I need help, anyone remember what this movie is called ? It was a movie about a young girl born in the slums of America (Perhaps England) to separated parents. Mother had ditched her with the farther and the farther was a self harming alcoholic. The young girl was smart and fought through her poor conditions to eventually be accepted by one of the best and most privileged universities. In the end when she eventually gets a job and earns lot's of money her farther will not accept her help and leaves her to her better life as to not hinder her. Its quite a sad story but very gripping. I think it was about 4 years ago I saw it. It is also based on a true story.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_based_on_actual_events Might be a place to start. Though the movie descriptions are rather vague.