Most cinephiles would agree that 1994 was a particularly strong year for films. The best picture nominees included film fan favorite “Pulp Fiction,” heartwarming classic “The Shawshank Redemption” and the winner, a simple tale called “Forrest Gump.” The snooty film lovers bemoan the loss of “Pulp Fiction,” but for my money “Forrest Gump” is easily good enough to win the Oscar.
The story of the movie is basic. It follows the title character (Tom Hanks), a simple man with an IQ of 75 from Alabama. In his life, Forrest experiences some of the significant events of the last 50 years. He goes to Vietnam, meets presidents, fishes for shrimp and a host of other things. For him, though, his most important life event is loving his childhood friend, Jenny Curran (Robin Wright). …show more content…
Hanks nails the role on the accent, speaking mannerisms and body language alone. He goes beyond that, however, by turning Forrest into a complex character despite his dearth of traditional intelligence. He also makes the character one of the most sympathetic and likeable ever put onscreen. If you don’t love at least the character of Forrest Gump, along with Hanks’ performance, then I feel a great deal of pity for you indeed.
“Forrest Gump” isn’t a one-man show, as many of the other players are quite good. Robin Wright does well as Jenny, especially once she ages. Once her character has been through more of the trials of life, the pain of the character is evident in Wright’s voice, face and body language. Gary Sinise is fantastic as Lt. Dan, earning an Oscar nod. He’s funny, heartbreaking, heartwarming, realistic and everything else the movie asks him to be. Finally, Sally Field is great as Forrest’s momma, exuding the warmth and love so central to her
The story of the movie is basic. It follows the title character (Tom Hanks), a simple man with an IQ of 75 from Alabama. In his life, Forrest experiences some of the significant events of the last 50 years. He goes to Vietnam, meets presidents, fishes for shrimp and a host of other things. For him, though, his most important life event is loving his childhood friend, Jenny Curran (Robin Wright). …show more content…
Hanks nails the role on the accent, speaking mannerisms and body language alone. He goes beyond that, however, by turning Forrest into a complex character despite his dearth of traditional intelligence. He also makes the character one of the most sympathetic and likeable ever put onscreen. If you don’t love at least the character of Forrest Gump, along with Hanks’ performance, then I feel a great deal of pity for you indeed.
“Forrest Gump” isn’t a one-man show, as many of the other players are quite good. Robin Wright does well as Jenny, especially once she ages. Once her character has been through more of the trials of life, the pain of the character is evident in Wright’s voice, face and body language. Gary Sinise is fantastic as Lt. Dan, earning an Oscar nod. He’s funny, heartbreaking, heartwarming, realistic and everything else the movie asks him to be. Finally, Sally Field is great as Forrest’s momma, exuding the warmth and love so central to her