Forrest Gump is a movie that tells the tale of a generation. Forrest Gump, the character, is in many ways the embodiment of the Baby Boomer generation. He is in love with the reckless idealist, he has an extraordinarily naive and uncynical view on life, he works hard and believes the best about people. We're amazed when everything turns out right for Forrest, his dogged faith in people pays off, his mourning heals him, and his steadfast values see him through. And yet, how better to characterize the sometimes tragic, but mostly exuberant generation of Boomers?

While Forrest remains an optimist, we are often outraged at the events that occur around him. His mother makes an incredible sacrifice so that he can get an education. He's rejected by his first and only love because she takes his goodness for granted and seeks thrills to heal the pains of her childhood. He experiences the exploitation of collegiate sports and the horrors of Vietnam. He's abused as a vet by members of the hippie/drug culture. But none of these things keep him down. Instead he inspires all those around him to move beyond their personal tragedies, to take the opportunities that life has to offer those who don't wallow in self-pity (however justified that pity might be).

Forrest Gump is inspirational without being preachy, it's funny without being crude, it's historical without being dry, it's nostalgic without being sappy. If you've somehow managed to miss this so far, rent it now.



Recommended: Yes

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