Movie review: Forest Gump

By Joanna Rafi

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The film stars Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, a simple man with a low IQ but a kind heart who unwittingly becomes a witness to and participant in some of the defining moments of the 20th century.

The film begins with Forrest sitting on a bench at a bus stop in Savannah, Georgia, telling his life story to anyone who will listen. We then see flashbacks of his childhood, where he is bullied for his physical disabilities and his low intelligence. Despite this, he befriends a girl named Jenny and develops a talent for running, which becomes his ticket to college.

At college, Forrest becomes a star football player and eventually joins the army to fight in Vietnam. He becomes a war hero after rescuing his platoon, but also witnesses the horrors of war and loses some of his closest friends. Upon his return to the United States, he is awarded the Medal of Honor and becomes a celebrity.

Forrest then goes on to experience some of the key events of the 1960s and 1970s, such as meeting President John F. Kennedy, participating in the anti-Vietnam War movement, and witnessing the Watergate scandal. Throughout all of this, he remains largely ignorant of the significance of these events, focusing instead on his simple, kind-hearted approach to life.

The heart of the film is Forrest's relationship with Jenny, who he has loved since childhood. Jenny has a troubled life, including a history of drug addiction and abusive relationships, but Forrest remains devoted to her throughout her struggles. The film culminates in a bittersweet reunion between the two characters.

Overall, Forrest Gump is a touching and heart warming film that explores themes of love, loss, and the power of simplicity. The film is driven by Tom Hanks' incredible performance as Forrest, who is both endearing and inspiring in his own unique way. The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Robin Wright as Jenny and Gary Sinise as Lieutenant Dan, and is supported by a memorable soundtrack featuring classic songs from the 1950s to the 1980s.


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