Forrest Gump is a about "A simple man living the American Dream". Forest's' life follows key events in American history, we see the desegregation of the University of Alabama, the passing of numerous US presidents, the Vietnam War, Watergate all the way to unsettled feeling of the 80's.
Forrest Gump is played by Tom Hanks who was fresh off winning an Oscar for his compelling role in Philadelphia. Tom Hanks completes another Oscar winning performance with his engaging portrayal of a simple man who lives an extraordinary life. Tom Hanks is supported by a small but talented cast with Sally Field playing his mother, Robin Wright as his childhood friend Jenny and Gary Sinise as the hard hitting but lovable Lt Dan.
There is so much to love about this movie. The hilarious scene where Forrest is in the army and is told that he is a genius and will make general one day because he does what he is told, also when he moons LBJ with his war wound. The one criticism I have is that the end of the movie is slow it seems drawn out and doesn't match the pace of the rest of the film.
The movie send the message that the American Dream is available to anyone who is selfless and sincere in everything they do.
This movie would appeal to most audiences that like to be taken on a journey.I give this movie 4 stars out of 5.
Written by a Social Studies teacher at a High School in New Zealand; written as part of a three day learning experience where students look at films that were Oscar winning or nominated and review them to understand why they were considered the best.
