Forrest Gump: Keep it simple stupid

Forrest Gump is a comedy-romantic-drama film. Tom Hank was the main actor of the film, Forrest Gump. Also, he is the narrator of the whole movie. The film starts with Forrest sitting on a bench at a bus stop, and telling his life to the people that come to sit next to him. “Hello, my name is Forrest, Forrest Gump. Do you want a chocolate? I can eat a million and a half of this. My mom always said, life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get” says Forrest. He wears a clean white suit, but a pair of old and dirty sport shoes. This opening scene implies that there must be a different story of this man, or he is something different from the other people. In my opinion, this is a fascinating opening which makes audiences want to figure out why Forrest dresses in this way.

Forrest Gump is a sub-normal IQ man who was born after the second-world war. However, he succeeds more than the other people around him. He always thinks simply and does things that he wants without complex reasons, such as Jenny, his best friend and also the only friend of Forrest, told him to run. Then, Forrest just ran. He believes good things will happen and gives people hopes. In contrast, Jenny and Lieutenant Dan, the officer of the United State army, are kind of opposite examples characters. They are decadent and want to give up their life when they meet obstacles. Lieutenant Dan becomes an alcoholic after the Vietnam War because he lost his legs. However, Forrest Gump’s positive attitude to life influences him and helps him get a new life. The most interesting part of the film comes when Forrest Gump runs for an American soccer team and plays ping-pong ball. This film carries an inspiring message about determination, courage and love. It also teaches us sometimes “keep it simple stupid” is favorable to life. It will touch your heart while you watch this film.

Forrest Gump first ran in 1994, twenty years ago. Personally, I think the movie has two main ideas. On one hand, the film tells audiences about Forrest’s romance. On the other hand, it shows both the 60 decade and 70 decade history of the United States, for example, the president’s shooting and the Vietnam War. The film attained the Academy award for Best Picture and for Best Director in 1995. Tom Hanks’s outstanding acting in the film wins an Oscar for Best Actor. There is no unnatural posture or face from Forrest Gump, which will make you once believe he is a real low IQ person. Showing the movie in a narrative way is also a special aspect of this film. For English learners, you can watch this film a few times and won’t be boring, because you can always learn something from the clear and vivid expression. I recommend this film for everyone, drama fans, romance fans and English learners alike.