Forrest Gump

He is not normal, but what's normal anyways?

There is really nothing much to say about "Forrest Gump", except that it is a must-watch film regardless of your generic preferences. Today, we are able to recognize the classics like Star Wars or Indiana Jones purely through word of mouth from older generations who have witnessed their marvel. Otherwise, we'd have no idea about their relevance or credibility in the history of films, and the only way of confirming it by ourselves is watching them with our own eyes. I've heard about Star Wars, Indiana Jones, E.T., The Terminator, The Matrix and The Titanic as the central conductors of a new era in film history, but never ever have I heard the title "Forrest Gump" anywhere near that list. And before any preconceived notions can be made, this is not a claim that such should be the case. On the contrary, it shouldn't be.

Drama films tend to get overlooked by sci-fi and action blockbusters. Unfortunately, that is how this decade of filmmaking operates. It is easier to grab big bucks from the box office by applying flamboyant visuals and some callow wisecracks, than to create an original piece of work that can be defined as aesthetically important. It is easier to reconstruct or reboot, so to speak, previously renowned titles like Jurassic Park, Star Wars, and even the Marvel Comics, because no matter how bad the second attempts may be, nostalgia is a prone entity to tantalization. We give in to the hype, only to be disappointed as we walk out the theater (sometimes). This may all sound like an apparent tangent to a film review, but it serves as an appropriate introduction to the distinguished nature of "Forrest Gump". "Forrest Gump" carries none of the characteristics of modern blockbusters that our wallets are so attracted to, yet it may just be one of the greatest films to grace this world. And if you haven't gotten your hands on this one, you know you are greatly missing out on something special.

Based on the novel of the same name, the plot is centered around the titular character Forrest Gump from his childhood all the way to parenthood. He is physically disabled in that he is unable to walk properly, and cognitively disabled in that his IQ is below "average". With these so-called flaws but with a pure heart, Forrest goes out into the big wide world. He personally experiences love, friendship, fame, ping pong, the Vietnam War, entrepreneurship, and even Hurricane Carmen itself. Along the way, Forrest also gets intertwined with several renowned figures like Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson to name a few. Long story short, as much as it sounds incredibly fortuitous for a person to go through all that in one lifetime, Forrest somehow does. And such is the robust life our supposedly disabled character goes through, all of which comes to fruition on screen from start to finish.

The greatest enthrallment of this film is not the writing. It is not the dialogue. It is not the set design either. Nor is it the visual effects. Indeed, it is Tom Hanks. What else is there to say about one of the greatest actors in Hollywood? Within a wide array of characters that have existed from Heath Ledger's The Joker to Captain Jack Sparrow, Forrest Gump has possibly the most complex and exotic personality. First off, he is very limited in his cognitive disabilities, which inevitably leads to his odd accent, awkward body language and a few savant-like talents. Secondly, Forrest is an extremely honest and simple man, as in the last glimmer of hope of humanity if you will. To act out all these traits is easier said than done, and on top of that, a main character like this is not very common in films. Such responsibilities were what Hanks had to carry, and needless to say, he couldn't have done any better. Hanks brought Forrest straight out from the novel, and the resulting performance is surreal and aesthetically original. 

Forrest Gump is no Neo or Agent 007. This film is not about cool stunts or saving the world as we are accustomed to today. Dramas are one of those very exclusive preferences that not everyone can find excitement or meaning from within. Usually, the script almost always consists of a few corny lines about love, a side shot of two lips mawkishly advancing towards each other, and a happily ever after. As erroneous as that stereotype may be, "Forrest Gump" treads on a completely different field of its genre. While it is not immediately gratifying like a well-produced action/sci-fi film, "Forrest Gump" employs its own way of producing an exciting sequence of events and interactions, mainly driven by the titular character himself. It has transcended beyond of what an average drama would look like, and the result is magical. 

To reiterate the previous point about immediately jumping onto a film with apparent glamour and charisma, "Forrest Gump" can serve as a lesson to find something tremendous in the simplest looking films. It is like taking a risk, losing one's time and money, to hesitantly spend the day with a film you have never heard of or doesn't look interesting at all. In this case, you will find your investment as a huge success. Almost every minute is used well to develop Forrest as a character, and undoubtedly throughout the adventure, the supporting cast that also carry plenty of depth and significance to earn the audience's attention too (my personal favourite being Lieutenant Dan Taylor). And to top the cherry, there are bountiful moments for laughter after a stretch of sadness, and impressive visual effects that incorporate Hanks himself into actual archive footage with historical figures and events. Overall, "Forrest Gump" is like a Disneyland slow ride with a variety of themes in it. During this magical adventure, you might encounter the ambiance of the Alabama countryside, the hysteria of the military, some sea legs, a pleasant trip to Washington D.C., and even some behind the scenes at the White House. So why wait? Hop onto the ride and experience something truly surreal, while keeping in mind that "Forrest Gump" will be archived and talked about for the next 100 years, if not, forever. 

Verdict: Legendary 10 Box Office: $677.9 million

Release Date: July 6, 1994

Rewatchable: Yes

Damn it, Forrest. You don't do that on national TV!