Forrest Gump is a classic movie
about a simpleton who goes on to accomplish great things. However,
through powerful symbolism, the movie tells a much bigger story about
the opposing forces that shape America’s destiny.
By
Forrest Gump is one of those movies that needs no introduction. Ever since it was released in 1994, the movie became an instant classic which is now deeply ingrained in popular culture. Proof: Over 25 years later, we still hear people doing the “life is a box of chocolates” line with a bad Alabama accent.
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Forrest Gump is based on the
1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. However, the movie differs
greatly from the book as key details were reshaped to tell a narrative
and powerful symbols were infused to turn the story into a massive
allegory.
As its name stipulates, Forrest Gump revolves around the
life of a slow-witted yet kind-hearted man from Alabama who goes on to
accomplish great things. In fact, he ends up taking part in most major
events in American history between the 1950s and the 1980s.