Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump
A man with a low IQ has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historic events—in each case, far exceeding what anyone imagined he could do. But despite all he has achieved, his one true love eludes him.
Manuel Frangis reviewedJune 11, 2025
I just watched Forrest Gump and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
This movie touched something deep in my heart. It is one of those rare films that somehow feels both incredibly simple and impossibly rich. From the very beginning, with a feather floating through the sky, I knew I was about to witness something special. The story follows Forrest, a man with a kind heart and a straightforward way of seeing the world, but it is not just about him. It is about life, love, loss, and the quiet beauty of being present through it all. What makes this film unforgettable is how it shows the world through Forrest’s eyes, where love matters more than smarts and loyalty means everything.
Tom Hanks gives a performance that is beyond acting. He becomes Forrest in every way. His delivery, his posture, the warmth in his voice, and the honesty in his face all come together to create a character who never feels made-up. Forrest is someone you believe in, someone you want to root for, someone you carry with you after the credits roll. Hanks plays him with such grace that you never once feel like the story is making fun of him. Instead, you admire him. You hurt when he hurts and feel joy when he finds happiness. It is rare to see a performance that defines a career and a generation, but this one does both.
The music in this film is like a time machine. Every song fits perfectly with the moment it plays, from the Vietnam War scenes to Forrest’s run across the country. The soundtrack does more than just entertain. It places you firmly in the era and pulls you closer to the emotions of the scene. Alongside the music, the cinematography is stunning. The way the camera captures landscapes, from Alabama to Washington D.C., makes America itself feel like a character in the story. Every frame is filled with meaning. Every location tells a piece of Forrest’s journey.
What surprised me most, though, is how emotional the film made me feel. I cried more than once, and not always from sadness. Sometimes I cried from the beauty of a quiet moment. Sometimes from the way Forrest would say something so simple that it cut straight to the truth. There is a certain honesty in his way of seeing life that makes you reflect on your own. It reminded me that love is worth chasing, kindness is never wasted, and that life truly is like a box of chocolates.
The supporting cast is also outstanding. Jenny’s arc is complicated and real, and the pain in her journey made my heart ache. Lieutenant Dan’s story of bitterness turning into peace is powerful. Every character Forrest meets is a reflection of the times and the changing world, and yet Forrest stays true to who he is. That constancy is the soul of the movie. He may not be the smartest man, but he teaches us what it really means to live fully and love deeply.
By the end, I felt like I had gone through decades of American history, seen it all from a fresh perspective, and learned something important about what truly matters. This film is more than a classic. It is a gift.