message

Rating: 10/10 (24 June 2005)

I have loved and appreciated many movies in my lifetime. If someone asks me what my favorite is, the one that comes to mind first is Forrest Gump. It doesn't matter that some other films might be greater, or more important, or more beautifully executed. I think "favorite" is still a measure that shouldn't be dismissed.
Maybe the major reason it's my favorite is what I consider the main message. Jenny is a *perfectly* beautiful woman who is focused on herself. She seems determined to please herself, get high, pursue whatever adventures she can, without much regard for others. And she ends up more miserable than satisfied.
Forrest is an *imperfect* man, whose every action is focused on serving others as best he can. He knows how to take risks, make sacrifices. He knows what love is. And ultimately, imperfect as he is, he is blessed by being a blessing to others. Everyone he touches in his life is blessed by knowing him.
The fact that he also achieves material success is not the point; we all know that's a fleeting reward. I think the most meaningful point, the heart, of this lovely movie is that true happiness depends more on being blessful than successful.