Forrest Gump, the classic 1994 comedy/drama directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks, is a heartfelt and inspiring film that tells the story of a kind man with a big heart. When Forrest Gump was released, it was a massive hit, making $678 million worldwide, winning six Academy Awards, and becoming one of the biggest films of the ’90s. The movie follows Forrest as he tells people on a bus bench about his life and his connections with historical events like the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War, the Apollo 11 moon landing, and the Civil Rights Movement.
The beginning of the story starts with Forrest on a bus bench telling stories about his life, starting with when he was younger. He says that as a child he had a low IQ and wore leg braces. He was often bullied, but he learned that he had a passion for running. This newfound skill helped Forrest throughout his life, eventually earning him a football scholarship in college. After college, Forrest joins the U.S. Army and is sent to fight in the Vietnam War, where he forms a deep bond with Bubba, whose dream is to start a shrimp business. During the war, Forrest saves many wounded soldiers, carrying them to safety while searching for Bubba. Eventually, he finds Bubba, but he is badly wounded.
After the war, Forrest becomes successful as a businessman, a national ping pong champion, and gains wealth and fame while still remaining humble and kind. Forrest’s childhood friend Jenny struggles with abusive relationships, drug use, and trauma. Forrest struggles with seeing this because he cares deeply about her and loves her romantically. He constantly sees Jenny being mistreated and wishes she would be with him instead of her abusive boyfriend. Jenny comes to live with Forrest after his mother passes away, and they have a lot of fun together until they have another uncomfortable conversation, which leads Jenny to leave before Forrest wakes up. When Forrest wakes up and does not see Jenny next to him, he goes for a long run. He runs about 15,000 miles over three years, two months, fourteen days, and sixteen hours. He gains fans during his run reporters and followers who find him inspiring, and I do as well.
One of the main reasons I believe people should watch this movie is because of Tom Hanks’ acting. Throughout the movie, we see Forrest go through heartbreak and the loss of loved ones while still staying optimistic.I think that he perfectly captures Forrest’s innocence and emotional strength. While watching the movie, I found out that Tom Hanks got Forrest’s voice from the actor who played young Forrest. The young actor, Michael Conner Humphreys, was a native of Mississippi, and Tom Hanks recorded him speaking so he could study his unique pronunciation and cadence.
Overall, Forrest Gump is more than just a comedy-drama; it is a powerful story about love and friendship. With outstanding acting, emotional storytelling, and the creative use of history, it remains one of the most memorable films ever made.
