When I first saw the film "Forrest Gump" in a theater in 1994, I knew that director Robert Zemeckis had created a heart-warming masterpiece that would more than likely earn it Oscar recognition, and it certainly did. The endearing film follows the life of an educationally challenged man named Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) from the time of his childhood (played by Michael Conner Humphrey's) until early middle age. His mother (Sally Field) made sure that he would be treated just like everyone else so that he could take care of himself once she was gone. In addition to his learning disability, Forrest was required to wear leg braces as a child that made him the target of ridicule from other children, except for one girl named Jenny Curran. However, Forrest quickly discovered that his legs weren't that bad when he found an innate ability to run. When Forrest decided to join the U.S. Army, he meets his two best friends: a fellow recruit named Pvt. Benjamin Buford 'Bubba' Blue (Mykelti Williamson) and Lt. Dan Taylor (Gary Sinise). Bubba loved to talk about shrimp and Lt. Dan was raised to be a soldier. Forrest's relationship with Jenny, as well as his relationships with Bubba and Lt. Dan, led Forrest down several unexpected paths that allowed him to meet several pivotal historical figures. Tom Hanks' superb performance as the lovable Forrest Gump earned him his well-deserved Oscar for Best Actor. Robert Zemeckis also earned the Oscar for Best Director, and the film itself won the Oscar for Best Picture as well as three other Oscars for Best Visual Effects, Best Editing and Best Writing (A total of 6 Academy Awards). Gary Sinise earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, in addition to six other Oscar nominations that included Best Cinematography, Best Music and Best Sound (13 total Academy Award Nominations). Part of what "Forrest Gump" so endearing was Zemeckis' use of superimposing actors into actual, historical film footage. This footage included the late Pres. John F. Kennedy, the late John Lennon, the late Pres. Richard M. Nixon, and the late former Alabama Gov. George Wallace to name a few. Some of the many memorable scenes in the film include the opening scenes, running with leg braces, running across the football field during practice, scenes at the University of Alabama, Boot Camp, Vietnam, D.C., NYC, the shrimping boat, running across America, and the scenes with Jenny (both as child and adult). I regard "Forrest Gump" as one of the best films ever made and rate it with a resounding 5 out of 5 stars. It's the kind of film that draws the viewer into its story and keeps the viewer engaged throughout its 142 minutes. I highly recommend the DVD version of the film to everyone, and the second DVD is good with its various documentaries and other material. Tom Hanks went on to star in many more memorable film roles, including his roles in "Apollo 13" (1995), "Saving Private Ryan" (1998), "The Green Mile" (1999) and "Cast Away" (2000) to name only a few. There are FEW films that deserve to be in EVERYONE'S collection, this is ONE of them. Personal Rateing: 9.8 - EXCELLENT Movie!!Read full review
There are no words I can use to express how fantastic this movie is- the best of Tom Hanks, I think. This movie is SO moving, and the soundtack is A-MA-ZING. I especially like how the hero, Forrest, is not the typical blonde, blue-eyed cheesy super-man that everyone lusts after. He's just a simple young man, who may be slower than others, but he lives his life as he sees fit. The audience will REALLY enjoy how the songs and atmosphere of each chapter of Forrest's life reflects each time period- the late 50's through the 80's- and the director[s] incorporated Tom Hanks with clips from some of the major events that occured during the span of those 30-something years. This is a movie that everone should have, or at least seen.
Tom Hanks plays his best role ever as that of Forrest Gump. Gump is a loveable, slightly mentally disabled boy from Greenbow, Alabama. Viewers will take a journey with Forrest from his early years as the target of bullies when he meets his lifelong friend Jenny through his travels throughout the world while an enlisted soldier or just a soul seeking answers. Writers and producers did a superb job of placing Forrest into history with the use of JFK, Watergate, the creation of the slogan "Sh!t Happens," University of Alabama Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant and others. Not a gender preferred movie; guys and girls alike love this it. Appropriate for all ages, may require some scenes may require explanation for younger viewers.
It's a different kind of movie. It's refreshing, and it contains many life lessons.I like that. Love, the shrimp menu. I love that it touches all of your emotions. My wife cried, we both laughed, felt excited, sad , relieved, and happy for the charectors. I love that it makes one think and know that we all can overcome greate hurdles in life, as handicaped people have set the example for years (remember the guy with no arms, who played the guitar for Pope John Paul II with his feet?). I can't think of anything I didn't like. I would like to own this movie in fullscreen version. I hope you enjoy as much as we did.
One of the all time classic movies ever made. This collectors edition has an entire DVD full of 'extras', all about the making of the movie. A great deal!
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