Find out where to watch Forrest Gump, the epic drama about an intellectually challenged man that would go on to win six Academy Awards.
1994 was one of the most memorable years for movie releases, with The Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, and The Lion King all earning critical acclaim and immense popularity following their premieres. However, for many viewers, Forrest Gump stands alone with the sheer scope of its events. Through the perspective of the slow-witted Forrest Gump, played by Tom Hanks, viewers are treated to a life story like no other, as the Alabama man seemingly manages to see everything historically significant and do everything that a person could dream of experiencing. Based on a 1986 book by Winston Groom that was less than enthusiastically received, director Robert Zemeckis' film smooths out the rough edges of a Gump character that swore and had a somewhat dark past in the novel. The hero of "The Forrest Gump" film is innocent and charming throughout the unbelievable story that he tells various strangers sitting on a bus stop bench. The movie won the hearts of critics and viewers alike, earning over $678 million at the box office, and has displayed immense staying power with massive demand in the home video and streaming markets.
You can discover all the famous people Gump meets and the memorable places he travels to by watching Forrest Gump, available to rent or own on Amazon Prime.
Watch Forrest Gump On Amazon Prime.
Why Forrest Gump Is Such An Inspirational Character
Forrest Gump begins the summary of his life by demonstrating how his mother was such an influential force in his development. Sally Field plays Mrs. Gump, and as a single mother runs a large boarding house in rural Alabama where celebrities including Elvis Presley pass through. Mrs. Gump not only shows her son the power of independence but also instills the belief in him that his low IQ should not prevent him from living a full life. Even shackled with leg braces, Forrest Gump discovers he is a blazingly fast runner, and this physical ability earns him a scholarship to play football at the University of Alabama under famous coach Bear Bryant.
Following a successful college career as a kick returner, Gump enlists in the Army, where he promptly has to fight for his life in the jungles of Vietnam. It is in Vietnam that Forrest meets the endearing characters of fellow soldier Bubba and platoon leader Lieutenant Dan played by Gary Sinise. Gump heroically rescues Lieutenant Dan and his best friend Bubba who had both been shot, but only Dan would make it home alive after losing both his legs. However, Bubba would inspire Gump to start a shrimping company after the war, which Lieutenant Dan would join while still coming to grips with the fact that he did not die in battle like his ancestors.
While Forrest meets famous people during his travels which take him all over the world, it's his troubled lifelong love interest, Jenny, that constantly reminds him of his Greenbow, Alabama home. Jenny struggles throughout her life to come to terms with her father's abuse when she was a child, becoming a playboy model, battling drug addiction, and contemplating suicide. Along the way, Jenny rejects romantic advances of Forrest, not wanting to take advantage of him or hurt him as she saw herself as a damaged soul. Finally, after going back home to Greenbow, Jenny and Forrest have a one-night stand, and after running away again, the movie concludes with Jenny introducing a shocked Forrest to his son. After marrying Forrest, Jenny would soon die of a terminal illness leaving the boy in his care.
Where To Watch Forrest Gump
As the movie unfolds, Forrest finds himself involved in the various political movements of the times, but on each occasion, Forrest is more of an observer than a participant, as he tries to comprehend the drastically differing viewpoints of the people he meets. Forrest seems to operate by his own code of conduct centered on honesty loyalty and generosity that transcends the chaos and changing values of the decades that pass by. You can meet the beloved cinematic icon for yourself, and watch Forrest Gump streaming now on Showtime. Or you can rent or purchase the film right now on Amazon Prime.
Watch Forrest Gump On Amazon Prime.
