We will be meeting at Pablo Creek Regional - Community Room B!
Join us as we explore the theme's behind Forrest Gump (1994) featuring Tom Hanks! Discussion Questions below Movie Summary
Please note: We will not be watching the movie during the event, nor is viewing it beforehand required.
## Brief Summary
Forrest Gump (1994) follows the life of a simple but kind-hearted man as he unwittingly intersects with major moments in U.S. history — from the Vietnam War to the civil rights movement — while pursuing love, friendship, and a meaningful life. Through Forrest’s eyes, the film explores the turbulence and contradictions of America across the mid-20th century.
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## Philosophical Discussion Questions:
18 Discussion Questions (Accessible Without Seeing the Movie)
### Politics and Power
- In Forrest Gump, political leaders appear distant and flawed, while Forrest himself just “shows up.” What does this contrast suggest about who really shapes history — leaders or ordinary people?
- The film shows war protests, presidential scandals, and political violence. Do political institutions in the U.S. seem more stable or more fragile when viewed through that lens?
- Forrest drifts through political chaos without much judgment, while others (like Jenny) are consumed by it. What might this say about how individuals choose to engage with politics?
#### Society and Division
- The movie depicts decades of deep division in America — race, class, war, culture. Are these divisions unique to that era, or do they feel timeless in the U.S. story?
- When Jenny joins anti-war movements, she’s motivated by hope and anger. How do we tell the difference between activism that builds a better society and activism that burns people out?
- Forrest’s kindness often cuts across social and political barriers. Is kindness a political act in itself, especially in divided times?
#### History and Memory
- The movie shows Forrest present at iconic moments of U.S. history, often without understanding them. Do you think people need to fully grasp politics to still play a role in history?
- Forrest Gump makes the 1960s and 70s feel both nostalgic and painful. How do movies, music, and stories shape how we remember politically turbulent times?
- Do you think America has a tendency to “smooth over” its conflicts when looking back on history, the way Forrest Gump blends humor, tragedy, and sentimentality?
#### The American Experience
- The movie suggests that America is both deeply broken and full of possibility. How do you hold those two truths together when thinking about the United States?
- Forrest’s life is shaped more by chance and circumstance than by politics, yet politics shapes the world around him. Is this also true for most Americans?
- If Forrest Gump is “the everyman,” what does his story suggest about what it means to be American during times of political turmoil?
#### Fate, Choice, and Chance
- Forrest often succeeds simply by being present and moving forward, while Jenny struggles with choices shaped by trauma and rebellion. What does the film suggest about the role of chance versus choice in shaping our lives?
- Lieutenant Dan believes in destiny until his future is changed. Do you think people create their own destiny, or are they at the mercy of history and politics?
- The “feather” that drifts through the film symbolizes randomness. How does this image shape the way we think about individual lives in a chaotic political world?
#### Morality and Responsibility
- Forrest tends to do “the right thing” without overthinking it, while others justify their choices through politics or personal pain. Is moral clarity sometimes found in simplicity?
- Jenny is both a victim of her time and someone who makes destructive choices. How do we balance compassion for personal struggles with responsibility for the harm people cause?
- Many characters in the film use politics (war, protest, wealth) to guide their lives, while Forrest uses love and loyalty. Which is a more reliable compass in turbulent times?
