Forrest Gump

Adversity In 1994, Paramount studios released Forrest Gump. Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks is the story of a man with a below average IQ and his various tales that span 3 decades. Robert Zemeckis directed the film and brought Forrest alive to the audience. One of the most memorable quotes of the movie is, “Life is like a box of chocolates you will never know what you are going to get.” (Zemeckis) This quote sums up Forrest’s view of life. He knew that he was not the smartest or the strongest, but he was defiantly the most determined. He played the hand he dealt to the best of his abilities, and it paid off. Forrest’s whole life is filled with adversity, but he overcomes it time and time again when he starts to run, to shrimp, and when he marries Jenny. Forrest Gump has inspired many generations of people over the years, because it gives people hope that even though that they are not naturally talented at things, through hard work and dedication one can learn to be good at it. One of the first problems Forrest had was his legs, which are partially paralyzed. Forrest received braces for his legs, and was told by the doctors that he would never be able to walk normally again. He overcomes adversity when he breaks out of his braces after chased by bullies. “Run Forrest, run!” is another memorable quote that gave Forrest the courage to run away from his fears. This event in his life gave people hope to never stop trying, even though he was told he could never walk again. Running gave him a scholarship to college when he ran across the football field. Running gave others hope when he ran cross country. Forrest proved that even though the doctor told him that he cannot run, he believed in himself and became a symbol for everyone in the movie and real life that dedication always trumps obstacles. Another problem Forrest had was fishing for shrimp. Forrest was told that he is stupid, because he cannot fish. Forrest was a patient and understandable

Cited: Zemeckis, Robert, dir. Forrest Gump. Perf. Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Sally Field, and Grey Sinise. Paramount, 1994. DVD.