Forrest Gump (1994)
Release Date:
1994
Movie Rating:
PG-13
Runtime:
2h 22m
Synopsis:
Forrest Gump follows the life of a man named Forrest, who has a low IQ but a kind heart. Despite his challenges, Forrest finds himself in the middle of many historical events throughout the 20th century. He becomes a college football star, serves in the Vietnam War, and even meets several U.S. presidents. Along the way, Forrest makes friends, including his best friend Bubba and his commanding officer, Lieutenant Dan. He also has a lifelong love for his childhood friend, Jenny. The movie takes viewers on a journey through Forrest's extraordinary life, filled with unexpected adventures and encounters.
Forrest Gump, released in 1994, is a drama-comedy that captures the life journey of a simple man with a kind heart. It's a movie for teens, rated PG-13, and is generally well-received by parents for its heartwarming storytelling and historical references. While some parents appreciate its inspirational messages, others are cautious about its mature themes and complex historical context.
Why Teens Should Watch Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is celebrated for its uplifting narrative and memorable characters.
- Promotes perseverance and kindness through Forrest's unwavering optimism.
- Features a strong character arc with Forrest's journey from a small-town boy to a man who impacts history.
- Offers visually engaging scenes that depict significant historical events in an accessible way.
- Includes a soundtrack that resonates with the era, enhancing the emotional appeal.
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch Forrest Gump
Some parents express concerns about the film's mature themes and historical complexities.
- Explores themes of war and loss that may be emotionally challenging.
- Contains scenes of violence and drug use that might be unsettling for younger viewers.
- The historical context may be confusing without prior knowledge or guidance.
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Parents are split, and it largely depends on your teen’s maturity level due to the film's mature themes and historical context.
What Parents Should Know About Forrest Gump
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | The film addresses themes like war, love, and loss, depicted through Forrest's experiences and interactions. |
| Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | Scenes involving drug use and violence are shown, but they are often portrayed with negative consequences. |
| Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | Forrest grows from a naive young man to someone who understands the complexities of life, as seen in his relationships and achievements. |
| Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | Some relationships, like Forrest's with Jenny, reflect both traditional and evolving dynamics, offering a mix of perspectives. |
| Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | The film's depiction of historical events and personal growth can lead to discussions about history, resilience, and empathy. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Forrest Gump is praised for its heartwarming story and strong moral messages, making it a favorite among many parents. However, its mature themes and historical references may require parental guidance to ensure teens fully understand and appreciate the content. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience. For those seeking similar films, "The Pursuit of Happyness" offers a comparable blend of inspiration and emotional depth.
Official Forrest Gump Trailer
Forrest Gump, released in 1994, is a drama-comedy that captures the life journey of a simple man with a kind heart. It's a movie for teens, rated PG-13, and is generally well-received by parents for its heartwarming storytelling and historical references. While some parents appreciate its inspirational messages, others are cautious about its mature themes and complex historical context.
Why Teens Should Watch Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is celebrated for its uplifting narrative and memorable characters.
- Promotes perseverance and kindness through Forrest's unwavering optimism.
- Features a strong character arc with Forrest's journey from a small-town boy to a man who impacts history.
- Offers visually engaging scenes that depict significant historical events in an accessible way.
- Includes a soundtrack that resonates with the era, enhancing the emotional appeal.
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch Forrest Gump
Some parents express concerns about the film's mature themes and historical complexities.
- Explores themes of war and loss that may be emotionally challenging.
- Contains scenes of violence and drug use that might be unsettling for younger viewers.
- The historical context may be confusing without prior knowledge or guidance.
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Parents are split, and it largely depends on your teen’s maturity level due to the film's mature themes and historical context.
What Parents Should Know About Forrest Gump
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | The film addresses themes like war, love, and loss, depicted through Forrest's experiences and interactions. |
| Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | Scenes involving drug use and violence are shown, but they are often portrayed with negative consequences. |
| Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | Forrest grows from a naive young man to someone who understands the complexities of life, as seen in his relationships and achievements. |
| Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | Some relationships, like Forrest's with Jenny, reflect both traditional and evolving dynamics, offering a mix of perspectives. |
| Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | The film's depiction of historical events and personal growth can lead to discussions about history, resilience, and empathy. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Forrest Gump is praised for its heartwarming story and strong moral messages, making it a favorite among many parents. However, its mature themes and historical references may require parental guidance to ensure teens fully understand and appreciate the content. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience. For those seeking similar films, "The Pursuit of Happyness" offers a comparable blend of inspiration and emotional depth.
Official Forrest Gump Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump's most common core values include Kindness, Perseverance, and Loyalty. Teens watching this movie can see how important it is to be kind to everyone, no matter their differences. Forrest has a big heart, showing kindness to his friend Bubba and his childhood friend Jenny. His perseverance is clear in how he never gives up, even when things get tough, like when he runs for years. Loyalty shines through in his relationships, especially with Lieutenant Dan, as Forrest never abandons him and always supports him, even when others don't.
One moment that really shows kindness is when Forrest decides to help Bubba's family with their shrimp business, even after Bubba is gone. Perseverance is highlighted when Forrest overcomes his challenges and becomes a college football star just by following his instincts and never quitting. His loyalty stands out when he saves Lieutenant Dan during the Vietnam War, putting himself in danger because he refuses to leave a friend behind. These scenes help kids realize how acting with kindness, not giving up, and staying true to friends can affect others positively.
Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Appreciating what you have | Being a good friend | Being brave | Being hopeful | Being unique | Being yourself | Caring for others | Compassion | Courage | Determination | Doing the right thing | Emotional growth | Empathy | Encouraging others | Family love | Forgiveness | Friendship | Gratitude | Independence | Love | Positive attitude | Resilience | Respect | Self-discovery | Self-expression | Standing up for what's right | Trust | Valuing hard work.
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Forrest Gump
Believing in Yourself: Forrest Gump teaches that believing in oneself can lead to remarkable achievements. Despite his low IQ, Forrest accomplishes extraordinary feats because he trusts his instincts and capabilities, whether it's becoming a sports star or establishing a successful shrimp business.
Nurturing Friendships: The movie highlights the importance of nurturing friendships, as seen in Forrest’s relationships with Bubba and Lieutenant Dan. His unwavering support and loyalty to his friends showcase how meaningful connections can positively shape our lives.
Holding Onto Hope: Forrest's journey underscores the power of hope and perseverance. No matter what challenges come his way, Forrest remains hopeful and resilient, leading to personal growth and unexpected successes.
Doing What’s Right: Forrest consistently chooses to do what’s right, driven by his moral compass. This is evident when he saves his fellow soldiers in Vietnam, demonstrating bravery and selflessness.
Finding Happiness in Relationships: The film portrays how deep relationships contribute to happiness. Forrest’s enduring love for Jenny and devotion to his family illustrate that true joy often comes from the bonds we create with others.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Your Identity | Appreciating the Little Things | Being True to Yourself | Celebrating Uniqueness | Choosing Your Path | Coping with Change | Defining What Home Means | Earning Success through Hard Work | Embracing Differences | Enjoying the Journey | Following Your Passion | Importance of Family | Keeping an Open Mind | Letting Go of the Past | Making a Difference | Moving Forward After Setbacks | Never Giving Up | Offering Redemption | Overcoming Failure | Practicing Empathy | Practicing Loyalty | Supporting Your Friends | Treasuring Time with Loved Ones | Valuing Deep Connection