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.
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.
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!
this film is the best ? have ever watched :)
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!!
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....
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!
Great Hub. Forrest Gump is by far one of my all time favorite movies!
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.
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?
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.
I love this movie! It touches on so many emotions all the time. Thanks for sharing!
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.
Truly a great movie and a great hub. Well written. Thanks for sharing it.
YES! YES! I finally sat down and watched this movie and was glued to the TV. It really touched my heart!!! Loved it!
Great movie and great review.
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.
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.
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... :)
I love this hub it is awesome. Jennifer
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.
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.
This hubs was tops. Forest Gump how can you not love him?
This is my favorite movie also. Thanks for the great hub. https://hubpages.com/relationships/whatkindofamana...
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!
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.
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.
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! :)
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
Thank you for the warm welcome Mr. Watkins! I look forward to the Hubpages experience and more of your delightful hubs!
Silky
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.
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