Forrest Gump Reviewed by an Autist

I had a ball seeing Forrest Gump and was overjoyed with how well-executed it was in portraying the most autism-coded character in cinema history, coming from an autistic person myself. It is a drama/romance film that depicts an implied life with high-functioning autism through the perspective of the titular character, Forrest Gump. Forrest had been led through his unpredictably eventful life by his relentless running and his profound bond with his childhood friend, Jenny. Long story short, this unique man had been sampling through life like a box of chocolates, not knowing what he would get.

The movie goes down in the books as the one that resonates with people on the spectrum when it comes to Mr. Gump exhibiting autistic traits. These traits are shown as limited awareness of what he's getting into, echolalia, showing few emotions, keeping a consistent tone of voice, flawed socialization, and being exceptionally skilled at everything he's told to do. I want to commend Tom Hanks for his legendary performance as Forrest Gump, making me grow on the character more. Let's not forget to mention the rest of the cast for their part in playing the most important people that shaped his whole special life.

Forrest didn't think much of what he was doing throughout the film that could've ended in disaster on paper. However, he had been winning at life without even thinking of doing so. He won at life from college graduation, winning highest national honors, and running a successful shrimping business. He also had a positive outcome, having a mini him after a complicated relationship with Jenny until her tragic death.

One of the best things about this movie is that it’s relatable. We all have a plan with our lives until life itself writes out a different path for us when we least expect it. Regardless of your struggles, Forrest Gump is a good reminder that we can flow more smoothly by appreciating every piece of chocolate we're getting in the chocolate box that is life.

What made this movie more relatable for me was Forrest and Jenny's unreciprocated relationship for most of the movie. That represents how many people on the spectrum tend to miss the signs and subtle cues neurotypical people give off that mean they don't like them back romantically.

Finally, I love how in this film, there are always twists and turns that not even Forrest's implied autism could make him break, making him turn out way better in the end than I catastrophized it to be. In my humble observation, his alleged autism was his brightest gift, more than running that served him well to the bittersweet end.

Overall, this is autism-coded storytelling at its peak and ought to serve as an inspiration for my fellow autists out there who need to embrace their minds the way they are regardless of where they fall on the autism spectrum. Overall, I rate this movie a 9 out of 10.