An absolute film classic is shown on free TV on Thursday evening (January 1st). Tom Hanks made a ton of money in the lead role – for a strange reason.
“Forrest Gump” from 1994 is one of the most famous and popular films of all time. The main role is played by Tom Hanks. The film tells the moving story of a man who, despite his simple way of thinking, has extraordinary experiences and wins the hearts of the audience.
“Forrest Gump” airs on January 1st at 8:15 p.m. on Kabel Eins.
Fun-Facts zu “Forrest Gump” mit Tom Hanks
The running sequence in “Forrest Gump” is based on true events.
The well-known storyline surrounding the ongoing Forrest Gump is actually based on a true story. The 16-year-old teenager Louis Michael Figueroa decided to run across the USA in 1982 – to raise awareness for the “American Cancer Society”.
Tom Hanks doesn’t blink when playing table tennis
During his first game of table tennis in the infirmary, a soldier gives him some advice. He has to “keep an eye on the ball.” For Forrest it is clear that the key to success is staring at the ball. Actor Tom Hanks doesn’t blink. And by the way: There is no ball either. The table tennis ball was later re-animated using CGI.
The trick behind Tom Hanks’ windfall with “Forrest Gump”
Tom Hanks initially received no salary for his role as Forrest Gump. Instead, he decided to share the profits – a decision that paid off. The film grossed over $678 million worldwide. The actor ended up getting $40 million – significantly more than if he had paid his original salary.
That’s what “Forrest Gump” is all about
“Forrest Gump” (1994) tells the life story of Forrest Gump, a good-natured man from Alabama who grew up with a low IQ but has an exceptionally big heart and special endurance. Without consciously trying to do so, Forrest repeatedly finds himself involved in central moments in American history: he becomes a football star, Vietnam soldier, war hero, table tennis professional, entrepreneur and ultimately a national symbolic figure.
The focus is less on his success than on his unwavering honesty, loyalty and humanity. Particularly formative is his lifelong love for his childhood friend Jenny, whose difficult path in life stands in stark contrast to Forrest’s straightforward existence. The film connects personal fates with historical events and shows how chance, perseverance and compassion can shape a life.
