Forrest Gump – Ode to an uplifting & inspiring life

What can a man with an IQ of 75 achieve in life?

Well, if he is Forrest Gump he can win medals, become a war hero, inspire Elvis Presley’s dance moves, create a famous shrimp fishing fleet, inspire people to jog, start a ping-pong craze, create the smiley, accidentally expose the Watergate Scandal, become a philanthropist and meet the President of the United States several times.

This titular character in Robert Zemmeckis’ 1994 film is uplifting to the core. The movie is all about the journey of Forrest Gump from a boy with a curved spine to a man who succeeds in all endeavours that he undertakes in life, all without losing his true self.

In the course of this journey, Gump reunites with his childhood girlfriend, his only girlfriend, Jenny. An abused child, Jenny, is the one who asks Forrest to escape from his school bullies by running as fast as he could. And this brings out the sprinter in him.

As an enlisted man, Forrest is sent to Vietnam where he befriends Bubba, an African American soldier. Bubba dies in action and Forrest becomes a hero by saving several members of his platoon including Lieutenant Dan, who goes on to become a friend for his life. Forrest keeps his promise he made to Bubba and forays into shrimping business after the war. He also gives half of his earnings to Bubba’s family and thereby brings in an improvement in their living standards.

Despite being slow-witted, each endeavor that Gump takes up in his eventful life meets with success. He also leaves an influence on his friends. For instance, Lieutenant Dan was never grateful to Forrest despite the latter saving his life for the simple reason that he was a believer in destiny. Dan thought he was destined to die in action just like his ancestors did. However, ultimately Dan thanks Forrest for saving his life and from that moment onwards the lieutenant’s life is changed forever.

The same transformation comes about in Jenny’s life. The wayward and miserable life that the woman lived for many years finally changes for the good. This is evident as after having a child with Forrest, Jenny takes full control of her life.

Forrest Gump gives us life lessons with traits such as honesty, integrity, and pro-activeness, leaving little room for procrastination. Ever curious and ever optimist, Forrest would quote his mom: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

Winner of multiple awards and accolades including the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor, Forrest Gump is as uplifting as entertaining.  10/10