Personal Response- Forrest Gump (Film)

Essay by Tiana_MihaereHigh School, 11th grade September 2014

download word file, 6 pages 0.0

Title: Forest Gump

Directed By: Robert Zemeckis

Text Type: Film

Date finished: 06-04-14

*Note: Read all quotes in a thick, Alabama accent.

This film follows the life of Forest Gump who struggles to live outside the barriers that society has given him. Forrest is a little 'slow'; although his mental impairment doesn't seem to bother him. In fact, the naiveté that comes from his limited understanding of the world around him gives Forrest a uniquely positive perspective of life. Forest overcomes the challenges in his life, becoming a star football player, a war hero, a successful businessman, and something of a pop icon. Through it all, however, there is one defining element in his life: his love for Jenny. She is never far from his thoughts, no matter what he's doing or where he is. I believe the director uses the character Forrest Gump to convey the thought that most people are too smart for their own good; he uses Forrest in order to show the audience that escaping from the realities and actualities of the world can have positive outcomes throughout life.

While other characters in the film struggle with conflicts in society, Forrest remains unaware of them; this allows him to live in the moment. Forrest goes out of his way to do what is right, as opposed to what is easy, I believe that this movie asks me to look at the imperfections within myself and calls me to become a more selfless person. I highly recommend this film to year 12 students, Forrest has an ability to truly humble another human being, and his optimism, freshness, and emotional honesty are just a few qualities that he teaches us throughout the film. The movie does not seek to reduce every member of the audience to tears; it...