Forrest Gump is one of the most iconic and beloved characters in cinema history. The 1994 film starring Tom Hanks tells the incredible story of Forrest’s life journey through monumental events in American history during the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s. One of the most memorable scenes is when Forrest suddenly decides to start running across the country for over 3 years straight. At the end of his long run, Forrest arrives at the ocean and makes a profound statement to all the followers who were inspired by his journey. But what exactly did Forrest Gump say when he reached the end? Let’s take a deep look at this powerful movie moment.
Forrest’s Cross-Country Run
Forrest’s decision to start running aimlessly across America happens suddenly one day. After receiving a letter from his childhood sweetheart Jenny who is away at college, Forrest tells her in his response letter that he decided to go for a run. What starts off as a leisurely jog turns into a 3 year coast-to-coast journey as Forrest sets off each morning to run without any clear destination. He starts in Alabama and makes his way through states like Mississippi, Arkansas, Arizona and New Mexico.
Forrest attracts media attention as he continues running for months and years straight, becoming known nationally as the mysterious man who just felt like running. People across the country are captivated and inspired by Forrest’s determination to keep moving forward without stopping. Many begin to follow behind him on foot as he makes his way toward the western states. Forrest becomes blissfully unaware of his fame and remains focused on running – he grows out his beard and lets his hair become long and unruly. But his followers only increase as his marathon gains attention.
Key Stats on Forrest’s Run
| Started | October 1, 1978 in Greenbow, Alabama |
| Ended | September 22, 1981 in Monterey, California |
| Total Distance | Around 15,000 miles |
| Duration | 3 years, 11 months |
| States Traversed | Around 15 states from southeast to southwest USA |
Forrest never intends to inspire others or gain fame through his run – he merely sets off on the journey as a personal whim and keeps going without stopping. But as he nears the end of his trek after running 15,000 miles over nearly 4 years straight, he has unintentionally gathered a large group of supporters. They all await the moment when Forrest finally reaches the coastal town of Monterey, California to complete the trek.
Reaching the Pacific Ocean
In one of the final scenes of the film, Forrest is shown running along a coastal road as his followers trail behind him. He rounds a corner and the blue vastness of the Pacific Ocean finally comes into view ahead. Forrest doesn’t stop though – he just continues jogging along the road towards the ocean.
The crowd cheers as Forrest maintains his pace with the same unaffected demeanor he’s held the whole time. He remains focused on each step while others celebrate around him. Once he arrives at the end of the road where the beach meets the ocean, Forrest slows to a stop without saying a word. The followers gathering around him also fall silent as the waves crash along the shore.
After standing still for a few moments, Forrest heads down to the water’s edge alone. The crowd stays back and allows him space to have his private moment of reflection at journey’s end.
Forrest’s Profound Final Words
Forrest stands at the water’s edge looking pensively out at the immense Pacific. In this iconic scene, he utters just a single sentence to mark the end of his monumental achievement. For all his childlike simplicity throughout life, Forrest’s statement reflects the depth of wisdom he has gained from years of nonstop running:
“I’m pretty tired… I think I’ll go home now.”
Such a simple quote, yet it resonates deeply as the perfect summation of Forrest’s perspective. While others were busy glorifying his years-long feat, the only feeling Forrest can express is that he is tired. Running across the country was never meant to be a spectacle for him – it was simply something he felt drawn to do. Now that he has reached his destination, Forrest is ready to return home and rest.
His words reflect incredible humility, awareness, and groundedness. Forrest does not seem to care about the excessive fanfare and media attention around him – he is just ready to go back to his normal life. The experience has humbled and emptied him of ego, leaving him focused only on his basic need for home and rest.
Forrest remains in awe of the vast ocean before him as well. He does not glorify or dramatize the end of his journey. After quietly taking in the arrival at the Pacific as a personal achievement, Forrest is simply prepared to close this chapter. His final statement reveals an enlightened sadness and exhaustion from years of relentlessly putting one foot in front of the other.
Key Takeaways from Forrest’s Final Words
| – Show deep humility and lack of ego |
| – Reveal exhaustion and need for rest |
| – Focus only on returning home |
| – Mark end of journey and closing a chapter |
| – Express enlightened wisdom gained from experience |
This simple yet profound final statement from Forrest gained iconic status for perfectly encapsulating the completion of his cross-country run. While the crowd wanted a climactic reaction, Forrest remains in awe at the basics of needing rest and home. It reflects the hard-earned wisdom he carries by the end in contrast to his childlike beginnings.
Impact on Supporters
Even though Forrest does not say much upon finishing his long run, his few words resonate deeply with the followers who came to witness his accomplishment. His humble, grounded statement reminds them of what truly matters at the core of such a grand achievement – appreciating the journey, gaining wisdom from the experience, closing the chapter gracefully.
Forrest’s final words teach the crowd that even after running 15,000 miles, a person just wants basic human needs like rest and home. Any ego or glory falls away at the end. This simple but profound message stays with all who gathered to follow Forrest. His brief statement at the ocean becomes immortalized as the perfect mindset one should have upon completing an epic and transformative journey.
Though Forrest himself remains largely unaware of his impact on others, his attitude at the finish line influences many to keep chasing their dreams with humility and grace. As Forrest simply heads home after taking it all in, the crowd gains a renewed sense of inspiration from his words to continue reaching their own finish lines.
Conclusion
When Forrest Gump arrived at the Pacific Ocean after running across America for nearly 4 years straight, his simple final statement left a profound impact. All he said to mark the end of his incredible achievement was: “I’m pretty tired… I think I’ll go home now.” This humble, poetic, and enlightened quote perfectly encapsulated the completion of his journey.
Forrest’s final words revealed his exhaustion, lack of ego, awe, and need for rest. They reminded all who witnessed his accomplishment that at the end we seek the basics of home and rejuvenation. By closing the chapter with grace and wisdom, Forrest left his followers with inspiration and deeper perspective. His iconic final statement etched a mindset of humility, simplicity and inner peace that we can all aim to carry when completing life’s biggest journeys.