In essence, Forrest Gump becomes a love story par excellence because of a good natured soul, personified by Tom Hanks. His affection for Jenny (Robin Wright) carries him through war, loneliness and numerous adventures, including one on the high seas. The result feels masterfully pure in tone, intention and wisdom.

Director Robert Zemeckis and screenwriter Eric Roth have taken the voice present in Winston Groom's novel and created their own narrative based around the central idea. Many things are absent from the film which seem comical in the book, such as Gump's experiences as a chess master, astronaut and wrestler. As a motion picture, Forrest Gump seems less like a life history or rites of passage tale and more about overcoming prejudice - - even those imposed by normal society.

There is a check list of wonderful things which happen to this character. Yet to describe them all would do a disservice for viewers only recently acquainted with the story. Overall, there's hardly a dull moment to be found as well as quite a few transcendent themes.

To be honest, it has taken me a long time to fully appreciate the contribution of composer Alan Silvestri. His score appears sporadically, intermingled with numerous songs from the 60s and 70s. He sets the tone early and doesn't veer away from it, achieving a level of consistency few can argue with.

Hanks definitely ranks high on my list of favourite screen actors. However, he seems more at ease here than in his previous Oscar winning role in Philadelphia. Maybe that's because the journey feels much more universal and less painful in Forrest Gump.

Sally Field provides a wealth of nurturing support as Gump's mother. She even has her own journey to undertake. Her final scene represents the craft of acting in a sublime light.

Other ensemble players, especially Gary Sinise and Mykelti Williamson leave lasting fingerprints on the memory of the film.

Forrest Gump has the power to relieve the pressures of a tough day by allowing the audience to enjoy the movie-going experience as something magical and extraordinary.

(Released by Paramount Pictures and rated "PG-13" by MPAA.)