I saw this as a kid...I was 12. We watched it during our library class as a group. Most kids were using the time to draw, flirt, act silly. I fully intended to participate in one of those activities myself. But I found myself sitting closer and closer to the television each day so I could hear and see better.

I didn't expect to be so sad when his mother got sick and passed. I didn't expect to feel angry along with Captain Jack as he yelled at God. I didn't expect to almost shed a tear when Jenny died. I guess it was that he lost so much, even though he gained multiple life-times worth of experience. Losing his mom...the person who he found strength in. Then losing Jenny at the end...the person he fought so hard to have; the person he spent his whole life loving.

And...even the end where his son got on the school bus. That got me because I could imagine Forrest thinking of his mother watching him off to school the same way.

It was just a sad movie for me, I guess.