On July 6, 1994, the Oscar-winning film “Forrest Gump” was released in theaters, based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The movie, starring Tom Hanks as the titular character, was a massive success, earning $678.2 million worldwide, making it the second-highest grossing film in 1994 after “The Lion King.” The story follows Forrest Gump, a man “a bit on the slow side,” as he narrates his extraordinary life through some of history’s biggest events, while sitting on a bench waiting for a bus.
The movie begins with Forrest Gump’s childhood in the 1950s when he is raised in Alabama by a single mother played by Sally Field. Gump becomes close to Jenny, played by Robin Wright, who is the only person who allows him to sit down on the school bus. After discovering his athletic talent for running fast, Gump earns a football scholarship to the University of Alabama, which sets the course of his life in motion. Following college, Gump joins the Army and is sent to fight in the Vietnam War, where he befriends Bubba and aspires to open a shrimp boating business after the war.
In the Army, Gump saves the life of his commanding officer, Lieutenant Dan, portrayed by Gary Sinise, and is awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism. After the war, Gump becomes a ping-pong star as he recovers from his injuries. At an anti-war rally, Gump crosses paths with Jenny and Lt. Dan, reconnecting with them as Jenny has embraced the hippie lifestyle of the 70s. Gump fulfills his and Bubba’s dream of owning a shrimping boat, leading to the creation of the “Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.” Both Gump and Lt. Dan become wealthy after investing in a fruit company, later revealed to be Apple.
Returning to Alabama after some time, Gump discovers he is the father of Jenny’s child, Forrest Jr., and that she is dying of an unnamed illness, implying AIDS. Before Jenny’s death, Gump and Jenny marry, fulfilling their love story. Despite mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics calling it an American staple while others criticized the narrative, “Forrest Gump” went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 67th Academy Awards in 1995. Tom Hanks was awarded Best Actor for his role in the film, making it the first time someone had won back-to-back Best Actor awards since the 1930s.