“Forrest Gump” (1994), a Robert Zemeckis Film. Movie Review

Forrest Gump is a 1994 drama movie directed by Robert Zemeckis starring Tom Hanks. With Robin Wright and Gary Sinise. Based on a novel by Winston Groom.

Another delight (very patriotic, mind you) which is brilliantly narrated.

Storyline

Forrest Gump is a “not very smart” guy who achieves everything he sets out to do in life with tenacity and ingenuity. By his side, we will experience the last decades of American History.

Movie Review

A totally admirable film to be envious of. Classic Cinema spelt with capitals with regard to the narration. Zemeckis (Back to the Future) is from the Spielberg factory and, as such, he handles this to perfection, and in this – his best film – he does it even better. A narrative backed up by a soundtrack that reflects all the periods we live through alongside Forrest Gump, all with rhythm, with the leitmotif of the box of chocolates and with a naivety that led Obama to identify America with this naive character and with this magnificent film.

It is classic, and some critics have labelled it as a national pamphlet, almost propaganda (well, in that case, we won’t talk about Gone with the Wind, either). The film is going to strike a chord at all times, it does so magnificently (much to our chagrin – that we won’t thrill about) and it does so with enthusiasm through its superb and talented storytelling.

It won 3 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director (the ones that win in the major categories are usually not bad at all).

Tom Hanks plays – perhaps – the role of his life, even if he’d already won the Oscar the year before for Philadelphia.
A film that has remained in the retina of millions of viewers, that swept the box office, and that, above all, has the enormous merit of connecting with both the audience and with the critics, being made for all audiences and not (excessively) angering anyone.

A delight that took the glory at the awards away from Pulp Fiction.

But I think both were so wonderful that few will actually remember whether one or the other won 6 or 7 Golden Globes.
It is technically a masterpiece.
What a pace Mr. Zemeckis gave it.

Our Opinion

A delight that from the very beginning connects with the sensitivities of the most tearful viewer and the most technical of critics.

And if you are an American patriot… It’s the best!

Movie Reviews

“A non-stop barrage of emotional and iconographic identification points that will make the postwar generation feel they’re seeing their lives passing by onscreen” Todd McCarthy: Variety

“There remains something to be said for ‘Forrest Gump’s commitment to its vision, one that’s alternately beautiful and naïve. It might hit you right in the feels, even as your eyes are rolling (…) Rating: ??½ (out of 4)” Rob Humanick: Slant 

• “Simply brilliant (…) ‘Forrest Gump’ is a symphony. With Hanks’ graceful and creative performance at the center” Dave Kehr: New York Daily News 

Movie Trailer