. Undeterred, Hector continues his quest, venturing to a mountain monastery. He forms a bond with the monastery’s leader and briefly reconnects with Clara via Skype.
Hector’s journey then takes him to Africa, where he experiences a terrifying plane ride and befriends a local woman who invites him to her family’s home for a meal. She gifts him a book on happiness by Professor Coreman. He reunites with an old friend, Michael, a physician, and meets Marcel, Michael’s bodyguard and lover, who exemplifies contentment. Later, Hector encounters Diego Baresco, a volatile drug lord skeptical of happiness due to his wife’s struggles with medication. Hector offers medical advice to improve her condition.
As Hector’s adventure progresses, he faces unexpected challenges, including a kidnapping that leaves him locked in a grim, rat-infested cell. To save himself, he claims a connection to Diego but struggles to prove it. Throughout his journey, Hector reflects on his experiences, reconnecting with Clara intermittently, and gradually uncovering profound insights into the nature of happiness.
Cast director: Peter Chelsom
Cast actor: Simon Pegg, Rosamund Pike, Toni Collette, Stellan Skarsgård, Christopher Plummer, Jean Reno, Barry Atsma, Veronica Ferres, Ming Zhao, Tracy-Ann Oberman
Original name: Hector and the Search for Happiness