Forrest Gump

“Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what your gunna get.”

So ashamedly this quote was as far as my knowledge stemmed when it came to Forrest Gump, until now. I had always heard it was a ‘must see’ film but I suppose I just never got round to it. Now, it is because of the amount of times this film has been recommended to me that I decided to watch it and blog on it. I can safely say I am happy I did and I now agree with every one of those people who told me it was brilliant.

It is Tom Hanks character Forest that makes the film in my opinion, his simple nature and kind-heartedness makes you instantly fall in love with him.

Not only is he someone you can’t help to adore he is also a rarity in films. Like film critic Roger Ebert wrote it is not often you find a character or a plot like Forest Gump has. The film has everything from a hard up bringing and having learning difficulties to being successful in every aspect of life and becoming rich.

Forrest always ends up in the right place at the right time and every role he takes on throughout the film he does expertly, despite several setbacks. No matter what gets thrown at Forrest he steps up to the mark and takes every situation in his stride like his mother’s and best friend Bubba’s death.

Starting life with physical and mental difficulties holding him back you are taken through a complete inspirational roller coaster of Forrest’s life full to the brim of life lessons and underlying symbolism that can relate to everyone.

Producer, Wendy Finerman, said: “I don’t want to sound like a bad version of ‘the childlike innocence of Forrest Gump is what we all once had. It's an emotional journey. You laugh and cry. It does what movies are supposed to do: make you feel alive."

Fact File

Release date: Oct 7, 1994

Run time: 142mins

Age rating: 12

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Lead actors: Tom Hanks

Award wins: 6 Oscars including Best actor in a leading role, a BAFTA film award and 3 golden globe awards amongst several more. Click here to see all awards 

Review: Roger Ebert writing for the Chicago Sun-Times said: “I have never met anyone like Forrest Gump in a movie before, and for that matter I have never seen a movie quite like Forrest Gump. Tom Hanks performance is a breath taking balancing act between comedy and sadness, in a story rich in big laughs and quiet truths… what a magical movie.”

Plot summary

A tale of life’s lessons of simple-minded Forrest Gump as we follow him through the story of the highs and lows he has faced in life. An incredible tale of inspiration of a child growing up with mental and physical difficulties to the adventures of him as a star athlete, star soldier and star businessman. Ending with the incredible climax of becoming a dad. A story filmed to the brim with fun, love, laughter, grief, heartbreak and overwhelming inspiration.