What we flagged
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Our take
Forrest Gump follows a kind man through decades of American history. It is warm and often funny, but it also has grown-up material: gunfire and wounded soldiers in Vietnam, drug use, a nude stage performance, and a suggestion of childhood abuse. Grief, illness, and loss return throughout the story, and there is some strong language. The gentle tone does not erase those heavier moments. We put it at around 14 and up for mature teens.
Uplifting themes
Kindness, loyalty, and quiet perseverance shine through everything the hero does. The film gently argues that decency and sticking by people matter more than status or smarts The lead stays loyal and good-natured even when life treats him unfairly. Other characters are more flawed, which gives families real people to weigh up The story sweeps across decades of real American events, which can spark curiosity about that history. It is heavily dramatised, so treat it as a starting point for questions
Story (may spoil tone)
A man with a low IQ has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historic events—in each case, far exceeding what anyone imagined he could do. But despite all he has achieved, his one true love eludes him.
What we flagged
Details
Violence The Vietnam scenes bring sudden gunfire, explosions, and an ambush that…
The Vietnam scenes bring sudden gunfire, explosions, and an ambush that wounds soldiers close to Forrest. This part is brief compared with the full film, but it is intense while it lasts
Language The s-word and some harsher insults turn up occasionally, alongside ple…
The s-word and some harsher insults turn up occasionally, alongside plenty of damn and hell. The swearing is spread across a long film
Sex / nudity There is implied sex and a nude stage performance in which a guitar cov…
There is implied sex and a nude stage performance in which a guitar covers the woman. One character also has casual relationships. Nothing is explicit, but these are adult themes
Drugs / alcohol One character's drug use grows serious, with cocaine and party scenes,…
One character's drug use grows serious, with cocaine and party scenes, while another drinks heavily for a time. The film shows the harm these habits cause
Frightening The battlefield chaos and a few other upsetting moments may unsettle yo…
The battlefield chaos and a few other upsetting moments may unsettle younger viewers. Most of the film has a gentler feel
Self-harm / suicide A character has a quiet moment of despair that suggests they may not wa…
A character has a quiet moment of despair that suggests they may not want to go on living. The film handles it without graphic detail
Sexual violence A character's childhood carries a strong suggestion of abuse by her fat…
A character's childhood carries a strong suggestion of abuse by her father. Nothing is shown, but the experience casts a shadow over her adult life
Bullying / discrimination As a boy, Forrest is mocked and chased because of his leg braces and di…
As a boy, Forrest is mocked and chased because of his leg braces and differences. Prejudice and segregation also appear in the film's historical backdrop
Gore / death / weapons War scenes show blood and injuries, including a soldier who loses both…
War scenes show blood and injuries, including a soldier who loses both legs. The camera is fairly restrained, but the damage is clear
Mental health Depression and the lasting effects of war weigh on several characters.…
Depression and the lasting effects of war weigh on several characters. The film treats their struggles with sympathy
Grief / bereavement Forrest loses a parent, a close friend, and others over the years. The…
Forrest loses a parent, a close friend, and others over the years. The film gives that grief room instead of rushing past it
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
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Talk after watching
- Forrest meets people from very different walks of life. What did his kindness change for them?
- Jenny and Forrest make very different choices with their lives. What do you think shaped each of their paths?
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Forrest Gump
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