The Beauty of Simplicity: Synopsis of Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump, directed by Robert Zemeckis, tells the story of Forrest Gump, an unintelligent but sincere man, as he journeys through life during the late 1900s. With his mother’s explanation that “life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get” in mind, Forrest is able to surmount obstacles and live a remarkably successful life despite his low IQ and the resultant discrimination (Forrest Gump). Guided by his gentle nature and optimistic outlook on life, he witnesses and influences some of the most memorable events of the century. Forrest inspires Elvis Presley, joins the all-American football team, meets President Kennedy, wins the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism in the Vietnam war, defeats the Chinese national ping pong team, meets President Johnson, speaks at an anti-war rally at the Washington Monument, influences John Lennon, meets Richard Nixon, divulges the break-in at Watergate, starts and maintains the renowned Bubba-Gump Shrimp Company, becomes a preliminary investor in Apple technology, obtains fame and reverence by running across America for over three years, and marries his life-long love, Jenny. Forrest’s success does not come without struggle, however, and his story advocates that although obstacles are an inevitable part of life, there is undoubtedly something to be learned from all of them, but having a plan and a clear vision of the future is not necessarily the best way to overcome them.

Although the film offers no obvious dramatic plotline, one of the most compelling aspects is the emotional honesty of the characters throughout, especially Forrest. As the storyline progresses to reveal themes of friendship, loyalty, courage, and luck, the audience grows to genuin...

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...ccess and the best way to achieve it. Society puts too much weight on those who have a solid plan and the mental potential to flourish. While the film is humorous in its essence, its final message that success can come from the most unexpected of places is truly inspirational. Forrest Gump is a boy raised from a poor background in an average town who is both mentally and physically disabled, and yet his life story is one of overcoming all of the obstacles and ultimately having a positive effect on the world. His story, which reflects the cycle of life and the path of human history, clearly advocates the beautiful and true idea that courage, determination, integrity, and love can be far more powerful than intelligence or social standing.

Works Cited

Forrest Gump. Dir. Robert Zemeckis. Perf. Tom Hanks, Robin Wright. 1994. Paramount Pictures,

2006. DVD.