Forrest Gump Explained: What the Feather Means

Sign up for Skillshare: skl.sh/thetake50 | What's the deal with the feather in Forrest Gump? What does it actually mean? Here's our take on how the Robert Zemeckis/Tom Hanks classic -- celebrating its 25th anniversary -- is still teaching us a lesson about our destiny, about the random and the divine -- through that little white, floating feather. If you like this video, subscribe to our channel or support us on Patreon: / thetake
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[@marc-antoinemarcoux697]

This is probably the best movie of that generation ... It never gets boring ...

[@agftun8088]

let me fall in love with a girl , watch her reject me for better dudes , watch her whore arround everywhere for years , get old and end up alone and a single mom , then she comes back to me cause i got rich and i take her and her child happily , this is the story about the whore and the fool

[@batgurrl]

AGF Tun I like that. I despise this movie for many reasons

[@jhoang861]

AGF Tun Her mom wasn’t present in her life, she had an abusive alcoholic father who raped and molested her at a very young age and she lived in poverty. She was a lost soul who didn’t think she deserved a good man like Forrest so she settled for the worst of men because that’s all she knew growing up. She knew deep down how f@cked up she was that she didn’t want to drag innocent Forrest down into her dark world. Again she was a lost soul! She wasn’t ready to settle and come back yet. She had to take her own journey to find peace within herself before heading home again. As for her son, Forrest was the father and she wanted to provide her son a stable life with a good human who she knew would provide and care for him after her death. So with that, She did a selfless act for the two people she loved! Btw learn to put yourself in a person’s shoes before judgement. Maybe you will learn to understand and open your heart to a person’s plight. ✌️ our!

[@teamthoth]

@@agftun8088 It's more complicated than that! Stop pooping on an American classic.

[@C.kirk1287]

Marcoux mtlqc 🙌🏽

[@olivialeann7963]

My parents met during a blind date watching Forrest Gump in the cinema. Such a wonderful movie and without it my parents maybe wouldn't have fallen for each other. They told me that the conversation about the movie made them interested in a second date. It's a shame I haven't watched it more often. I will make up for it ^^

[@gayatrimestry4509]

That is so sweeet, and yeah you should totally watch it dude

[@batgurrl]

Liv Watney how great for you but I saw this movie as an adult and I hated it

[@JustTheTruth-Please]

I was fortunate enough to take my buddy who has a great sense of humor with me to see this movie. I've never laughed so much in my whole life. We just kept setting each other off until the tears were rolling down our faces. Find your funniest friend and watch this.

[@aditya4974]

That's sweet. In Forrest's words: "They were destined to be together"

[@Pikminiman]

Forrest Gump is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the greatest films ever put to screen.

[@brianrehagen2103]

Completely agree, some people hate it because of how it portrays America which is annoying

[@David-eu3dc]

I convinced my german teacher to watch this Movie during Schooltime because i love this movie so much.

[@DiganticGick]

@@David-eu3dc Yes, you did good.

[@perryingram23]

Agreed 💯

[@andygalligan4184]

The bus is same as the box of chocolates, all the seats being taken (chance/fate) leads him to his lover and later in life his best friend, the bus stop is also the movie's framing device

[@nishant392]

Damn this was something noone didnt thought of I bet!

[@sanket677]

Damn

[@CherokeeRoses]

Few films touched my heart the way Forrest Gump did. It's well written, well directed and Tom Hanks has done a brilliant job portraying a person so unapologetically authentic and good. It's such a unique film and I can't wait for part 2 of this video.

[@chazthurgood121]

Apparently Tom Hanks based the his portrayal of Forrest on the way the kid who played Forrest as child portrayed him. So I guess they filmed his youth scenes first. This is what I heard on WeeklyPlanet Podcast. I just thought that was interesting.

[@CherokeeRoses]

@@chazthurgood121 That's amazing, thanks for sharing that information, I love it.

[@amandagardner565]

the Movie Being There (1979) is the only other movie with a similar formula. a simple minded innocent man who effects everyone he meets (after leaving the environment he was raised in).

[@boygood3141]

@@amandagardner565 personal info felony boi

[@Crimson28]

The scene with Forrest and his mother on her death bed still gets me. “I didn’t know it, but I was destined to be your mama. I did the best I could.” That line always makes me teary eyed and hug my mom harder 😢😭

[@thedevilskind]

The feather can also be a representation of Jenny. In the beginning, the feather lands on his shoe when he is on his way to see her again. As a child, she prays to be a bird [birds have feathers, of course] and she is taken away from her abusive father and moves to a trailer close to Forrest's house. Also, Jenny's lifestyle has been drug related [getting as high as a bird] to even wanting to jump off a building [with Skynard's Free Bird playing in the background]. After she dies, birds fly off from her plot. At the end, "Jenny's feather" floats away as Forrest sees his son getting onto the school bus. I am working on a theory myself.

[@shayb8203]

Love it!

[@uncommon8896]

Wow..very good points.

[@mrteaparty6090]

Love it! Anyways what something you liked about the film.

[@HWeingard]

Fantastic observations

[@ge3466]

I lived in Savannah when this movie was made there. You can actually see my old apartment in the opening scene of this feather floating thru the Savannah skyline. Every time I see it it takes me back. Thank you.

[@fastsales1328]

Awesome

[@tddrogers98]

You know a movie has emotional kick when you start crying over an analysis video 😂😭

[@BonnieFontana]

I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE :( I love this movie so much

[@C.kirk1287]

tddrogers98 😂 I was tearing up too tho 🙌🏽🙌🏽😂😂

[@orlandolopez5661]

Mee!!!

[@mariuscrisan9161]

the take is the shit

[@CarlosFlores-xb3gx]

@@mariuscrisan9161 the take is the ABSOLUTE SHIT! :)

[@ApplePi3.1415]

Bubba and forests friendship is the most beautiful thing ever. I cry every time ;-; I hope one day I’ll have a friendship like them

[@loneranterism]

Accept life as an opportunity.... That's the bottomline

[@stupidtreefrog3665]

I'd say the bottom line is to act out of love and compassion

[@radish1395]

And remember that, sometimes, shit happens.

[@goldengirl5165]

All 3 of you are right

[@omidfilms]

Radish great bumper sticker

[@mcflytangent9909]

One of the reasons this movie is so popular, along with The Shawshank Redemption, is because of the message of hope and perseverance. Audiences crave this.

[@trinaq]

"Forrest Gump" is still one of my favourite Tom Hanks characters of all time, and I never caught on to the symbolism of the feather representing destiny and chance. While it's debatable whether or not it should have won the best Picture Oscar over "The Shawshank Redemption", it's undeniable that it's an absolute classic. 😍

[@user-jp4cj3ds7p]

Watch Shawshank redemption again

[@themadlibrarian2933]

"Shawshank" was robbed.

[@illinoisboy4]

Well said, but I believe Forrest Gump is a better film than Shawshank, which is, too, a good film. Forrest Gump is surprisingly more profound than Shawshank.

[@jhoang861]

Pierre Stephens are you kidding me?! An innocent man who was accused of his cheating wife’s murder, locked up for 19 years, beaten and raped in jail yet somehow still held on to hope wasn’t as profound as Forrest? Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Forrest Gump! Even though Forrest has a minor mental disability, Andy’s disabilities was far worst. His freedom was stripped, caged and muted. Yet somehow in those horrendous caged fortress, he always deep down believed in hope for a better tomorrow. He believed men can be good. Education is key and he believed patience is virtue.

[@everythingisawesome2903]

Let me end the debate right now: It GENUINELY DESERVED best picture Oscar over Shaw shank.

[@tiotito31]

I love this movie so much. Another symbol in the film are the shoes. Running shoes, magic shoes for his polio. A fresh pair of shoes can you make you feel like a new person. It represents a new beginning.

[@jesserivera9704]

dont forget the socks in 'nam! and the magic legs

[@BBB-mb8uw]

I still can't get over Bubba's death

[@chonkboi6460]

Yea bubba was a real one

[@sophiejones7727]

"The only thing we have to decide, is what to do with the time that is given to us".-J.R.R Tolkien "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity". -Seneca.

[@sugarman4354]

I always took the feather to be his Mom looking after him & once he was settled with his son. She could finally rest, as she did her job. Funny how people take different things from moments like these.

[@kazza6078]

Man, I love The Take. A channel dedicated to the kind of media analysis i cant help but do on my free time PLUS lady-started/lady-owned business too? Man, I love the take!!

[@urdfu]

I always thought the feather was meant as a reference to his love for Jenny and her wanting to become a bird. Forest forged his own destiny with pure focus and determination.

[@BelleFlower15]

I'm so excited to be part of the notification squad! I love Forrest Gump.

[@trinaq]

Ditto, it's one of my favourite Tom Hanks films, after "Big", "The Green Mile" and the "Toy Story" franchise!💗

[@marlenasien8793]

Sounds like the Audrey Hepburn approach. Accept life, unconditionally. Love, love always. Follow your heart, not your ego, and the world opens up to you.

[@jimb8695]

Sometimes following your heart puts you in deep-shit though.

[@kdbates]

I think your commentary and explanation of this movie will be life-changing for me, Thank you so much. It is a lot to think about.

[@angelaphsiao]

This movie was kind of ruined for me by being the movie every teacher played when they didn’t have a lesson plan scheduled back in elementary school. After the 5th or so time being forced to watch in silence, it kind of grows old. Even so I can appreciate how well made of a movie Forrest Gump is.

[@batgurrl]

Angela Hsiao you are young I’m that case I was an adult when it came out and I hate it

[@theylied1776]

The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind. Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless like water..... be water, my friend.

[@BigHeadCross]

Dylan and Lee, uh. Great people

[@aaajjjmmm1863]

Bruce fvckin Lee

[@rasarmusic1]

Wow, this is the best breakdown of my all-time favorite movie. I saw it in the theaters the weekend it was released, right after watching “The Little Rascals”. After all these years, my Mom and I just now had a talk about the symbolism of the feather, 2 days before this video came out! Has anyone else read the book?

[@backlandlands5793]

Oh the book is awful. Nothing like the Gump in the movie. It makes you wonder how they saw the potential of a film from that book.

[@janewiery9545]

One of the few examples of the book not being better than the movie.

[@everythingisawesome2903]

Agreed. Yes. Movie is better than the book.

[@sha11235]

Did you mean the 1994 film version of The Little Rascals, which came out in August, or the shorts?

[@surreygeorge11]

Have you found Jesus yet ? I didn't know I was supposed to be looking for him.

[@sha11235]

How could I? Guy's been dead for 2,000 years.

[@tender0828]

I just watched this for the first time with my girlfriend earlier this week!!! I've always had this on my list but never got around to watching and here comes this girl, first person I met that loves movies as much as I do (I know, I've got other classics and greats I haven't gotten around to but I'll get to them eventually). IDK it's just serendipitous and I love it.

[@mikeymorrison272]

Don't know if you seen them but I recommend Pulp Fiction The Godfather 1 and 2

[@jeanfish7]

Good luck with your relationship. 💘

[@BBL_Drizzy91]

How old are you? Serious question.

[@fastsales1328]

Watch once upon a time in america with her

[@miguelmaestas839]

I’m literally blown away by every video this channel does. This is probably my favorite channel on KZbin.

[@corbincox4470]

The most deserving best picture winner. You cannot change my mind.

[@theriffwriter2194]

This really is in my top 3 KZbin channels. I thought "what a boring topic". As I find my finger clicking on the video. Moments before I begin to enjoy it 👍

[@thebigmalkowski]

"Life is like a feather floating on the breath of God, and when it hits you it knocks you over." A saying I learned in college around the time Forrest Gump was released, from a source I can't remember, but when I saw the opening scene it immediately came to mind. Googling, still can't find the exact quote. Maybe the bhagavadgita. Anyhow, great analysis.

[@vianna1331]

I cried a river while watching this video, keep up the good work

[@johnnyantonny2858]

Well i have a totally different take on the meaning of the feather. For me the feather is Jenny, his mom fulfilled her destiny on raising up Forest, but for a person that is not so lucky when born, he has a guardian angel ( that was praying to become a bird) guiding him through his life so that all the series of events would lead to him being gifted with a son. And that's when the guardian angel can ascent to the heavens or so.

[@donnab0518]

The work this channel does is absolutely incredible. Thanks so much for this!!

[@RebeDrawsStuff]

You're going to think I'm silly but I've always thought that Forrest Gump has multiple layers of analysis. Every time I watch it there is something new to be found. After this, I'm going to check it out again, for the 100th time. Even my mom is so done with this movie because of how much I've checked it out.

[@VISPRES]

Beautiful video! 😢 the message runs deep for me. Thank you!

[@sheiserin]

SO pleased to get this notification. One of my favorite films that always reminds me of part of my childhood. Eye opening take, ladies!

[@gt-gu7rb]

Didn't realize Forrest Gump was that deep. Great analysis

as always, your video continues to bring us extraodinary details that only few can tell. Love your vids

[@annabellesigmond4918]

i always look forward to your videos, they're so wonderful. Thank you for taking the time

[@GIguy]

This is one of my all-time favourite movies, any movie that can reach deep down into my soul like this one can, is a rarity, and one which I deeply appreciate. Any movie can make you laugh, or cry, but seldom can you find a movie that does both, that leaves you feeling uplifted, and happy at the end, despite so much tragedy and struggle. In many ways reminds me of my life, my childhood, the struggles I’ve been through, and the knowledge that eventually, one way or another, things have a very strange way of working themselves out, even when you can’t see it. I haven’t watched it for a while, usually because I end up in tears, sometimes from sorrow, and sometimes from joy, but this is one movie that will live in my memory forever.

[@username10192]

:)

[@scifijunky1979]

I really loved this, it’s a very beautiful analysis.

[@candacesmith6179]

Well now I'm crying! I love you guys so much! Thanks for the thought and love you put into each video!

[@SuperNikoj]

I love your videos. I learn so much and hear ideas I never thought of before. Keep it up The Take Screen Prism

[@nancypatricia511]

In 1989 Prince made the movie Graffiti Bridge in which a woman named Aura is touched by a feather which represents her calling or destiny to ultimately give up her life. That film came out 4 years before Forrest Gump. Not saying that one got a cue from the other, for these films diverged greatly in their success. The same symbol was chosen and wondering if the feather is a common symbol of destiny or the visual manifestation of the transcendent.

[@kingdomofmochi]

I cried the whole video, this movie changed my life as a kid.

[@SoapinTrucker]

I could be wrong, but I believe Tom hanks was born to play the part of Forrest gump. seriously, no one else to my knowledge could have played this part as well delivered as Tom hanks did!

[@daniels.os.]

Amazing, you truly make an amazing job in every film essay. Congratulations!

[@illinoisboy4]

This is one of the most profound videos I have ever seen on KZbin. Ever. It deserves 50 million more views.

[@llocos3765]

Perfection can't have value if imperfection doesn't exist, just as the meaning of life is not in life itself but the divine. And that meaning is what bring the best out of all of us, accept what has been given and work towards tomorrow, work towards a better future. Clean your bed so later you can sleep soundly in it later, and that, perhaps, someone else can too down the line.

[@projectjt3149]

You know, I didn't think listening or being receptive was a gift until you guys brought it up. Very insightful!

[@LeoLCDT]

Life is a box of chocolate fowest you never know what you gonna get. Its chocolate momma, we get chocolate

[@HAL-vm3wn]

Life IS like a Box of chocolates. If you look at it from the back, you know for sure what's in. And it ends faster for fat people

[@NonanoN-er6de]

Yh i never understand that phrase . Unless it originated from a time that people closed their eyes when they are picking a piece of chocolate from a box

[@alondraperez-ramirez8363]

@@NonanoN-er6de it's because of the multi flavored boxes that became popular in the 1950s. Back then they all looked the same so you never knew if you were going to eat strawberry, fudge, coconut or orange based on appearance or the order the box put them in.

[@alexanderball2048]

This video was really well put together

[@samyakjain2482]

did anyone get that when jenny died and forest was just coming back from her grave after reciting those beautiful words for her honour,there was a prolly 15 sec frame where the show”THE BIRDS FLYING WAY UP TO SKY LIKE THEY WERE ACTUALLY COMING FROM HER GRAVE AND FLYING TOWARDS THE SKY JUST LIKE THE WAY JENNY PRAYED TO THE GOD TO MAKE HER ONE BIRD AND MAKE HER FLY”……………………?

[@dirtyicontarot]

Hey! Im really grateful for your channel! Its my fave

[@OffScreen]

Very excited for Part 2. Lots of potential in that idea.

[@peaceindarkness.darknessis3494]

This video made me smile. Thx!

[@kyndramb7050]

I'm so excited for the Forrest Gump video. Sounds amazing!

[@TenzinDorjee]

So nice of you to make a video of forest gump, really thankful 🦐

[@thyironfist]

I loved this! Ready for the next one! Now I wanna watch Forrest Gump again.

[@pedrinho6]

This is the most emotional analysis that you have ever done. I couldn' t hold my tears when watching this video. Congratulations for this amazing essay. Complementing your essay, I believe that Forest Gump is a "Peaceful Warrior". I suggest you also do an essay about the movie Peaceful Warrior(2006). Both movies have much in common.

[@erictaylor5462]

2:50 No, he's not watching the feather. He doesn't even see the feather. He's watching for his son to come home. The feather which was once important enough for him to save has become something he doesn't even notice. It shows how his priorities have changed.

[@peradabanbaruindonesia1546]

This is my favorit movie ! Can't wait to see the next one ! Thank youuu !

[@soraya3422]

Oh yeeesss i waited this for so long

[@Lauren-ox6gn]

Right after I watched this video I found a white feather on my shirt. Coincidence or destiny? Maybe it's both

[@benjaminkuti2009]

Ydsssssssss!!! I've been waiting for this :) ❤️

[@SlapShotRegatta22]

"God gives every bird their food, He just doesn't throw it in the nest"

[@DarkTemplarKain]

Think forrest gump's destiny was simply to live, that all he did, was live simply and happily, and all the great things he accomplished simply followed because it was his destiny to do those things, and his mental disorder was not a curse, it was a blessing, that carried him through his own valley in the shadow of death.

[@shogunrua1040]

it's just one of the greatest movie ever made. The surface story is entertaining and touching with a deep symbolic meaning behind. It had everything. I have watched this movie at least 10 times and it remains in my top 3 of all time.

[@Slash-is3yu]

You did amazing again. Thank you.

[@adventuresofjames5877]

Wow...amazing analysis. Tx for sharing

[@bhargavlohit4872]

I just watched the movie last night And today The Take released this video..miracle happens all the time 🙂

[@giosilva01]

great vid, y’all should do Whiplash next :)

[@cynicalcenobia]

Second that!

[@aumtrivedi5214]

Finally Forrest gump.. I waited so long for this!!

[@gabbymarek4830]

this video rlly spoke to me. thank u

[@laurenganter5246]

2:35 I’ve never seen any behind the scenes footage from the movie and seeing Tom Hanks dressed as Forrest without the accent or drawl is WEIRD

[@jesserivera9704]

there's a whole featurette called "through the eyes of forrest gump". i've come across it on VHS a few times at the thrift store, it might even be on here.

[@sierralobo7163]

I honestly forgot how lovingly this movie moved my soul until I watched this video

[@tpsam]

5:10 just look it How aesthetically beautiful is this movie And when he tells Jenny about the time he ran across America there are some beautiful images just like this one 5:52 oh here they're wow

[@aldodelara9867]

When jenny says that she wishes that she had been there and forest was like “you where” 🥲🥲🥲🥲

[@Dessienewshoes]

A truly great movie. I don't usually don't get emotional watching movies but this one got me.

[@ginniem9779]

Please make analysis clips on The Life of Pi, Black Swan and Spirited Away too :)

[@brittanyosborn6015]

Delightful video, thank you. 😀

[@Brenda-uf8pk]

This is the most emotional video of yours for me :,)

[@lastpme]

Another great review

[@kingpetra6886]

Tom Hanks is played brilliantly by Forrest Gump.

[@TheConspiredOne]

Woody Forrest coming soon.

[@brianpetersen3429]

Excellent video.

[@ResanChea]

Gonna have to watch this again pretty soon

[@jinaprasadjain]

I'm an Indian I had trouble understanding this movie even though I knew that there's lot of gem hidden within. Now I feel like the movie is best of all the movies I've watched so far 💕

[@saibabaentertainments6157]

The Greatest Movie of all time....I am watching this again in 2019

[@tinytt854]

2021 January 3rd. My at Least 5th time watching.

[@SG-pc4sv]

9th June, 2021. Watching it For the second time.

[@robchuk4136]

This was beautiful. One thing- Lt. Dan didn't want to be a war hero, he wanted to die on the battlefield as his lineage had done for generations

[@boss_bridge6778]

Very good video good job!

[@veggiesaremurder]

I didn't expect to be so inspired by this video, but...damn. I really need to completely get rid of all my preconceived expectations and just get out there, say 'yes' to all opportunities, and great things will come! I genuinely feel so ready to change my entire perspective. This is exciting!!!

[@zithanko8507]

You know, I love this movie so much that I can't stop crying and appreciate each scene !! I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MY OWN UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THIS!! ♥️ (it says something to me (forrest gump movie) about our life today that i wanted to make my own interpretation about this!!)

[@mtarrence16]

Please do a video on The curious case of Benjamin Button

[@mirjanbouma]

*Button

[@mtarrence16]

@@mirjanbouma lol! Thanks 🤣🤣

[@mirjanbouma]

@@mtarrence16 np! 😎

[@sandrasanders706]

My fav Brad Pitt movie..

[@gaurishankar3475]

I myself got emotional in the end😢

[@sayavrakadabra]

Thank you!

[@bornjusticerule5764]

i love this channel

[@girlinterrupted9792]

This just made me so happy😊

[@sarahzahir5582]

How Forrest persuaded everyone's dream reminds me of the quote from Parasite "You know what is the best plan? No plan at all." Cause we can't actually know what is going to happen in life We just have to grasp the opportunities given to us.