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Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is my favorite film of all time. I love everything about it. The acting is extraordinary; the direction and cinematography superb; the script, the characters, the dialogue sublime; the musical score and soundtrack preternatural. Forrest Gump was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won in six categories including: Best Picture; Best Director, Robert Zemeckis; Best Actor, Tom Hanks; Best Screenplay, Eric Roth; Best Film Editing, Arthur Schmidt; Best Visual Effects.
The film takes us through American history from Elvis to Apple. Forrest is cleverly inserted into real footage of famous people and historic events. The film clearly shows the results of the choices we make in life; and that some people are greatly underestimated with whom we may come in contact, if we only look at the superficial, not the underlying character. Adding to its greatness is a plethora of fine character actors, in particular the drill sergeant at basic training.
The soundtrack album is awesome, but does not include some of the great tunes in the movie such as "All Along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix, and "Running on Empty" by Jackson Browne. On the album are 32 iconic songs, e.g., "Fortunate Son" by CCR; "For What it's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield; "San Francisco" by Scott McKenzie; "Turn, Turn, Turn" by The Byrds; "Everybody's Talkin'" by Harry Nilsson; "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynrd Skynrd; "Against the Wind" by Bob Seger; and "Get Together" by the Youngbloods. Here are the lyrics to this last piece of art:
Get Together
Love is but the song we sing,
And fear's the way we die
You can make the mountains ring
Or make the angels cry
Know the dove is on the wing
And you need not know why
C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try to love one another right now
Some will come and some will go
We shall surely pass
When the one that left us here
Returns for us at last
We are but a moments sunlight
Fading in the grass
C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try to love one another right now
If you hear the song I sing,
You must understand
You hold the key to love and fear
All in your trembling hand
Just one key unlocks them both
It's there at your command
C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try to love one another right now
Right now
Right now!
Forrest Gump
Michael Connor Humphreys plays Forrest Gump as a boy; in a performance I believe ranks right at the top of child acting history. Sally Field plays his mother magnificently. The relationship between mother and son is a highlight of the film. They clearly love each other as deeply as possible, and while she is protective of her son, what with his IQ of 75, she also teaches him that he can stake out his own place in the world despite his limitations, saying, "Do the best with what God gave you."
One thing I love about Forrest is that he is a great listener. When people speak to him, he is not distracted or thinking of what he is going to say next. He is truly listening, and he takes to heart the words of the people in his life; often recalling them as they apply to a new situation in which he finds himself.
Forrest develops a close friendship with another misfit after joining the army. Mykelti Williamson gives a masterful performance as "Bubba" Blue. They go to Viet Nam together, where Forrest shows his love for others by carrying many wounded men, one at a time, through the jungle under heavy fire to safety—winning the Congressional Medal of Honor. Bubba dies in his arms and he says, "If I would have known I 'd never see Bubba again, I would have thought of something better to say."
Bubba's dream in life was to become a shrimp boat captain after his military service. Forrest honors his friend after his death by living out his dream for him. He gets rich in the shrimping business and shares the wealth with Bubba's family. He also takes on a first mate, his old lieutenant from Viet Nam, Dan Taylor, played with aplomb by Gary Sinese.
Lieutenant Dan has many memorable scenes in the film. He curses Forrest for saving his life in combat because he believes it was his destiny to die on the battlefield, and he doesn't want to live after both legs are amputated due to his injuries. He is so angry that he sits in the crow's nest during a hurricane shouting at God, "Is that all you got!?" He belittles Forrest in such a way that Forrest doesn't get it, but if anyone else treats Forrest disrespectfully he protects his friend fiercely. In a moving scene, Dan finally thanks Forrest for saving his life. When he gets titanium prostheses, Forrest exclaims, "Lieutenant Dan! You've got legs!"
Robin Wright plays the love of Forrest's life, Jenny. She tells Forrest he doesn't know what love is as she careens through life exploring one self-destructive behavior after another with a trail of men who are users and abusers. In the end she has a child with Forrest, after initiating him into love making, though she does not disclose this until he is a little boy. When she invites Forrest over to meet the lad, he says the boy is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. Then his eyes well up with tears and he asks, touchingly, "Is he smart?"
Forrest and Jenny marry while she is slowly dying of AIDS. Forrest buries her in his yard under the tree they played in as youngsters. Near the end of the film he speaks to her grave and then backs away rather than turn his back to her—something he has been doing all his life. Jenny was wrong. Forrest Gump knew what love is better than most.
Comments
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I can watch it over and over and not get tired of it. If most people were like Forrest Gump the world would be a better place. Thanks for sharing, voted up and awesome.
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FloBe— It is a distinct pleasure to hear from you again. I agree with you that Forrest Gump is both challenging and inspirational. I hope I did it justice.
I am glad your mother and I share a love for this fine film. Thank you for this visitation and your kind comments. :)
The movie, "Forest Gump," is simply inspirational and your summary captured the emotional impact it has had on many people. It is my aging mother's favorite movie. Perhaps because she had a child with a disability but also because of the challenges she had to overcome in her own life. This movie challenges us all to shift our thinking and to believe that we can reach our own potential, whatever that might be!
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erdem— Thank you!!! Thank you very much!! :-)
this film is the best ? have ever watched :)
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arindam from India— You are most welcome. I love your thoughtful and insightful comments. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my article. I sincerely appreciate your gracious compliments.
You hit on what might be the most important line in the whole film: "I'M GOING TO HEAVEN LT. DAN"
I don't know how I missed that when I wrote this Hub. I am grateful that you brought it to my attention.
I agree with you that the acting performance by Tom Hanks is stupendous. I cannot imagine anyone else being Forrest Gump.
This is my favorite film of all time. I am well pleased to have found a kindred spirit in you. I am glad we are in agreeance about the profound meanings in Forrest Gump.
I would like to start by saying that it perplexes me to hear people who claim FORREST GUMP to b their favourite movie, say Forrest is stupid. Its shows ‘’these FORREST GUMP lovers’’ couldn’t figure out what the underlying message is like. The title character Forrest played by the brilliant actor Tom hanks, is actually the character of Jesus Christ in the true sense. There r many scenes in it which inspires peace in a way one can possibly imagine. And I don’t think many of us sinners will b able to fathom that. I wonder how Tom pulled off this amazing magnanimous role!! So touching and true line it is..’’IM GOING TO HEAVEN LT. DAN’’!! The pretty white clouds wen He was at Vietnam, the sound of the wind around that mountain lake when He was running, the color of the sky He could c from that boat, the sun going down the horizon at that desert….I cant but say this movie made me realize the purpose of our existence as humans. Life has never been this beautiful before I watched FORREST GUMP!! My heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all the talented people contributed to this ‘’sublime piece of art’’. And thanks to James for ur wonderful review!!
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rmichaelf— I am grateful for your accolades. And thank you for sharing that fascinating story about your previous experiences.
Forrest Gump is an unusual film. I love how it covers all the important events I watched unfold over my particular lifetime. I think that is one thing that makes it so special to most baby boomers. Beyond that, it is, of course, spectacularly well made and acted.
I sure appreciate your kind review of my review, and your warm words. Thanks again! :D
Wow, all I can think to add because it is all covered here, in your review and then the comments!! Great music, acting, direction, cinematography...
I was a V.I.S.T.A. at the time for the Association for Retarded Citizens and became good friends and a roommate of one The ARC'S clients in a model neighborhood program we were developing... So, I had some unique thoughts, some conflicting to be honest about the film's subject and portrayal... it didn't dim the power of the film.
I was asked to write a review for their quarterly Magazine and declined, and am now glad I had the foresight, for if I had and I and read this review I would have a severe inferiority issue!
Really great review, James. Tell Ebhert to goan home...
:-D I should send this to them and tell them to place it in that issue in the files....
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Fluffy77— Thank you! This movie is my all time favorite. I just love so much about it. It is, as you say, a treasure.
Well, I appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement of my writings. :D
This is a big favorite of our household too, it is just such a treasure and a blessing it seems to have such great actors and entertainment in our times. I feel very lucky to have all that we do everyday, that way you always do have something to be happy about. I think we all do take at least one thing special away from watching this classic of a movie. Great HUB!
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AllSuretyBonds— Me too! Thank you for coming by to read my Hub. I appreciate the compliment. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
Great Hub. Forrest Gump is by far one of my all time favorite movies!
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PegCole17— Isn't it fabulous! I hear what you're saying about the music—awesome! I am well pleased to find a kindred spirit.
Thank you for coming by. I appreciate the kind compliments. :-)
Everything about this movie draws me in: the characters, the time frame, the music, the lessons. Your review captures the whole picture in just a few words, like the movie captures the many lessons in just a couple of hours. It uplifts, saddens and allows our perspectives to widen with unforgettable scenes and scenery. You've made me want to see it again. Great review.
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Cogerson— I did not know that. Thank you for providing that tidbit of valuable information. I appreciate the visit and your comments.
Great review....I love Forrest Gump...the type of movie that can be watched over and over.....trivia tidbit....did you know Kurt Russell provided the voice for Elvis in the movie?
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Beth Godwin— I like "Fried Green Tomatoes" too. I'm glad you enjoyed my Hub. Thank you for reading it and for your comments. :)
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theseus— I am well pleased to find a kindred spirit. I agree with you about watching Forrest Gump over and over again—and that is rare for me. Thank you for your kind compliment. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
Forrest Gump is one of my all time favorites along with "Fried Green Tomatoes". I enjoyed your hub!
One of my all-time favorites, too. We watched it in school and I was glued to my seat. One movie that can be watched over and over. Great review, by the way.
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georgiecarlos— Me too! You are welcome, my dear. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
I love this movie! It touches on so many emotions all the time. Thanks for sharing!
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hillrider— That's right! I love this movie. My all time favorite. Thank you for visiting. I'm glad you finally saw it for yourself. I appreciate the compliment too. Welcome to HubPages!
Hub pages and chocolate ... Just never know what you're gonna get. *smiles* Avoided the hype over this movie for years and finally found myself before a TV and caught a few moments, haven't looked at life quite the same since. Nice review, you managed to condense well, giving many points of interest without exposing to much. Well done.
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Rhonda Waits— You are most welcome. Thank you for the accolades. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community! :-)
Truly a great movie and a great hub. Well written. Thanks for sharing it.
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drpastorcarlotta— I am glad you did. I view it as a national treasure. Thanks for letting me know you loved it. I just watched it again a few weeks ago, for maybe the 7th time, and it was like it was the first time.
YES! YES! I finally sat down and watched this movie and was glued to the TV. It really touched my heart!!! Loved it!
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reversecharles— Thank you! Thank you very much. :D
Great movie and great review.
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John W— Thank you, brother, for coming by to visit and for leaving this nice note. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts about these films.
I haven't read the book. In fact, it has been years since I've read any fiction at all. I get my fiction in two hour blocks from movies; I read non-fiction by the bucketfuls.
I agree with you that it takes more than one viewing to get the gist of the entire film. Never have I seen so many important lessons packed in such a short space. I am also with you that I rarely watch a film twice—too many others out there. I have watched Forrest Gump half a dozen times. And I'm ready to watch it again.
Back in the 1980s I was browsing books in a drugstore and came across a novel titled, "Forrest Gump." I perused it briefly and decided I didn't care for it. Little did I realize I had just summarily dismissed the basic story for what I would later consider the greatest movie ever made.
Thanks for this page. You pointed out something I've never noticed before: Forrest backing away from Jenny's grave.
I don't think you can really understand this movie without having seen it at least six times. I generally don't view movies more than once or twice, but this one is a huge exception (as is the Back to the Future series, also, interestingly enough, done by Zemeckis).
Groundhog Day is another rare exception to the rule.
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myawn— Thank you! I love this movie, even after many views. I think I'll watch again this weekend. Oh yea, I enjoyed the Green Mile, too. It is touching. Hey, thanks for coming by.
very awesome hub Forrest Gump is one of my favorite movies. I have watched it again and again.Another really good movie with Tom Hanks is the Green Mile.
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katiem2— Baseball and Forrest Gump. These are two of my favorite things! I can watch Forrest Gump over and over. I've only seen it maybe five or six times, but I never tire of it. I'm going to dial it up again this weekened. It is hard to believe there is a 37 year old American who hasn't seen it. That needs to be rectified!
Thank you for coming and leaving your thoughtful comments.
James, I just keep liking you more and more, first baseball and now this, I love Love LOVE Forrest Gump, I'm fascinated with the movie and have watched it oh at least 50 times. I was talking about it over the fourth and a relative told me she had never watched it, shes 37 and had never seen it...can you believe it? Love this Forrest Gump tribute and will def be back to visit again and again... :)
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Jennifer Lynch— Thank you, Jennifer. I am well pleased to receive your accolades.
James
I love this hub it is awesome. Jennifer
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4FoodSafety— You met that guy!? That's awesome. I'd be very proud if a movie was made of my life. :)
You are welcome and thank you for your kind comments. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
I met a man at the Medal of Honor whose life was the basis for Forrest Gump. At first he was offended that he was labeled as simple and then he wisely stated - that he was simple and very proud of it! Life has different values - we must learn our true priorities and that movie was just very special to so many hearts and lives. Thank you for sharing and reminding us.
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Cathi Sutton— I have not read either book, but based on your recommendation I may pick up the sequel. I wonder why they haven't made a film out of it? hmmm . . . Well, thank you for your kind compliments. I do appreciate your support and encouragement.
Not only is this a very good film review, it also causes the reader to look at the subtle, (and not so), aspects of the movie, which produce true emotions in the viewer. I wonder if you ever read the book sequel? It was maybe not as profound as the first, but the humor was great as Forrest Sr. and Jr. explore life together. I found it a quick, light, enjoyable read, and would recommend it as such, if you haven't already read it.
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Isabelle22--- Thank you! I do love Forrest. And I appreciate your comments. Welcome to HubPages!
This hubs was tops. Forest Gump how can you not love him?
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zzron— I am pleased to hear from a kindred spirit. Thank you and you're welcome.
This is my favorite movie also. Thanks for the great hub. https://hubpages.com/relationships/whatkindofamana...
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Citrus000— Thank you for coming by to visit my humble Hub and leaving your fine comments. And you are welcome.
I agree with barry, there are many important themes covered in the movie, part of what makes it such a great and moving piece! I want to watch this movie again, it has been far too long! Thank you and be well!
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Truth From Truth— I certainly agree. Tom will never top this performance. I'm not sure anyone will. You are welcome and I thank you for reading and letting me know you did.
Nice review, I will have to watch the DVD again. Tom Hanks has been in many great films, but this was by far his best work. Thanks.
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barryrutherford— Yes, to name a few. I lived through those times so needless to say, the film takes me back and reminds of many of my own experiences—though I missed the draft by one year. It is incredible how much major history and social commentary Zemeckis managed to pack into 2:20.
Thank you for visiting and leaving your thoughtful comments. Coincidentally, I just read your Hub about icebergs in New Zealand last night.
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Peggy W— Thank you and you are welcome. I had forgotten what a fine film The Green Mile is. I appreciate you bringing that back to mind. I think I'll watch it again.
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hypnosis4u2— Thank you very much. I agree that not only does it not get old, it gets better, which is pretty amazing when considering film. Yes, there have been many fine comments, too.
I've seen the film several times. There are so many important themes covered in the movie as well as the great music. Vietnam,Vietnam Veterans,Flower Power,Martin Luther King,The Experience of a civilian going to war coming back from war & trying to integrate. to name a few.
Your review of Forest Gump (one of my favorite films) was right on target. Thanks for the reminder of this great movie. Just watched The Green Mile on TV a night or so ago again. Another great one!
The movie just gets better every time you watch it. I enjoyed reading your hub on this subject. The thread of comments adds muck to the enjoyment as well.
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bill yon— That was a great scene on the park bench. It goes to show you never know. I agree with your interpretation of the overarching theme in "Forrest Gump." You have a fine way of expressing your interpretations. I appreciate you adding your impressions here for us.
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Kebennett1— I love your descriptive comments. You have added much to this thread. Thank you very much.
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spiderpam— Hey! It's nice to hear from you again. I'm glad we share this in common. Thanks for the visit and the compliments. Great to see you!
the unspoken message in forrest gump is just do it,if you noticed forrest never procrastinated he just did the things that came to his mind and a magnificient life came to him because he was always forging ahead always making things better he achieved alot for a "simple" man,one of my favorite scenes was when he told that guy on the bench he was a millionaire and the guy walked off laughing when forrest turned to the woman you could tell she thought he was telling tall tales until forrest pulled out that fortune magazine with his picture and captain dans picture on the cover,simple but brilliant is the only way I could describe forrest gump.
James, Forrest Gump has always been a favorite of mine. His heart is so simple and pure. He let nothing stand in his way, and made the very best out of every day. We let our lives get so complicated and our hearts become hardened by the world around us that the love and care for our brothers and sisters comes last not first. We could all take a lesson from the "simpleton" who cared more for others than himself. Your summary through the movie brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. They were good tears!
Hey James it's been a while. I LOVE Forrest Gump! Great hub again! :)
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manlypoetryman— How peaceful everything seemed. That's a keen observation. Thank you for visiting my humble Hub. I appreciate your compliment. I'm pleased to find a kindred spirit when it comes to this film.
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Duchess OBlunt— I am pleased to receive a visit from you, Duchess. Thank you for the compliment. We never know what we'll get. :-)
I Remember... how Peaceful everything seemed as I stepped out of the Theater...I guess that came from seeing life so simply through "Forrest's Eyes". It was a remarkable story and well-done through cinematography, images of another era, and great acting...like you said. Great Hub
I just had to add my two cents James. Great review! about an awesome movie! Have it on VHS and DVD, now I have to get the blue ray!
Off to find out what else my box of chocolates has in store for me!
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bill yon— We all face that "it's time to grow up" moment. Mine came at 36 (I'm a late bloomer). I'm glad you got there.
naw I'm not a paraplegic,but I used to be a wild one..dans attitude towards life was once mine,until I decided it was time to grow up.
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dara— I am hopeless alright. :-)
You are quite observant, my long time friend. Guys win the Academy Award by playing the Idiot Savant and women win it by playing the Hooker with a Heart of Gold. (I myself have been a miner for a heart of gold.)
I love you, too, Dara. Thank you for coming to see me and for letting me know you were here. It means a lot to me.
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bill yon— Dan Taylor. He is quite a character alright. I hope you aren't a paraplegic? Oh, I had some wild days meself during my extended adolescence. :) Thanks for coming back with this addition.
I am feeling kind of speechless after all the previous comments I just skimmed through. I guess the best I can say, at this moment, is Wow...what a hopeless romantic you are.
My question is : what is it, anyway, with actors acting like idiots and always getting an academy award?
Still I love you more for loving this film. Also, I too liove Tom Hanks.
my favorite character from forrest gump was captain dan,I had the same mental state he had for a few years so I really like that character,he reminds me of my wild days when I was a little bit younger.
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beth811— Me, too. Love the music, too. You are welcome. Thank you very much for leaving these words here for me to read.
Oh gosh, I really love this movie, not only its script but the soundtrack is great. I'd watched this many times on DVD because I really enjoyed it.
Thanks for sharing.
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stars439— Well, what a surprise to hear from my artist friend again! Oh yes, "Saving Private Ryan" is a top five or ten movie for me, too. Awesome. Thank you for your lovely compliments. I'm gonna get over and look at some more of your beautiful painting today.
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Taylor Finch— Hello. Thank you for the concurrence. I appreciate you letting me know. Welcome to Hubpages.
Faithfully Yours,
James
Great Hub and Great Movie: I love Tom Hanks. He is one of my favorite actors. There are people like Gump that could trip and still not make a mistake. He inspires us all as we can do anything under the right circumstances. I loved Hanks in Saving Private Ryan among many of his great films. Perfect article in my humble opinion.
Hi James,
I agree that it is a brilliant movie. The kind of movie you don't mind watching over and over again.
Regards
Taylor
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Calling Crow— I thank you so much for your kind words. I am glad you liked this Hub. That makes it all worthwhile. :-)
This movie always enlightens me, gives me a great big smile and a few little tears. This hub just did the exact same thing! James, you are definitely one of my absolute favorite writers! Cheers!
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GPAGE! This is one of your areas, right? The movies. I agree with you that the direction is brilliant in the film, particularly of the intimate moments, as you say. Jenny did leave Forrest with the best gift in the world. I hadn't given that as much of my attention as I should have. Thank you for your insights from the inside.
JAMES! Cool.....a movie review!!! ;
This is one of my fave films also. I think Mr. Zemeckis was "brilliant" with the intimate "moments" in the film. There are many touching scenes that I will never forget. Even though Jenny was "broken" she gave him the best gift in the world. All of the casting was fantastic! LOVE the soundtrack! Awesome hub! Best, G
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Terah— How nice to hear from you, darlin'. Thank you for the compliment. Your comments are themselves quite eloquent. Forrest knew what love is.
Worded eloquently....I teared up at the end as you remind us of his ability to love....it reminds me how us "higher IQ people" fail to experience true life, allowing our standards and beliefs get in the way of truly being open and receiving of all life has for us.
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bill yon— Thank you for coming by to visit and for letting me know you liked the film, too. See! We do have things in common. :-)
My girlfriend dragged me to the movies to see Forrest Gump,I really did not want to see that movie.But I'm glad that I did because it turned out to be one of my favorites.
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shamelabboush— I'll have to settle for being # 2 fan. Destroying that house is a great scene. And as Cosette noted above "sometimes there just aren't enough rocks." You are most welcome. I am pleased to have brought some joy to the world. Thank you for your gracious comments.
I love this movie more than you James SORRY :) I watched it like a zillion times or at least once a week. I like the scene when he destroys the house for Jenny's sake and I really cried and still do when his mom died, that was very touching. And the funny scene is when he was narrating his story while waiting for the bus and came to the conclusion that he is filthy rich, but people didn't believe him :) Thanks James for making my day :) Thanks.
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Mr. Silky,
You are surely welcome. When you write, I'll read.
James
Thank you for the warm welcome Mr. Watkins! I look forward to the Hubpages experience and more of your delightful hubs!
Silky
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Mr. Silky Johnson— Thank you, Mr. Silky. I confess, I get teary-eyed, too. Welcome to HubPages!
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Nemingha— Thank you very much for visiting and commenting. I am glad we agree. :)
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dusanotes— Hey, Don. Thank you for coming to the movies. This soundtrack is probably my favorite. I appreciate your compliments.
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Pamela99— Thank you for stopping by and leaving your warm words. I appreciate it.
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sherrylou57— Thank you, dear, for your compliments and concurrence. I'm glad you came by.
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Kaie— Gone With The Wind is surely a great piece of cinema. Unforgettable. Vivien Leigh was quite a looker. Now that you mentioned it, I never have been to a movie theater with my mom. I had never thought about it before.
Thank you for the compliments.
Yes, a quality film with a quality actor, Mr. Hanks. I have viewed this film on numerous occasions and ole Silky isn't ashamed to say he gets teary-eyed every time.
Kudos to the author.
Silky.
Yep, a wonderful film filled with outstanding acting performances. Nice one James.
You brought back some great memories, James, with this one. I think this movie is now part of Americana, American folklore, the things we like to go back to when we want to feel good again. It was a great movie, there is no denying. And you chose some of the best pics of the movie. The music is outstanding. I have to agree with you. This is also one of my all-time favorites. Don White
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