Memorable Film

Rating: 10/10 (18 September 2002)

"You have to do the best with what god gave you." Forrest's mother says to him when she is dying and this inspiring sentence is just one of many mssages of this brilliant film. The film is story of Forrest Gump a boy who comes up from a tough childhood and becomes an american football star,war hero (and is given Congressional Medal of Honor),world ping-pong champion,shrimp-boat captain and tycoon. Forrest is not a man with individually rosy panorama.Born in rustic Alabama,he has a bad crooked back and a low IQ.He does have a few things good.A capable mother,a girlfriend ,a heart of gold and a perfect soul. There is one important factor in his life.his love for the first and the only truelove: Jenny.He knows the meaning of love better than those who think he is stupid.The feeling he has for Jenny is one of the best human sentiments he has known.In a scene in which Forrest has just saved her from a gang of deviants,that she demands him leave her he answers:"I can't help it.I love you".She says:"You don't know what love is." and nonetheless he knows more about it than she does.As in another scene Forrest himself says:"I'm not a smart man but I know what love is". There are great melodramatic sequences in film that tarry long in memory.When Jenny revisits his father's house and throws rocks at it in fury. The scene that Forrest and Jenny have hidden in farm and she is praying to become a bird and fly away.Or where he hears about his son,mixed with his happiness is dismaying fright that his son is not smart too.
A lot has been said about magnificent special effects of the film but these are obscured by the pure humanity of the story. Nevertheless special effects are still really stunning.Zemeckis impeccably interweaves Hanks into original footage of U.S presidents and events of the era.The miracle of computer graphics.
Tom Hanks always can be counted on to give a strong performance but the role of Forrest works well for him.I was impressed by Hanks portrayal of Forrest.He was so passionate in Forrest Gump and deserved the Oscar for that.His mannerism , intonation and narration were all perfect.He reminds me Behrooz Vosooghi in Sootehdelaan(directed by Ali Hatami).
Robert Zemeckis shrewd direction gives this masterful actor the tools he needs and his direction is quite intelligent. Robin Wright as Jenny is fascinating and remarkable here.She is beleivable as the object of Forrest's perpetual affection. Another strong supporting actor is Gary Sinise as captain Dan.He gives a naturalistic and breathtaking performance. The story is also one of the stars and script is flawless.It'll be difficult for you to lose the interest in the film. Music by Alan Silvestri is smooth and haunting. I just can't say enough about this film.Everything was very good. It would take more than one viewing to notice everything. When I was watching the film I was carried away.It had me alternately laughing and crying and in some scenes doing both concurrently.
The adventures that Forrest undergoes become very familiar and make our sympathy with him stronger.My experience watching Forrest Gump provided me with a pleasant mixture of instruction and amusement.It stole my heart in a way that other flims could not reach, So if daily contests are menacing to drag you under and if the toils of life are breaking you down,there is a film out there that can enliven you.Because Forrest Gump is an energizer for those who have jaded hearts and spirits.