Forrest Gump Review

Messages: The movie stresses the importance of family, friendship, and loyalty. Some historic events and figures are questioned, but generally not in too much detail. Serious issues like child abuse and war are dealt with.

Role models: Forrest, through his extreme naivety and big heart, seems to bring out the best in people. He stumbles into much of his good luck serendipitously, but he also works hard and devotes himself to whatever he's focused on. Other characters have more complex motivations and back stories -- and sometimes fall victim to their own personal demons -- but Forrest helps keep them pointed in the right direction.

Violence: Young Forrest has rocks thrown at him by some bullies. There are also some fistfights and an explosive/bloody Vietnam War combat scene. The scene in which young Jenny hides from her abusive father is disturbing, as are a couple of major characters' deaths.

Sex: Jenny works as a stripper at one point. No nudity, but there's one scene of foreplay and a non-explicit scene in which two adult characters make love.

Language: The movie contains its fair share of strong four-letter words.

Consumerism: Some brand names (like Apple computers) are mentioned, but generally within a specific historic/cultural context.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: A central character takes lots of drugs during one part of the movie, with cocaine visible. Other characters drink, sometimes to numb pain/anger.