Forrest Gump Movie And Its Many Faces

A) What are some of the frequently asked questions on the Forrest Gump Movie?
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Ah, Forrest Gump. A name we all love and recognize and a movie of the ages. Played by Tom Hanks, this loving character told a life story that would change cinema forever, all while sitting on a park bench.

Premiered in 1994, director Robert Zemeckis’ masterpiece would go on to win six Academy Awards including ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role’ Best Picture and ‘Best Director’ to name a few. This bestselling classic was the second highest-grossing movie of 1994, after The Lion King, making it one of the most successful films of its time. Even now, twenty-five years after its initial release, Forrest Gump is a household coming-of-age classic.

Based on the 1986 novel written by Winston Groom, the story tells of a kind-hearted yet simple American man with an IQ of 75, whose story we follow from the 50s through to the 80s.

Growing up in Alabama with only his mom to rely on, Forrest Gump enters the schooling system where he is bullied for the body brace his mom (Sally Field) makes him wear to correct his poor posture. Enter Jenny, who becomes his first and last love. Like a beacon of light, Jenny quickly becomes Forrest Gump’s biggest supporter, his closest friend and his source of inspiration. With her encouragement (“Run Forrest, RUN!”), Forrest Gump quickly discovers he has a natural gift for running, a theme that returns full force later in his life.

From that moment forward, Forrest Gump proceeds to excel in everything he puts his mind to. He is naturally gifted, a satirical take on his mental disability that should slow him down but only adds to his charm. With time, Forrest Gump receives a college football scholarship that was the beginning of a running gag of his good fortune. Though mentally handicapped, Forrest goes on to succeed in everything he did, making close friendships along the way.

The football star becomes an honored veteran after the Vietnam war, who later becomes a Ping-Pong celebrity, a successful shrimp boat owner and then a multi-millionaire (“Gazillionaire,” as Forrest Gump humbly puts it) when Lieutenant Dan, his comrade in war and his business partner, invests in an unknown fruit company called “Apple.” Ah, if only we all had a friend like Lieutenant Dan. At this point, Forrest Gump has become notorious for making and being a part of American history.

The movie later makes a full circle when Forrest Gump, distraught after having and then losing Jenny for what seems like the millionth time, Forrest decides to run across America and back. For Forrest Gump, it is a form of meditation, a way to think. To the public, he has become a national hero! People are rooting for this delightful character and even joining him on his cross-country jog.

Forrest Gump continues running for over three years, accidentally creating the popular smiley face and “Shit Happens” slogan. While running, his impression on American history continues as he stands next to George Wallace, meets John Lennon while appearing on The Dick Cavett show and teaches Elvis his signature hip twist. Forrest Gump also meets President Nixon in a comedic reference to Watergate and is quite convincingly edited into old, black and white shots in the White House, shaking John F. Kennedy’s hand while simultaneously telling the President of the United States “I gotta pee” when asked how he feels about being an “All American.”

While Forrest Gump explores American culture, his love interest, Jenny (Robin Wright), goes on a darker life journey of the counterculture, falling victim to abuse and drugs. In contrast to the uplifting, comedic, coming-of-age story, Jenny’s life has left her desperate to experience cheap thrills and she goes on a self-destructive path that leaves her falling prey to every fad of the film’s era.

What do I like the most about the Forrest Gump movie?

Forrest Gump’s simplicity and his good-natured approach to life give him confidence and strength I wish was more present in my own life. In my humble opinion, that’s the best part of this movie! Forrest’s many life adventures and experiences have you relating to his story at least once, so you can’t help but fall in love with the goofy guy.

Do I think that people like and can relate to the movie?

Many, including myself, even felt some semblance of connection with Jenny, which wasn’t the greatest epiphany I’ve ever had. Jenny symbolizes the worst in us. The craving for basic human affection, the need to be seen and heard, the desire to be accepted by your peers. Although Jenny takes her obsession too far, I could argue that she symbolizes the struggle and inner turmoil most feel transitioning through the many stages of life. Whether you relate to Forrest Gump’s optimistic, easy-going and relentless persona, Jenny’s pessimistic, doubtful and destructive behavior, or any character in-between, everyone has a place in this movie.

Folks love this movie for its exceptional soundtrack and beautifully shot scenes. One such scene took place in Washington when Forrest Gump and Jenny reunite. Forrest hears his name being called and then realizes its Jenny, who proceeds to jump into the fountain and awkwardly run through the water, breaking the stillness of its surface. They run towards each other and hug while the crowd erupts in applause.

As corny as the scene is, it is also full of emotion and you can see the stark differences in their appearances. Forrest Gump, a decorated war hero, is dressed smartly in a beautifully adorned suit. Jenny, in comparison, is dressed like a hippie, a popular fad at the time. Her flowing, organic, colorful clothes make for a beautiful contrast to Forrest Gump’s intense, dark attire. Aesthetic scenes such as this, coupled with the exceptional soundtrack (which sold over 12 million copies!), are a major reason why the movie is such a hit with the audience.

What do I dislike the most about the movie?

Although there are countless reasons to love the movie, I’d say the only thing I dislike (and many would probably agree) is how unfortunate Forrest Gump’s life is. Some may argue that his life experiences are what makes him who he is and the reason for the movie’s success, but viewers will agree that Forrest’s loveable nature makes us all root for him. Go, Forrest, GO!

But with each traumatic and disheartening situation, Forrest Gump faces, it hits us right in the heart. The love of his life is broken and confused, and he loses her countless times. He loses loved ones along the way, such as his best friend, Bubba, to war and his beloved mother to cancer. Forrest Gump is faced with so many stressful situations, which we find ourselves hurting for him and exclaiming (while shaking our fists) “IT’S NOT FAIR.” This point is arguable and leaves viewers wondering how different Forrest Gump would be, had he not faced such struggles. But as Forrest says,

“Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get!“

Should Forrest Gump movie have a sequel?

And now the age-old question; to sequel or not to sequel? Does the Forrest Gump story NEED another movie, a further deep dive into the character’s lives? Did Forrest Gump ever find another love? What happened to his and Jenny’s son?

The short answer is a resounding no!

The long answer is that this movie is a classic on its own. It doesn’t need another movie to fix any loose ends, explain what happened next or get into the nitty-gritty details. The Forrest Gump movie was full of lively, interesting characters, various life events that we were lucky enough to go along on, and countless, valuable lessons we learned along the way.

Besides the fact that the Forrest Gump movie is twenty-five years old and has lost its relevance with the younger generation, it also would be completely unnecessary as the movie left us with all the answers we needed. It made a full circle and left the audience feeling satisfied. Ever hear the expression “don’t fix what isn’t broken?” This applies perfectly to Forrest Gump, literally and figuratively.

Forrest Gump has many character traits that make him so loveable and endearing to the audience and, although he has a mental disability, he never lets it stop him from achieving greatness.

What are my takeaways from the movie?

There are many lessons to take away from the Forrest Gump movie which is another reason why it is such a popular film and a fan favorite.

The most obvious takeaway is simple; don’t be afraid to love and, in equal measure, don’t be afraid to lose. Forrest Gump, although described as “simple” and “slow”, felt emotions with all of his being. He felt pride when he became a football superstar, fear when he went to Vietnam, sadness when he lost Bubba and absolute dread when he lost his dear mama to cancer.

Having a disability did not make him feel any less of a person, but in fact, his emotions were always visible; more so than the average person. Forrest Gump wore his heart on his sleeve and the emotion he most easily portrayed throughout the movie was love. He loved Jenny his whole life, never once considering that there may be a woman kinder, wiser and better suited for Forrest Gump’s extraordinary life. He never faulted Jenny or felt any regret, even when Jenny got sick and died.

Forrest Gump loved his mother, whom he took care of. He loved Bubba and, after his untimely death fighting for his country in Vietnam, Forrest made it his goal to fulfill Bubba’s one wish: own a shrimping boat. He loved Lieutenant Dan, who begged Forrest to leave him to die in war, like all of his ancestors before him. Forrest Gump, instead of listening to his friend’s wishes, did what he thought was right and saved his life, which earned him a Medal of Honor. Lieutenant Dan later joined Forrest Gump on his adventures and even found true love. Although Forrest lost many friends along the way, he kept charging through life, doing what he knew best: loving.

Another great take-away from this movie is to always stay positive and give back to others. After Lieutenant Dan invested in Apple, earning them both a fortune, Forrest Gump felt the need to give back to his community. He continued mowing grass, even when he could have hired someone to do it for him. He enjoyed it immensely and never paid anyone any mind. Forrest Gump did what he thought was right and stuck on that moral path the whole movie.

“There’s only so much fortune a man needs, and the rest is just for showing off.”

This was Forrest Gump’s mentality and philosophy throughout the movie. He never felt like the world owed him something for being disabled or did anything out of spite and anger. He was always a gentleman, helping those in need. After earning his fortune, Forrest Gump gave a very generous donation to Foursquare Gospel Church and a fishing hospital. He then went one step further; giving Bubba’s share of the shrimping boat profits to Bubba’s mother which in turn changed her life. She no longer had to work in anyone’s kitchen, and she catered to no one but herself from that point on.

Forrest Gump felt the importance of sharing and was a source of inspiration to his friends as well as to the audience. The film’s heartwarming life lessons were a major factor in its popularity with kids and adults alike.

And so, we come full circle. A heartfelt movie about a simple boy who can love more than anyone else and had a moral compass that always leads him down the right path. Although the Forrest Gump movie was full of heart-wrenching moments, devastating loss and great sorrow, there was also a balance of genuine happiness and bittersweet love.

A movie for the ages that tells an extraordinary story about a simple, but yet, an equally extraordinary man, who faces negativity and conflict but stands tall (mama would be proud; Forrest Gump was born with a back “As crooked as a politician”) and faces adversity head-on. He loves and loses, makes history (literally), shares his good fortune with the people he loves most and excels in the most important adventure of his life: raising his son.

Forrest Gump is the strongest and wisest man cinema has ever witnessed. May his story continue to inspire all those who take the time to sit down on a park bench and simply listen.

But anyway, these are just my 2 cents. And now, let’s see what these 11 diverse people have to say about the Forrest Gump Movie:

| Melanie Musson | Joseph Flanagan | Jonathan Mendoza | Can Ahtam | Arthur Ruth | Nancy Simpson | Adam Bertocci | Kevin Lockett | Jarrod Miller-Dean | Melissa Franckowiak | Margo Donohue |

1) Melanie Musson
I love all the one-liners in the Forrest Gump movie as they are appropriate for so many different situations in life:

*“Life is like a box of chocolates…”*

*“I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.”*

*“Run, Forrest, Run!”*

I think Forrest’s whole relationship with Jenny is depressing, and I hate that she doesn’t stay with him from the beginning and just uses him to help with the end of her life.

My take from the Forrest Gump movie is that a person’s life is important. Your intellect doesn’t make a difference in the impact you have on others. Do the best you can no matter who you are.

People relate to the Forrest Gump movie a lot. It’s a classic movie. People love it! It wouldn’t be so popular if people didn’t relate to it. They relate to the raw emotions of Forrest. He’s not afraid to say what he feels, and even people that have a hard time doing that themselves, wish they could do that better when they see Forrest doing that.

The Forrest Gump movie should not have a sequel. A sequel would never be as good and would cheapen the original.

2) Joseph Flanagan
Having seen the Forrest Gump movie, these are my opinions on it:

A) I love that Forrest Gump is very relentless. While many other endearing parts of the character are often discussed, his absolute determination to follow through whatever he puts his mind to is often overlooked. I love the way his tenaciousness contrasts with his simplicity.

B) But I hate that a lot of his achievements are just sheer luck.

C) This movie thought me that no matter what it is you do, do it right and it can take you places.

D) I don’t believe that the Forrest Gump movie is relatable, considering the amount of luck involved.

E) In my opinion, the Forrest Gump movie was a masterpiece. Any sequel may turn out to be flat and repetitive.

3) Jonathan Mendoza
These are my takeaways from the Forrest Gump having seen and being a fan of the movie.

A) What I love the most about the Forrest Gump movie is how honest it is. It’s told from a very pure perspective and it’s full of heart. It also shows the reality of Forrest’s life but doesn’t overplay it.

B) I truly don’t think there is anything that I don’t like about the Forrest Gump movie.

C) My biggest takeaway from the Forrest Gump movie is that life is like a box of chocolates. I’ve carried that message with me as I’ve grown up because you don’t know what you’re going to get in life, but no matter what, it’s always going to lead to something sweet eventually.

D) I think people do relate to the Forrest Gump movie because whether it’s the heartbreak or hardships faced by Forrest, there’s something in the movie that everyone can relate to.

E) I don’t think the Forrest Gump movie should have a sequel; the movie is great as is. If a sequel were to be made, it would take away from the first movie and could jeopardize the story of the first movie.

4) Can Ahtam
As a huge fan of Tom Hanks and his iconic character, Forrest Gump. I watch the movie numerous times per year, and have come to realize the following about the movie:

A) The Forrest Gump movie gives me motivation as well as great joy in seeing how opportunities may come our way and it is our job to realize and make the best out of them to grow and progress in life.

Forrest Gump has had a lot going on in his life, with ups and downs, but he only had one true passion and love in life, Jenny, with whom he has crossed paths multiple times throughout his journey.

B) I hated Jenny’s journey, as she hasn’t had the best luck compared to our innocent protagonist, Forrest Gump. Although (spoiler alert) they both ended up together at the end and had a lovely family, Jenny still passed away not being able to see her kid grow up and live a full life with Forrest Gump. I almost felt like the movie gave us such hope as they took us through their journey and then ended the finale in a heartbreaking yet hopeful way.

C) My takeaway from the Forrest Gump movies would be to make the best out of life. Don’t let any opportunity and moment pass you by so that you don’t say I wish at the end. And don’t let any obstacle slow you down! Life is a process.

D) I think a lot of people would relate to this movie as the scenes take inspiration from major happenings in our time and Forrest’s differences are not taken into account as he goes through these stepping stones. Forrest is one of us!

E) I don’t think Hollywood should force themselves to make a Forrest Gump sequel. Not every movie needs a sequel or a reboot. Forrest Gump is a genuinely planned and thoughtful movie with heart and soul put into it.

5) Arthur Ruth
As a movie buff, and also a fan of the Forrest Gump movie, here are a few of the things that I have to say about the movie:

A) What I love the most about the movie is that the script is wonderful and wholesome. I’m a movie buff and Forrest Gump was one of the movies that simply makes you cry.

B) What I hate the most about the movie is that in some places the movie goes too far on the fantasy and that distracts from the real feeling that Zemeckis wanted to give to the story of Forrest.

C) I think that, with regards to whether people related to the Forrest Gump Movie or not, Yeah, everyone can relate to someone who is told that he isn’t capable of doing things and then do them anyway.

D) And no, the Forrest Gump movie should not have a sequel because remaking classic movies is a bit of a hassle and it has gone wrong more times than it has gone right. So leave classic movies alone. We have imagination and we should create new great movies.

6) Nancy Simpson
What I enjoyed most about the movie Forrest Gump was the storyline lessons of love, kindness, and the ability to work through hard situations.

On the other hand, I hated the part where Bubba died…period.

I feel people may relate to Jenny’s storyline the most. Many have been in Jenny’s shoes (growing up in abuse and having to work to overcome the ghosts of their past) or have watched a sister or friend fight these battles.

The Forrest Gump movie should not have a sequel. Bubba Gump lives on – and so does the son? No thanks. This was a near-perfect movie. I’m good

7) Adam Bertocci
Here are a couple of my thoughts on the Forrest Gump movie:

A) What I think is so special about this Forrest Gump movie is how it takes us through so-called historical times (in as much as the sixties and seventies can be called historical, I guess) through the eyes of someone less concerned with the frisson of recognition or nostalgia they create but with the feelings in his heart and the person he’s talking to.

We’re all living through history, Forrest Gump perhaps more so than others, but in the end, while those elements are fun, it’s the personal parts that resonate with us. It’s reliably amusing every time he runs into an important figure or sets off a crucial event; it’s gut-wrenching when he buries Jenny, and that’s what counts.

B) What bothers me, in hindsight, is some of the ways the film treats Jenny. It does beat up on her a little bit, to the point where one worries that the movie is implying that the universe has punished her for her choices or something. I wonder if there might have been a way to have Jenny’s misadventures through the counterculture been more of a picaresque equal to Forrest’s, with some good mixed along with the bad, before she eventually settles down.

C) As takeaways go, it’s hard to beat what Forrest Gump himself says when he’s unsure if we each have a destiny or if we’re like feathers floating in the breeze, and he ultimately concludes that maybe it’s both. The truth is, it’s a fun imponderable that doesn’t matter. We know by this point, in the movie, that Forrest Gump has figured out what does.

D) People must relate to it on some level or it wouldn’t have done as well as it did, though I wonder if they related more to Forrest Gump’s journey or to their memory of the times he lived through. It’ll be interesting to see if future generations, for whom the sixties and seventies carry less weight (it’d be their grandparents’ time, not their parents’ or their own), view the movie differently.

E) I’m aware that Winston Groom wrote a sequel to his novel—I read it once—but I view the Forrest Gump movie and the book as different. In any event, I don’t know if I’m interested in seeing Forrest recap the ’80s-2010s… I lived through them, I don’t need a movie to remind me of their magic or lack thereof. But maybe I’m just as blind to their importance as Forrest was to the significance of his times…

8) Kevin Lockett
One rare takeaway from the Forrest Gump Movie is the relationship between Forrest and Bubba. Two different men. Two different races. From two different places, but they had a connection.

So often people look at African-Americans and other minorities like we’re different. While there are cultural differences, we all want the same things out of life.

With his childlike innocence, Forrest Gump saw Bubba like a white child sees a Black child, he just saw another person. Too often adults fail to have Forrest Gump’s wisdom when it comes to race.

9) Jarrod Miller-Dean
A) What I love the most about the Forest Gump movies is that it is an inspirational movie. It lets people know that regardless of who you are, or your circumstances that you can achieve anything if you dare to dream, and take action.

B) What I hate the most about the movie was that Forest Gump has a good heart, but his naivete and disability almost made him perfect to a fault. There were a few times in the film when Forrest Gump experienced situations not working out or failures. However, these were few and far between, making the movie depict a highlights reel.

C) My major takeaway from the Forrest Gump movie is to strive to do my best, be resilient, and keep moving forward.

D) I think that people both will and will not be able to relate to the film. They can relate to the movie because people want to strive to do and be their best. We all want to be good people and approach situations from the heart. We all see life through different lenses and it’s ok to be different.

Perhaps it was his disability or naivete, notwithstanding Forrest Gump has a “just did it”. He didn’t second guess himself as most people tend to do.

I think people become disconnected by the fact that as hard as we strive, very few peoples’ lives are close to being a highlights reel.

E) No. There shouldn’t be a sequel to Forest Gump. Timing and relevance are important. It’s been over 15 years since the first. To create another would be irrelevant. The movie is a classic. Some movies shouldn’t have a sequel or be remade.

10) Melissa Franckowiak
Forrest Gump is quite possibly the best movie ever made. It approaches American history with poignancy and humor. Topics of longtime angst are addressed through the point of view of an American boy.

The Forrest Gump movie embraces Americana. It does not shun it. It does not make apologies to her. Even when he’s grown, Forrest retains the innocence of childhood, and this is the essence of every observation he makes.

I love that the military is portrayed as our true heroes. The Forrest Gump movie pays no lip service to fools like Jane Fonda, whose ignorance and hate for our country will never be excused. She is not an icon. She is an embarrassment. Forrest is America, though Hanks is not.

A Forrest Gump movie sequel is warranted if Hollywood, including Hanks, can manage to squeeze out an ounce of patriotism from their cold communist souls, and if they can look themselves in the mirror and manage to create an image that does not apologize for everything everyone watching the movie is.

11) Margo Donohue
As a longtime fan of the Forrest Gump movie, my favorite thing about it is how open and mushy it is about human feelings and frailty.

But what do I hate about the Forrest Gump movie the most, well, is a hard question. But I guess John Lennon cameo doesn’t work as well as the other celebrity pieces in the movie. It looked fake though, but you can’t take it out because the next scene introduces Lt. Dan in NYC.

My major takeaway from the Forrest Gump movie is that It’s okay to be vulnerable and to love others.

I think that some people relate to it better than others. I get that some people find it schmaltzy but I don’t mind the movie.

The Forrest Gump movie should never have a sequel because the sequel to the novel was dark and was not fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

A) Who played Forrest Gump?
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B) Who wrote Forrest Gump?
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C) Who directed the Forrest Gump movie?
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D) Should Forest Gump movie have A Sequel?
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