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Forrest Gump
By Michael Scheinfeld,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Moving and wonderful, but parent preview a good idea.

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Forrest Gump
Community Reviews
Based on 68 parent reviews
A great movie but not for young teens, skip the sex scenes, drug scenes, and prostitute scenes. This film is able to make the audience cry with tears!!!
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Great movie for teens
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What's the Story?
FORREST GUMP tells the story of the title character (Tom Hanks), a childlike man who unknowingly takes part in some of the most significant moments in modern American history, sometimes becoming an accidental hero. Forrest dreams of being reunited with his lifelong love Jenny (Robin Wright), who seems to become more elusive as they age.
Is It Any Good?
This film serves up an abundance of surprising treats, sometimes sweet and sometimes bitter. Though its strong language, violence, and sexual situations make it iffy for young children, Forrest Gump can introduce teens to prominent moments in 20th century United States. Through the use of Oscar-winning visual effects, Forrest interacts with U.S. presidents, accidentally uncovers the Watergate scandal, and inspires John Lennon to write the song "Imagine." Although mostly witty, the film's tongue-in-cheek rewriting of major U.S. events often erases the contributions of Black Americans, such as attributing Elvis Presley's famous "pelvis dance" to Forrest, rather than to the Black musicians that Elvis was inspired by in real life.
The encounters sometimes border on the absurd, but they're anchored by Hanks' extraordinary performance. He makes Forrest a sympathetic character instead of a stereotype of someone with a learning disability. Superb acting by the entire cast, especially Wright as Jenny and Gary Sinise as Forrest's Army lieutenant, adds substance to this sentimental tearjerker.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about American history and how it's seen through Forrest Gump's eyes. Are historical events depicted in an accurate way? Should movies depict history accurately, or are they allowed poetic license?
Which historical events before your time would you have liked to be a part of? Which characters from history would you like to meet?
What would you say Forrest Gump's main message is? Are viewers meant to admire Forrest? To sympathize with him?
How do the characters in Forrest Gump demonstrate integrity, perseverance, and gratitude? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 6, 1994
- On DVD or streaming: September 30, 2014
- Cast: Robin Wright , Sally Field , Tom Hanks
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Book Characters , History
- Character Strengths: Gratitude , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time: 135 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: drug content, sensuality and war violence
- Awards: Academy Award , Golden Globe
- Last updated: August 15, 2023
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