*FORREST GUMP* FIRST TIME WATCHING MOVIE REACTION

[@jenmurrayxo]

Best soundtrack ever? CAST AWAY: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXumqmVooNuHd5o GREEN MILE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqCkpqunZpVnn9k

[@jonkerr7667]

💯

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

You should react to 'Apollo 13', Jen, both Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise star in it, it's an excellent film based on a true story.

[@lou6454]

Woodstock , of course ,

[@PaperbackWizard]

According to Tom Hanks, when Forrest was speaking in D.C., he said, "Sometimes when people go to Vietnam, they go home to their mommas without any legs. Sometimes they don't go home at all. That's a bad thing. That's all I have to say about that."

[@Pravda3]

It's a pretty good history of the evolution of popular music from the 50's on, too. Music (and art generally) reflects the time in which it's produced, and this soundtrack is a great example.

[@mattstanford9673]

After playing Lt Dan, Gary Sinise became one of the biggest proponents for veterans and active-duty service members, regularly going on USO tours with his band, "Lt Dan Band." Gary went in hard, and I respect the hell out of him for it.

[@philosofree]

I'd just like to join in the chorus of comments praising your empathy, Jen. You became my favorite reactor due to particularly empathetic reactions in the past (it's the most beautiful trait to see in another human being), and your immediate recognition of how traumatized everyone in Forrest's life is (especially Jenny) is just the perfect representation of that.

[@jenmurrayxo]

Thank you! ♡

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Such a great movie. Jen I always enjoy your reactions, but I absolutely loved this one. I have seen this movie several times and it always hits me as hard as the 1st time. The actors were all so perfect for their roles, and so talented. Tom Hanks actually got the idea for Forrests speech pattern and style from the young man who played him as a kid. That was just kind of how the kid spoke, and Tom decided that rather than the boy having to learn a whole new way of talking, he would just imitate the kid. As always, looking forward to whatever is next from you. Happy Holidays!!

[@sammylane21]

How in the FAQ did we not make the early connection of Forrest Gump and Bubba as in Bubba Gump Shrimp is mind blowing.

[@AneudiD78]

I got the chance to watch this in the theater and was blown away by the special effects and the acting. As time wore on in my later years, it gets harder and harder to watch a full sit-down of this movie because of the sad score in those key scenes while being moved to tears each time watching Forrest mom and Jenny passing away. I read on message boards that Jenny most likely died of Hepatitis C from used needles, which at that time, wasn't curable.

[@opalviking]

I’ve always interpreted the feather to represent Forrest Jr. He fluttered into Forrest’s life at the bus stop and then fluttered back out into the world when Jr got on the school bus for the first time. Great reaction! 😊

[@flarrfan]

The feather is clearly a visual reference to the comment at Jenny's grave about destiny vs. "floating around accidental-like on a breeze"...

[@opalviking]

@@flarrfan the feather is clearly a reference open to many interpretations. I always enjoy other people’s feelings about it. None of us are wrong 😊

[@GreenRiver72]

19:50... "Sometimes when people go to Vietnam, they go home to their mamas without any legs. Sometimes they don't go home at all. That's a bad thing. That's all I have to say about that."

[@forlornhope9924]

You know when John Wayne died a special medal was produced and awarded to him for how he had promoted the USA so well i think Tom Hanks should get the same...Great job Jen it's a tough but rewarding watch. thx

[@cjwright79]

Robert Zemeckis brought Robin Wright back as the long-suffering wife of a drunken 6th century Thane (Anthony Hopkins) in the underrated Beowulf in 2007, written by fellow Canadian Roger Avary (Pulp Fiction) and fantasy author Neil Gaiman. The movie raises some really interesting questions about morality, violence, pride, and fate. It speaks to the essential problem of a warrior. You can become a master of war, dispensing violence and death when you feel yourself to be righteous, but what could it cost you? What karmic debt might accrued? The title character Beowulf fights against the terrible troll Grendel, thinking that he's doing God's work. But if only he know the whole story, what was happening in Denmark before he sailed there, he might not be so quick to draw his sword. Anyway, I would love to hear Jen's thoughts on it sometime in the next five years .🙂

[@paulbadosa108]

I read the novel back during the time this movie was playing in the theatres. As great as the movie is, the novel is even better! Forrest had so many more adventures than depicted here.

[@RichardM1366]

This movie is great. It can make you laugh, cry, and make you happy. I loved watching this with my wife. It is a perfect holiday movie to share with the family.

[@nathanhollywoodbrookshire1417]

I used to watch this movie a lot when I was a kid: then I grew up, went to war and became the vet in the wheelchair…. Also, “Born on the Fourth of July”

[@Dillpicks95]

When forrest says “Is he smart? or is he…..” it gets me every time. This movie knows how to pull on the heart strings, it is one of the best movies ever and will forever be one of Tom Hanks greatest performances ever as well.

[@juliangrant9718]

Which is something that always bothered me. Forrest is either mentally handicap or he isn't. I don't think we would've described what he has as a form of autism even back in the 90s. What Forrest has is a bit of a mystery ailment. So we can assume he wouldn't know there's anything wrong with him let alone that his offspring would carry any issues he has. I don't believe he would know to address that. By that stage he'd accomplished so much. He was a hero veteran, a successful business owner, Guiness World Record holder. He wouldn't think lowly of himself and definitely wouldn't put that on his own son. I would think there was nothing he thought his son couldn't do even with his condition. But I guess that's whole Tropic Thunder rule. "Never go full r." I guess that's a creative decision to have him be aware of these things. It's definitely a sweet scene but it's a bit unrealistic.

[@travismorris9303]

That moment hits hard because he's seemingly oblivious to all the negativity throughout the movie. But at that Moment you realize he's been aware all along...and still kept his positive heart.

[@CaddyJim]

*There's a compilation video on KZbin of many reactors reacting to that scene🥲*

[@orlandocast7941]

⁠He is what would have been described in this time period as low intellect but not “mentally retarded” yes mentally retarded used to be a medical description. When he’s a child his iq was 75 but in order to join the military you have to pass an iq test and score at minimum 85. So he’s anywhere between 85-100. So he would effectively be just one standard variation below the average. It’s now referred to as mental development disorder and categorized under mild, moderate, severe and profound. The book gives more context but most would agree based on the information given he’s on the spectrum.

[@vitaboy]

@@juliangrant9718 One of the major themes in the movie is how difficult it is to overcome trauma. Jenny was sexually abused by her father for years as a little girl. Lt. Dan's entirely identity had been wrapped around the idea that he should've died a war hero, only to survive as a double amputee. Forrest grew up being mocked, ostracized, and bullied all throughout his childhood until college for being "stupid." The movie makes it a point that trauma isn't something that is simply cured with a pill or a magic wand. Lt. Dan only eventually overcame his trauma after many years of living life at rock bottom, but "made his peace with God" only after he learned to accept himself as someone who had value more than only being a war hero. Jenny ultimately overcame the trauma of abuse by finally accepting Forrest into her life, but only after she first learned to accept who she was. In Jenny's case, the birth of little Forrest was the catalyst that taught her how to love when her trauma had always prevented her from accepting real love into her life and returning that love. Forrest himself had the trauma of being labeled as "stupid" bottled up his entire life, something that was **only revealed** in the scene when he asks if little Forrest was smart. That scene is important and powerful because it shows that Forrest himself was carrying this childhood trauma within him, even if he was not able to express in a way that other people would recognize it as trauma. He dealt with it by keeping it bottled up, but it was always there. Finally, people are not light switches that turn on and off. "Mentally handicapped" isn't an on/off thing, just as it should be obvious that not all smart people are equally smart or smart in the same ways, i.e. no one would call Monet dumb because he couldn't do math like Issac Newton, or call Einstein dumb because he couldn't compose music like Beethoven. Forrest Gump is a movie about the power of accepting people as who they are and loving them without judgement. It says a lot that the comments of literally every Forrest Gump reaction is always full of people who are less than understanding and embracing being judgmental, contrary to the very reason why this movie is so moving and powerful.

[@Daemonkryn]

"I don't think Jenny knows how to be loved by someone." I think that's the first time a reactor made me cry from a comment. One of your best videos yet! ^__^

[@AnActualDuck]

One of the first reactors I've seen that understood Jenny. Everyone always hates Jenny as if her choices are malicious in nature, rather than being a product of trauma.

[@richardburdon3241]

@@AnActualDuck I didn't hate her, but I was angry when she told him that he didn't know what love is. That was probably the most cruel and hurtful things someone could say to him. Seems to me he knew it better than anyone in the film. I also don't believe she would ever have told Forrest about his son if she weren't dying. She was making provision for little Forrest.

[@AnActualDuck]

@@richardburdon3241 Those two things are still just reflective of her abuse. I won't bore you by breaking down all the things she's done, all I'll say is she makes poor choices through out the film, she makes selfish choices, and outright detrimental ones. Having trauma does not make those choices suddenly all okay, however it helps us sympathize with her, and contextualize the choices she's made. For me it easily moves her out of the category of "bad person" in to "extremely flawed." It's nearly impossible to forgive someone who is outright just a bad person, but much easier to forgive a person who is flawed, and forgiveness is what I feel she deserves.

[@THOMMGB]

Jen, You easily picked up on Jenny's abuse at the hands of her father as to why she was the way she was. So many other reactors simply missed that. They couldn't fathom why she acted the way she did. Another impressive thing for a Canadian is that you really seem to know American history so you're able to follow along. I do have the double CD of this movies soundtrack - wonderful songs.

[@skiptrace1888]

Gary Senese, (LT. Dan) said this movie changed his life. Now he has several non-profit orgaizations that help wounded warriors. He also plays in a band (called the LT Dan Band) that goes all over the world playing for active duty military through U.S.O. shows. A wonderful person!

[@mygreywolf]

Gary Sinise.

[@Tipi83]

And the rosary he's wearing in the movie, was worn by his brother-in-law who served as a medic in the Vietnam War.

[@e.d.2096]

This film is profound in so many ways. The real story is, even the simplest and most humble of us, can shape a society and change the world for the better. Of course, excellent choice Jen thanks again...Eric 😊

[@Aegolius]

I LOVE that Jen picked up on the Nixon/Watergate reference (as well as so much else). So many reactors, including a lot of Americans, miss so many of those iconic historical references. Kudos to you Jen.

[@vaikkajoku]

Every single one misses the football coach.

[@deeanna3335]

Yes and the Black Panther one too among others like you said. Plus Jen recognized the music too. The football coach was Bear Bryant which not everyone knows, especially if you aren't a sports fan.

[@treetopjones737]

A lot of YT reactors are young, and most of them don't know much about society before the 90's. SMH

[@ceevio_art]

​@@treetopjones737 True. Not like this reactor, Jen, who is obviously a very old lady who looks like she was born around the 1950s. How else could she possibly know anything about Watergate, the Black Panther movement, the Reagan and Ford assassination attempts... lol

[@aaronbarlow4376]

@@ceevio_art She could be a gen Y near the gen Xers. Probably the last generation that would know about some of these things. Poor Gen Z has been brainwashed by woke nonsense and modern cultural rubbish like Cardi B, modern art, feminism, trans rights, BLM etc.

[@takewithfood]

According to Tom Hanks, what Forrest said at the Vietnam War rally when they unplug his microphone is "Sometimes when people go to Vietnam, they go home to their mommas without any legs. Sometimes they don't go home at all. That's a bad thing. That's all I have to say about that."

[@ryanclark6402]

Everyone always talks about the “Is he smart?” line, but what DESTROYS me every time is “Sometimes I guess there just aren’t enough rocks.” That hits so damn hard.

[@CarlHungus]

i'm glad you were so immediately sympathetic toward Jenny. when i was younger i always saw her actions as selfish, and it took me a long time to understand she wasn't deliberately taking Forrest for granted, even though her choices hurt Forrest. she was simply never equipped to accept the kind of unconditional love Forrest wanted to give because she never could truly love herself.

[@MegaForrestgump]

Yes! She had to learn how to love before she could be loved.

[@diskodreamscape]

I think people being angry with her actions are valid too. You can understand someone's background and still be pissed by what they choose to do. I still get mad at Jenny but I do get why she acts the way she does

[@ceevio_art]

@@diskodreamscape 100% agree. I also get really angry at blind people that bump into furniture. I GET why they do it, but it still makes me mad. You can understand someones disability and still be pissed off at them for being disabled.

[@alexwright4930]

When I first saw this film on TV I was so young I didn't understand that Jenny's father had abused her - or at least not the nature of the abuse.

[@MathiasE80]

@@alexwright4930 Basically the same here, saw it in cinemas when it released. Though I did somewhat understand the abuse I was too young to understand what it does to you and the mental scars it leaves behind and always saw Jenny as an asshole for how she treated Forrest, seeing the movie again as an adult really puts the whole movie in a new light. Edit: also mental health wasn't really something that people talked about, it almost felt like a taboo subject.

[@Pravda3]

Ever since I first found Jen's channel, I've been hoping for her take on this. Of the other Forrest Gump reactions I've seen, even with some excellent reactors, most were surprisingly critical of Jenny. But our Jen's empathy and understanding really shines as she considers the lifelong trauma of Jenny's childhood abuse. It's even more clear in Jen's full-length reaction on Patreon, which I highly recommend.

[@jenmurrayxo]

Thank you! I think childhood abuse trauma is often misunderstood and underestimated in how it affects people for their entire lives

[@kevinlewallen4778]

@@jenmurrayxo Very true, Jen. We should all cut Jenny some slack. And when you consider how much abuse Forrest lived with (though not from a parent), his good-natured sweetness is all the more admirable.

[@Pravda3]

Agree completely of course. Jenny's childhood trauma is one of the major underlying themes of this film... even in this comment section many well-meaning people don't seem to get it. But I knew you would understand, Jen. @@jenmurrayxo

[@nathanlindahl8336]

I used to think Jenny was awful for not telling Forrest about the boy but then you remember that he was off running the entire time so she never had the opportunity to tell him!

[@znk0r]

The same people love Will Hunting thats pretty hypocritical. They are two sides of the same coin.

[@massakastuono7870]

this movie actually showed me how to speak honestly and from the heart..no need to elaborate... I became a better person after watching it..and I need to watch it from time to time to keep track of your better person.. that s why I love Jen reactions because she is very sensitive in this way.. love watching Jen s reaction 💕

[@JCG52577]

I much appreciate when someone realizes that Jenny is broken and not just mean or selfish.

[@stpetie7686]

I knew Jen would have empathy for Jenny. Well, I believed it anyway It surprises me how many people, make and female, don't. Evidently they've never known someone in that situation. Movies don't get much better than Forest Gump.

[@Crash765]

I like that this young Canadian gal seems to be more familiar with American history that most other reactors I've seen. I've seen a couple of reactors that obviously didn't get the Watergate stuff or even knew who Kennedy or Nixon was. 😄

[@romeroflores7576]

I can't think of anyone else as Gump, after seeing how Hanks makes him into a person so dignified, so straight- ahead. The performance is a breathtaking balancing act between comedy and sadness in a story rich in big laughs and quiet truths. 🎭🌿

[@frankromero5782]

You’ve always been one of my favorite reactors, and now you’ve proven it…you’re the first reactor I’ve seen that understood the trauma Jenny went through and you understood why she “was the way she was”. So many others blamed her for not loving Forrest…thank you.

[@jenmurrayxo]

Thanks! I didn't realize Jenny's character was so misunderstood. I hope people can try to have some empathy for abuse survivors ♡

[@flarrfan]

@@jenmurrayxo I've watched at least a couple dozen reactions to this, and while a few reactors do get it eventually, I think you're the first to get it from the start and hold onto it thru the rest of the movie. Nice!

[@MoMoMyPup10]

@@flarrfan Yeah, this was a breath of fresh air. It was also a very good edit. So many people just TRASH her, and then get very angry watching her go through her own private misery. Jen and Jenny turned out to be the ultimate FG reaction. The fact that she knew all of the non-Canadian culture references is the cherry on top.

[@callmeshaggy5166]

I think the actual response to her was.. yeah she's been through it, but having scars is not an excuse to treat someone like they don't deserve.

[@BlueEyedSexyPants]

Jen is so sweet that she recognized Jenny's trauma, but then when Lt Dan said he spent most of his time "exercising his arms," she thought "flipping the bird."

[@charlescallen460]

It took me watching you react to this movie to become certain that you are the most intelligent reactor of the many that I watch! You identified and appreciated every sequence of the film and responded with appropriate emotions! Keep it up Jen you rock!🙂

[@tomreichardt6044]

Frigg, Jen is the ONLY Forrest Gump reactor who knew to reference Squeaky Fromme. Congrats on her and her history teacher!

[@Penguin-wm7cf]

"I don't think she really knows what love is" - a perfect obervation. Jenny's idea of love is warped by years of abuse and trauma. Forrest understands true love, loving someone for who they are.

[@Myles720]

That scene when LT. Dan is thanking forest for saving and life and that music comes on with Forest saying “I think he found his peace with God” I love that part! So wholesome that LT Dan found life and purpose again

[@treetopjones737]

When he turns up reminding how he promised Forrest he'd be skipper of his ship if he succeeded, he's actually reaching out for help.

[@Myles720]

I have to give you a lot of props. I’ve watched so many reactors watch this movie for the first time and 90% blame and talk so bad about Jenny and how could she be so mean and rude to Forest. You absolutely nailed it. It was the trama from her childhood and she didn’t know how to be loved and found it in the wrong places. Folks could learn a lot from Forest. He never took it personal and always tried to find the good in people and things. Great reaction and well done knowing the real cause of Jenny’s behavior

[@billb207]

I watched this movie at the theatre just a few days after my mother died. Seeing Forrest's mother sitting up in bed talking to him in her final days is something I will never stop feeling sad at.

[@jenmurrayxo]

Sorry for you loss 🌹

[@derekfnord]

12:25 -- I love so much that you understand this about Jenny. So many reactors are terribly critical of her, and blame her for hurting Forrest so many times. But the truth is, she's just broken. It's not that she thought Forrest couldn't offer her a worthwhile life... it's that she thought she couldn't offer Forrest a worthwhile life. She *_does_* love him, all along, and that's *_why_* she doesn't stay with him. She thinks she's doing the best thing *_for him_* .

[@jenmurrayxo]

I had no idea Jenny's character was so misunderstood. I hope people can try to have empathy for abuse survivors ♡

[@bea3ce687]

​​@@jenmurrayxoI think one of the many themes of this movie is, imo, the contrast between Forrest and Jenny, and the life they were able to build for themselves. Jenny was endowed with many natural gifta, but she was abused and trampled on by her father. Forrest was obviously starting behind the rest, but his mother nurtured him and built him up so much that he could do anything. It's not all on you. And I think when Jenny found out she was to become a mom, she realized it, and she wanted to give her son the parent she didn't have and maybe she couldn't be.

[@bruceheckerman7343]

I have watched over 100 reactions to this and want you to know that as I watched it with you, I was amazed! No one ever knows about the history and you did! Or the music, and you did! Yay! Mostly, you understood everything that others, disappointingly, dont. So thank you for a lovely reaction. Now, I'm going to go see what else we can watch!

[@jenmurrayxo]

So glad you enjoyed ☺️👍

[@mcgilj1]

Glad to see your take on Jenny . I've always felt most reactors seen to just vilify her as an awful person . Not just that she is a profoundly broken one. I love the novel.. But the film is much more a serious affair. Where the book is very hilarious farce although it keeps the same idea of the "idiot" moving through decades of important history.

[@mcgilj1]

Btw..i do HIGHLY recommend the book.. some events are represented but entirely different. Gump goes to college but flunks out (he's actually a mathematical genius but can't pass remedial English). Bubba is a huge white Irish guy. Lt Dan was a tank commander. And Gump has varied careers. From astronaut, actor and chess champion. There's also a sequel novel that goes through the 80s and early 90s.. but the books are clearly played more as broad comedy. Forest even meets Tom Hanks in the sequel. I always say i do love the very first line of the sequel, "never let them make a movie of your life. They always screw it up." Lol

[@positivelynegative9149]

Jen, you're the best reactor. You're intelligent, authentic, and well-spoken. 😃👍

[@jenmurrayxo]

Thanks! I try :)

[@BKPrice]

Although there are no bad performances in the movie, my favorite by far was Robin Wright's when Jenny was throwing rocks at her old house.

[@Outrider85]

Possibly one of the best films ever made. Easily one of Tom Hanks best. Thank you for understanding Jenny and why she was who she was. Too many people write her off as being terrible, but her arch is so real and organic, it makes me cry every time when she finally gets some peace at the end after all of the trauma and self hate she went through. You are so right when you say she doesn't now how to let someone love her, most of all herself. You can tell she doesn't believe she deserves someone like Forrest.

[@zapan101313]

When Forest says Lt. Dan spent his time exercising his arm, it means drinking. Lifting a bottle.

[@Tony-Plinkett]

@@johncrawford5225 Ah, What? 😮 Never heard that one.... He's talking about drinking... Trust me 🍺

[@uzul42]

Great reaction! You're one of the few who gets why Jenny is the way she is and why she acts the way she does. Many others see her as a callous golddigger that takes advantage of a mentally impaired man. But you rightfully recognized that her ability for love and trust in men had been crippled by her child raping SoB of a father. She thought herself unworthy of love. That's why she gravitated to abusive men, always was one step away from suicide and kept pushing Forrest away (to protect him from her own supposed evil). Only when she became a mother did she experience real love and allowed herself to love Forrest back.

[@Keyboardje]

Just like Forrest could not contact Jenny all the time during the war because she kept moving around, Jenny could not contact Forrest to tell him she was pregnant because he was running around all over the US. As soon as she learned where he was from that television item, she wrote to him and asked him to come to her in order to introduce his son to him. I'm glad you got Jenny and why she was the way she was. And that she DID love Forrest, but did not think or feel that she deserved him and would hurt him because of how damaged she was.

[@Gravydog316]

ahhh!

[@Miss_Kitty_82]

One of the most beautiful movies i have ever seen. And it is SO GOOD to see a reactor recognise that Jenny never thought she was too too good for him, it was that she thought she was too damaged for Forrest their entire lives.

[@markjohnson2079]

When I was younger, I really didn’t like Jenny - I was always angry for how she treated Forest. As I’ve grown, all I feel is sorrow for Jenny…

[@christianmalbeuf476]

Of all the reaction videos I've seen of this movie, you are the first to not hate on Jenny for her actions and actually had empathy and understanding of where it came from. You are good people.

[@flarrfan]

I've seen a very few other reactors who eventually get it, but not right from the start and all the way thru as here. When she said that last time "I'm not running", almost nobody gets it, but it's true because "you got to put the past behind you before you can move on"...

[@elroysez8333]

It's refreshing to see a reactor that actually gets Jenny from the beginning instead of hating on her all through the movie.

[@charg1nmalaz0r51]

Everyone gets jenny, doesn't mean they have to like her lol.

[@RobFMDetroit]

👆🏼 100% this. I've seen a couple reactors really hate on her and it bugged the hell out of me. Zemeckis and the screenwriter (Roth?) should get a lot more credit for being ahead of the times in bringing a character like Jenny, and Robin Wright crushed the role. 🤘🏼

[@RobFMDetroit]

​@@charg1nmalaz0r51Clearly you don't, because if you did, you wouldn't make a comment like this. You're talking about a character who was a victim of SA as a child, in a time before people went to therapy, before it was okay to talk about basically in ANY way. So she had to figure it out on her own and took the wrong roads to try to deal with it before she found the right one. But she did, and found her redemption arc. If you don't see that, you're a tool. Or you just don't like women. Either way, your comment is shitty.

[@ianthomas1201]

Excuse you Sir, I believe it's pronounced 'JAEEH-NAAEEEEY'.

[@StormWolf01]

I know the movie, and as far as i'm concerned, Jenny is the bad guy. A broken girl abusing the love of a simple, but pure guy. Is there a good way to see her?

[@jkhristian9603]

Jen, I love that really get this movie when a surprising amount of people these days don't. Some people really hate Jenny, but like you said she just has a lot of trauma. She really loves Forrest, but she has been taught by men like her father that she was worthless and as a result she feels she is bad for Forrest and doesn't deserve him. So she just pushes him away. She she has to deal with that trauma before she can let herself be with Forrest.

[@wfly81]

I love that the movie opens and closes with a feather floating accidental like on a breeze…finding its destiny. And I’m glad you understood Jenny’s inner turmoil, and didn’t just hate her for being unfair to Forrest.

[@66RainySuper]

Nice edit, lots of KZbin reactors leave out some of the best parts

[@MaikKellerhals]

You're so much more insightful than most reactors. Thank you for understanding Jenny.

[@TheMarcHicks]

Finally, a reactor who actually *gets* why Jenny is the way she is, & actually feels sympathetic towards her because of it. Yet another reason why I love your channel so much (your enthusiasm for the music in films is another 🙂)

[@hemlock399]

I was thinking the same. Most reactors get angry at Jenny, but Jenny thinks she's protecting Forrest from the harmful effects of her trauma. She's a good person, but damaged.

[@pamelawilliams3144]

Yes! Finally a reactor got the significance of Jenny saying "YOU dont want to marry ME." She knows/thinks Forrest deserves better than her, not the other way like most people cant understand

[@Valecan]

I have to compliment you Jen, you really understood the characters. I see too many that really don't understand.

[@sluglife9785]

So many reactors fail to understand Jenny's character first time around. You're a smart cookie.

[@davelewis8270]

I knew you'd get it. So many reactors spend the whole film slagging off Jenny for being a bad person. But she's not a bad person. She's an abuse surviver.

[@kjmorley]

Jen: I don’t think Jenny knows how to love. Me: Yes! Yes! Bonus moment: notices Ford on TV in the background, and says, “Squeaky Fromme?” LOL, I need to hang out with Jen. 🤣

[@flarrfan]

@@kjmorley Amazing how few reactors get the John Lennon song reference (that was the most literate of the late night hosts, Dick Cavett) or even know what Watergate is. Many don't even include the presidents and historical footnotes in their edits :( The landmark use of CGI in this is great...too bad it's been so misused so often since. Still waiting for someone to recognize Bear Bryant though...

[@danday9697]

Not knowing how to love isn't the same as keeping his kid away from him. If she wasn't dying, would she have ever told him?

[@kjmorley]

@@danday9697 He started running when she left, and she sent him the note to come see her as soon as he returned.

[@flarrfan]

@@kjmorley Some younger folks can't visualize a time without cell phones and instant communication...

[@tubekulose]

This is indeed one of the greatest movies of the late 20th century.

[@DracoSolon]

So glad you understand Jenny. There are so many reviewers that just hate on her viciously. Men and women both. I don't know how they don't get it. But there are a lot of them that often don't pay close enough attention to the movies they are supposedly watching and miss other major plot points. I appreciate your attentiveness.

[@fakebobbyhill296]

True fact, Tom Hanks liked the way the kid who played him talked, and the kid has trouble with Forrest’s accent so Tom Hanks just talked like the kid.

[@ToniMcGinty]

I'm only halfway through, but thank you for being one of the very, very few out of the many, many reactions I've seen of this film who gets the deal with Jenny. I'm gobsmacked, especially in this day and age, how many people, even women, think she's the villain.

[@jenmurrayxo]

I had no idea Jenny's character was so misunderstood. I hope people can try to have empathy for abuse survivors ♡

[@ToniMcGinty]

@@jenmurrayxo She really is. So many people think that she thinks he's not good enough for her, when it's the other way round. They also think Forrest is the example of succeeding by being God-fearing and patriotic (he's neither: he just does what he's told. By anyone), whereas Jenny exemplifies what goes wrong if you disobey the rules, totally skipping over the abuse aspect. She thinks she's a jinx, and forces him to "run" away from her for his own good, whereas she is always the one running. Then they think she marries him cos he's now a millionaire. He was already a millionaire when Forrest Jr was conceived. My theory is that Forrest Jr has shown her it's OK to love, she's in a stable place, and she finally feels it's OK to accept Forrest's love. That being said, no-one ever talks about Jenny's sisters, who Forrest says was "kissed and touched" by the father as well, but are never seen. And only Jenny goes to live with the grandmother. I worry he killed them. I did a whole video explaining everything on my podcast channel.

[@ToniMcGinty]

And now you've become the only reactor who understood that Jenny's "you don't wanna marry me" line is literal.

[@ToniMcGinty]

Just finished. Fantastic reaction! And yeah, as you wrote, I think he did process a lot by running, but he only learned to do so because Jenny told him to. Although the film is really funny, unlike Shawshank (which lost out to Gump at the Oscars), which is considered a tragedy but is ultimately about hope, Forrest IS a tragedy. The problem is a lot of people view Forrest's life through their own eyes, with their own desires. Forrest became a millionaire, but never really cared about it. He gave most of his money away and helped out a lot for free. All he ever cared about of his own free will without people telling him to was Jenny. Once she passes, all he has left is Forrest Jr, as his son, as part of Jenny, and of the product of their getting together. When he tells Forrest Jr he'll be there when he gets back from school at the end and sits down, I believe he'll stay there all day. Forrest Jr is all he has left of what matters to him. As far as symbolism, Forrest is the feather (floating with no real purpose) and Jenny is the house (her pain) and the tree (her inability to move away from the pain, rooted to the ground). Forrest has the house bulldozed to release the pain, and, as he leaves the grave under the tree, a flock of birds fly out of the tree, presumably with Jenny, "far, far away".

[@zmarko]

Everything about this movie is perfect, to me. Watching other reactors watch this over the years, Jenny has gotten quite a bit of hate/dislike/flak for treating Forrest the way she did, but she was battling so many demons, and it was just too much for her to handle internally (and back then therapy really wasnt a super common thing). IMO Jenny is the most tragic character in this movie, and my heart aches for her.

[@jenmurrayxo]

I agree, I didn't realize Jenny's character was so misunderstood. I hope people can try to have some empathy for abuse survivors ♡

[@harvey4512]

I know I haven't seen this. but this is the same with upham in saving private ryan how he get such much hate

[@JoshRead1]

The best reactor in the world reacting to the best film in the world ❤ its nice to watch someone not hating on Jenny for a change 😊

[@philmakris8507]

I'm not a smart man but I know Jenny Murray is the bestest (and cutest) reactor ever 🙌

[@DavidStebbins]

Great reaction. From Elvis to AIDS (or Hep C in the book) Forrest Gump is the story of an entire generation. From the historical touchstones to the music, the traumas, and the philosophical questions we wrestled with, the movie covers it all. I read that there are even some American History classes that use the movie to help teach about the time period involved. It's always fun to see which callouts people recognize (many don't recognize things like Watergate that you called before the reveal) and what they don't (almost no one recognizes Bear Bryant or the significance of the ping pong tournament in the opening of China, or the beginning of the running craze in the 70s). You also did an excellent job recognizing the life-long effects of traumas such as the ones Jenny and Lieutenant Dan suffered. Well done.

[@deeanna3335]

I knew a "Jenny" so I understood her.

[@lanenewsome6216]

Jen, your the first reactor I’ve seen who understood Jennys issues from the get go. Thank you

[@freddiemossberg7204]

Oh man I had truly forgotten what an amazing movie this is. Over the years it became a kind of meme almost with all the quotable lines and that. I had tears in my eyes multiple times watching this 😢😂

[@Filmfiend27]

When Jenny tells Forrest he’s a father it wasn’t because she didn’t want to, it’s that she couldn’t since he was running all over the US. It wasn’t until he got home and read her letter that he found her again so she could introduce them.

[@Me-wk3ix]

Now I'm kicking myself and wondering how I didn't pick up on that after watching this movie so many times. Excellent point.

[@LordVolkov]

I always cry at Lt Dan's magic legs 😭😭😭 He came such a long ways to get there, and Forrest helped him heal his heart. Also, I love that he has an Asian wife. He really put the war in the past.

[@damnimcooltom1]

I made the same comment on the wife back when the movie first came out. Most people thought I was reading too much into it, but I know I wasn't. It's nice to see other people that catch it.

[@LordVolkov]

@@damnimcooltom1 Knowing a LOT of veterans who became extremely racist against the countries where they fought, often as a mental preservation tactic or just from being a source of stress/trauma, it is HUGE that Lt Dan marries an Asian woman. Between her and the scene where Dan swims off, he shows so much growth and healing in extremely short moments.

[@neilplaysmusic2366]

As others have mentioned, most people don't get why Jenny is the way she is. I've been on the lookout for another Patreon membership. I guess I found it.

[@jenmurrayxo]

Thanks, I'd be glad to have you over there. I didn't realize there was so much misunderstanding about Jenny's character but I hope people can try to have empathy for abuse survivors ♡

[@darrellschoppa8467]

I have been binge-watching your channel since I discovered it a few weeks ago. I'm trying to wrap my head around someone who looks so young but is so schooled in US history and music of the past decades. So awesome! Yes, Jenny's character is full of heartbreaking trauma. I wish I could react to the insults of life and people in the same way as Forrest does. Your reactions are wonderfully delightful!!

[@jenmurrayxo]

I'm glad you're enjoying my videos! :)

[@MarcoMM1]

Great reaction Jen like always, this movie its one of my favourites its such a masterpiece of cinema. Every character moment or performance in this movie is incredible perfection. The story is simple but interesting, funny and heartbreaking at the same time. The movie was based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The author actually went to write the first draft of the flick before it went into production. Forrest was supposed to be a heavier man who sat at 242 pounds and stood at 6-foot-6. In the book, he became a wrestler, went to space and even hung out with an orangutan. And some fun-facts about this movies, Tom Hanks’ brother did some of that running in the movie Jim Hanks, himself an actor and filmmaker, doubled for his older brother on set, including in numerous sequences featuring Forrest’s high-knee, arm-pumping run. Tom hanks daugther was in this movie in a cameo if you keep an eye out for a surly redheaded girl in the bus scene, when young Forrest can’t find a place to sit (until Jenny invites him to sit next to her). That’s Hanks’ daughter, Elizabeth. While actor Peter Dobson played a not-yet-famous Elvis Presley as a lodger in the Gump household in a brief scene with young Forrest, the voice belongs to none other than actor Kurt Russell. Why? Russell, who was uncredited in the film, had played Presley already in a 1979 biopic directed by John Carpenter titled, appropriately enough, Elvis. And if you are wondering what Gump says in those few moments of radio silence? Well, according to Tom Hanks, the full speech reads: “Sometimes when people go to Vietnam, they go home to their mommas without any legs. Sometimes they don't go home at all. That's a bad thing. Keep up the good work.

[@jackmessick2869]

That was pretty cool. Thanks for sharing that information.

[@justsmashing4628]

Jen, please watch the Band of Brothers miniseries…amazing (Tom Hanks & Steven Spielberg produced:))

[@JimmieRayGiboney]

18:10 Mark! Hmm. "Ping Pong" is to Table Tennis as "Kodak" is to Photography, by the way. 😊

[@williamsummerson1204]

Really looking forward to your reaction jen, one of my favorite movies of all time. Tom Hanks is phenomenal.

[@НикитаТрусов-ю4с]

Miss Murray, please watch the movie "Leon: The Professional" (1994). Get a lot of fun.. and awkwardness.))

[@Dylan_Platt]

Very glad you were able to parse Jenny's motives and actions. SO many reactors hate Jenny, and don't seem to realize why she does anything she does. You immediately clocked that she was never able to deal with the trauma she lived through as a child, and then as so tragically often is the case, spent the rest of her life pushing away true love -- Forrest -- while putting herself through one harmful situation after another. Great reaction.

[@jenmurrayxo]

I had no idea Jenny's character was so misunderstood. I hope people can try to have empathy for abuse survivors ♡

[@Beardo2517]

While yes she was abused that doesn't mean she can treat Forrest like garbage.

[@NZBigfoot]

@@Beardo2517 When did she ever treat Forrest like garbage?.. sure she was cold in some areas, and subjects but she never treated him badly, and everyone has their own demons. As for abused people, often those who get hurt, go on to hurt others... as they say. Personally I really do find it weird how alot of people seem to be unable to recognize the nuances around Jennys life. I saw this film as an 18 year old, and I was from a family who had never had any interaction or experience with things or people like her and what she had gone through, and immediately recognized the internal mental problems with Jenny and had nothing but empathy and sympathy for her. Often makes me wonder about the state of people now days honestly... although really, its more a case that the larger share of people who tend to be reactors, tend to be of a type who dont seem to get Jennys perspective. But it is nice to see a number who do, and they arent as small in numbers as it seems.

[@Dylan_Platt]

@@Beardo2517 Jenny never treats Forrest like garbage. She knows exactly one strategy to get through life -- run away. It's what she tells Forrest to do, and it's what she does herself every single time his love gets too evident. She hates herself because of the trauma she was put through, so she can't allow herself to be given pure love with no malicious intent behind it because she doesn't feel like she deserves it, and even feels as though her "impurity" will somehow ruin Forrest. She thinks she's protecting him by keeping herself away. It's only once she's forced to gain some perspective on her own life through motherhood that she finally can see her own situation, and Forrest's love, for what they truly are.

[@Beardo2517]

@@Dylan_Platt ya and that's treating him like trash.

[@GodlessScummer]

Yes the actress who plays Jenny is Robin Wright from The Princess Bride and also House of Cards.

[@davidmackie8617]

Fantastic, just finished watching Jens Terminator 2 reaction, then this pops up, got time to stick a pizza in, sorted.🍕

[@ronbotello8513]

56k men were killed in Vietnam 250k or so wounded. Great reaction, Jen!

[@shanemercer4866]

Gotta Watch Philadephia, with Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington and Antonio Banderas

[@bryanrhenderson6510]

This movie changed Gary Sinise’s life forever. Since this movie he has been one of the biggest, if not the biggest, supporters of veterans. Look him up and you’ll see how much he loves veterans.

[@deeanna8448]

I'm so glad you understand Jenny and have compassion for her. She truly didn't think she deserved Forrest.

[@jrobwoo688]

For me, I personally believe this to be a perfect movie. Thanks for watching this one.

[@margiewilliams537]

I love how you got Jenny from the beginning, it wasn't that she didn't love him, she didn't feel worthy of him the way she was .When she left the last time and she said that she wasn't running, she had made up her mind to finally get the help she needed and Forrest had gone off running, he was gone for over 3 years, so thats why he didn't know about the baby, people forget that it was in the 70's and there wasn't a thing called cell phones

[@susanliltz3875]

Thank you, you’re the first one to realize John Lennon was coming up with the song Imagine!!

[@MZ-bl6wg]

I’m a single dad of 3 amazing angel daughters ,my babies that are my entire life , the brightest stars in my sky and seeing this movie, Jenny’s story destroys my heart every time. My baby 💜 is a bit under Jenny’s age in the first scenes so it just breaks me to know there are children that live that life becasue I know it follows them the rest of their lives,..part of why I try to give them the happiest childhood possible. People seem to get down on Jenny’s character in this but if they only knew what that childhood does to somebody , the trauma and damage that is lifelong , they wouldn’t feel that way. Having lost my mom to cancer recently this movie is almost ip much to handle but a reminder to be grateful for the Love I have and have had in my life , angels come and go but stay in our hearts forever. Such a beautiful but also tragic movie 💜

[@neil2444]

33:49 Many people's first impression is that she's running off, but when you look at it from the perspective that she doesn't want to hurt Forrest, she's doing it to protect him instead. My guess is she didn't have a very high self-esteem of herself in that period.

[@robertsmith4681]

Yes, it's fairly typical trauma induced behavior.

[@kevinty7]

So beautiful 🫶🏽cried all the way with Jen, seen it so many times too❤️Tom Hanks is a chameleon 🤯

[@charlize1253]

The movie works on so many different levels, as a heartwarming story about destiny and the meaning of life, and also a savage satire of American history. The novel's author, Winston Groom, is a Ph.D history professor who has said that human history is so irrational that someone like Forrest Gump might as well have been behind it.

[@charlesmartinjr3971]

I actually read the book! It was very, very good, but also very different.

[@arjaylee]

I appreciate how you treat Jenny with empathy.

[@bethanyromano2740]

To think that the restaurant and food supplier Bubba Gump Shrimp came to life from this movie. I actually visited Bubba Gump restaurant in Universal Orlando, and what an experience it was. They play Forrest Gump constantly, and they even have trivia questions during your meal. Loved your reaction by the way! I liked how you showed empathy towards Jenny and how her childhood affected her throughout the movie. Not a lot of people pick up on that.

[@spinefairy]

Love this movie. The birds flying up from Jenny's grave hits me every time.

[@balanchuk]

I'm not sure who's sweeter ... Forrest Gump or you 😊 Another great reaction !

[@JedHead77]

Fun Fact: Tom Hanks based Forrest’s way of talking on the actor who played young Forrest.

[@aarongoldstein7614]

I was not expecting a Terry Fox reference. I remember the Marathon of Hope very well. Sadly, it came to an abrupt end just before he reached my hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario. There is a Terry Fox Lookout just outside the city.

[@sisterdebmac]

You're very impressive in your American history knowledge, which always makes the movie resonate more, I think. You knew what you were seeing. That made it really fun to watch your reaction. This movie is endlessly rewatchable and I love seeing people discover it.

[@treetopjones737]

For some young people, we have to explain about Nixon's "ping pong policy" thing.

[@sisterdebmac]

@@treetopjones737 Oh, it's much worse than that. Many young people don't even recognize any of the presidents at all. What struck me about Jen is that when they mentioned the assassination attempt on Gerald Ford, she knew that it was Squeaky Fromme. Now, that's impressive. I honestly think Canadians know more about American history than Americans do.

[@ChakasCave]

"Sometimes when people go to Vietnam, they go home to their mommas without any legs. Sometimes they don't go home at all. That's a bad thing. That's all I have to say about that." -Forrest Gump

[@TheCdavy]

A cinematic masterpiece for sure..great reaction as always Jen!!✌🏻😃

[@jerrykessler2478]

When Robert Zemekis asked to use these classic American songs in the movie he was told it would be too expensive so he used the music he wanted for the studio cut of the movie. After that no one could imagine the movie without that music so they spent the money...

[@crispy_338]

I love how enthusiastic and positive you are in your reactions. It’s so great to see people invested in the things they watch. Love your reactions, Jen 😊