Forrest Gump is one of my many, many ‘I’ve never got around to seeing that one’ films – as I discovered last week, there are a LOT of classic films I haven’t seen!
But hey, we’ve all got to start somewhere, and I’ve just ticked one off the list! I’m assuming the rest of the world knows what Forrest Gump is about, but for those that don’t…
Tom Hanks plays a bloke who’s, well, really stupid, but somehow ends up in the most amazing situations with the most significant people of modern American history. Then of course there’s the love of his life, Jenny, or JENNAAAY, whose path crosses with Forrest’s at various interludes.
This film is ridiculously popular, and I can see why. It’s immensely quotable (I wish my Alabama accent was up to scratch) and I loved the way the directors had Gump rubbing shoulders with many a famous personality through the magic of technology. I’m never not going to find ‘Lieutenant Dan, I brought you some ice cream!’ funny.
It feels a little redundant to give some sort of sweeping analysis of the themes and symbolism in the film – I’m fairly certain this has been done time and time again. I enjoyed the film at any rate, even if it is mostly down to the fact that I now understand all those ‘Run Forrest, Run!’ jokes…
We too love Forest Gump…eben my 14yr old son who normally loves things like South Park and The Simpsons. What resonates to me throughout the film is the success of a man who does not strive for fame and success, but for a simple life with his girl, Jenny. A sweet story with a solid message.
It’s a really sweet story for sure
I have to say though, I found that some of the sweetness gets taken away with the tongue in cheek attitude to the events in Gump’s life, but the comedic value is priceless!