This is the story of Forrest Gump, a man set apart from others by his distinct lack of intelligence. Unlike the book, the movie makes Forrest a very sympathetic character: stupid, but kind and compassionate. His life is full of exotic incidents and experiences, such as winning a ping-pong championship, having a flourishing shrimping business, and becoming a war hero.

The theme that ties the movie together is Forrest's relationship with Jenny Curran, whom he first meets on the bus on the first day of school. Being beautiful, and the only person who agrees to share a seat with him, Jenny looks like an angel to Forrest. Although one of her first questions to him is "Are you stupid or something?" they become best friends. Jenny's father, an alcoholic single parent, abuses her sexually, and perhaps the fact Forrest doesn't understand this is the reason for Jenny preferring his company.

This relationship between naive but loving Forrest, and intelligent but troubled Jenny holds throughout their childhood and college years. Later on they spend many years separated, as Forrest joins the army and Jenny lives among the hippies of the 60s. In the end they meet again, completing the circle which began by their encounter on the school bus.

Forrest Gump seems to have a divided reception, some finding it too cute – and it does sugar coat things. Personally I enjoy its style, and in particular the relationship of Forrest and Jenny. Perhaps it is the innocence of Forrest that allows such pure love from him, and the caring gentleness from Jenny, who has been through so much in her life.

Hanna plays young Jenny, and her role is only a few minutes of screen time. It's however more significant than its length would imply, touching serious themes, and creates a lovely foundation for the main theme of the movie.